Jan 05, 2008
Singapore Lyric Opera

Founded in 1991, the Singapore Lyric Opera's mission is to promote and present western opera. Recognised as one of the major arts institutions providing quality works, the SLO is awarded Major Grant status by the National Arts Council. Since its inaugural performance of Mozart's The Magic Flute in 1991, the SLO has been active in presenting regular seasons of operas, concerts and musical events. In recent years, SLO's productions like Madama Butterfly (2005), Le Nozze di Figaro (2006), Il Barbiere di Siviglia (2007), Turandot (2008) and Offenbach's Les Contes d'Hoffmann (2009) and operas not frequently performed in the Asia Pacific region, have been critically acclaimed with numerous accolades and winning new audiences. SLO has been described by Robert Markow in Opera (November 2007) as 'being capable of producing opera at the very highest level' and for its 2007 production of Il Barbiere, 'one of the dozen or so most memorable experiences I have enjoyed in 40 years of attending opera'. One of our objectives, which is to expand the opera experience to a wider audience, is fulfilled through our outreach programmes.

Dec 04, 2007
Singapore Lyric Opera in The Park

In June 2008, the Company launched 'Opera in The Park' at the Singapore Botanic Gardens to great success, reaching out to an audience of over 6,000 with an offering of popular favourites from musicals and operas. Formed in May 2007, the SLO Children's Choir (SLOCC), complements the SLO's mission in education and outreach by providing children from 8 to 16 years an opportunity to be musically trained in both voice and staging skills. The SLO also provides vocal and musical opportunities to those who are keen to be a part of the expanding Singapore Lyric Opera family of performers. The SLO Youth Choir (SLOYC) formed in May 2008, gives older children and youths another platform to showcase their musical talents on stage. The Singapore Lyric Opera Chorus (SLOC), set up in 1990, remains the backbone of SLO's productions. Plans are in place to expand and upgrade the SLOC to be one of the best opera choruses in Singapore and the region. Some of its members will be given solo engagements and roles in the operas staged. Another mainstay of the SLO is the SLO Orchestra which provides an important platform for established as well as up-and-coming musicians including conductors, to perform on stage with a professional opera company.