The sound of beautiful classical music was filling the halls of the Esplanade on the evening of April 21, 2011. 

It was the second concert in the LANXESS SNYO CLASSIC series – the much awaited “A Musical Chemistry”. This year, we were privileged to have acclaimed violinist Lara St. John as a guest soloist playing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35 alongside the Singapore National Youth Orchestra (SNYO), under the baton of Maestro Alexander Polishchuk. The audience was also treated to Wagner’s Overture to “Die Meistersinger Von Nürnberg”, César Franck’s “Symphony in D minor” and the world premiere of “Fanfare for a Frazzled Earth” – a signature piece especially composed by local conductor and SNYO Music Director Darrell Ang for the LANXESS SNYO CLASSIC.  

Over 1,400 people turned up to see Lara and the SNYO in classical action. Many a happy fan went home with mementoes from the concert as well. Aside from Lara’s CDs “Vivaldi – The Four Seasons” and “Mozart – The Knights” (an album she collaborated on with her brother Scott), many even had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the star in person at the autograph session after the concert! 

In the lead-up to “A Musical Chemistry”, Canadian-born Lara held master classes at the Ministry of Education where she played to students of all ages, with the dazzling accompaniment of Lim Yan on the grand piano. She then took questions from budding young musicians asking her tips on how to perfect their technical playing and how to bring their own unique experiences into their pieces. Three flautists from SNYO also had the opportunity to learn from renowned flautist Andrea Griminelli in Reggio Emilia, Italy from March 12-19, 2011. Apart from the lessons, they had the chance to attend classical music performances, visit music conservatories and attend various workshops.

Kick-started in 2010, the LANXESS SNYO CLASSIC is a three-year mentorship and cultural exchange program that aims to nurture Singapore’s young budding classical musicians and bring classical music to the masses. Each year, a prominent artist will travel to Singapore to collaborate and perform with the SNYO. Three top SNYO students will be selected and given the opportunity to study abroad under the tutelage of a classical artiste annually too.

Watch out for more classical music coming your way on July 10, 2011 when LANXESS and the SNYO will collaborate once again to bring you an outdoor concert at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. What’s more, Andrea Griminelli himself will be in Singapore on April 10 next year to perform with the SNYO at the third LANXESS SNYO CLASSIC concert.