SINGAPORE (Feb 21): New exhibitions, fresh takes on classical music to powerful tipples, we round up the most exciting events you need to know about.
Rolex’s enduring presence in cinema lights up the Oscars
As the iconic brand enters a new decade, Rolex continues to extend its support to the world of film. Starting with the recently concluded 92nd Academy Awards – where Rolex created its own unique and evocative design for the Green Room at the Dolby Theatre – to the latest campaigns featuring Rolex Testimonees and legendary directors Kathryn Bigelow, James Cameron, Alejandro G. InÞaìrritu and Martin Scorsese, Rolex’s enduring presence in cinema continues to inspire the next generation. These directors have collectively won 57 Academy Awards between them, personifying excellence in their craft. Through their stories, they are committed to passing on their wisdom to young filmmakers through. Their stories experiences are captured in the Rolex film which was played during this year’s Oscars® ceremony, in which these great filmmakers reveal the impact that mentors have had on their work. In addition, every year since 2016, Rolex has created its own unique and evocative design for the Green Room at the Dolby Theatre, the illustrious room where presenters gather before going on stage to bestow Oscars on the winners, as well as special guests of the Academy Awards. This year, Green Room guests are again treated to a design theme that has deep resonance for Rolex − polar exploration. The history of Rolex and exploration is linked to some of the greatest expeditions of the past century, with Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches accompanying explorers and adventurers to the highest peaks, the most remote caverns, the poles, and the deepest oceans – the underwater world reflected in the 2019 Green Room theme.
ART
Painting with Light Mizuma Gallery
*Mizuma Gallery is open by appointment only until further notice
Feb 22 – March 29
Can you take a photograph without a camera? In his first solo presentation in Singapore, Indonesian artist Iswanto Soerjanto does just that. In this unique and unusual exhibition, he utilises the principles and the materials of photography but without the presence of a camera as a device to capture the image. In this process, Iswanto employs various types and forms of masking elements to control the light that falls onto the paper surface, which has been primed with light-sensitive chemical substances often used in the process of photo-printing. Here, Iswanto acts as the camera as well as the photo enlarger. By eliminating the camera as the image-recording device, Iswanto’s works bring about abstract visuals manifested from the reaction between the chemical substances and sunlight. The exhibition’s title, Painting with Light, references Iswanto’s technical process of artmaking – mainly in his ability to control the amount of sunlight falling onto the surface of his paper.
DRINK
Gin-tasting with Brass Lion Distillery and Kino Soh
Feb 29 only 3-4pm
The Tonic Bar at the JW Marriott Singapore South Beach presents an intimate gin presentation led by award-winning bartender Kino Soh, in collaboration with homegrown favourites the Brass Lion Distillery. For one evening only, start off with an introduction to gin: It’s history, flavours and many styles. Then, watch theory transform into alchemy as Soh shows you how to craft a Lavender Royale with Brass Lion’s newly launched Butterfly Pea Gin–infused with butterfly pea flowers and lavender. Seats are limited, so reserve early. Tickets are $29++ per person (inclusive of 1 glass of Lavender Royale cocktail and tasting of 3 gins)
MUSIC
A Journey in Time: Celebrating Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas
Esplanade Concourse
Feb 28 6.45pm & 7.45pm, free
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of Beethoven, his classic sonatas will be brought to life at the Esplanade this month. Experience the classics under the skillful hands of young up-and-coming pianist Gabriel Hoe, for whom this is a part of a lifelong dream. Hoe, who is currently rehearsing with the Singapore Dance Theatre, aims to experience life and cultures in as many different parts of the world as possible through music.
Classically Malay Too!
Esplanade Outdoor Theatre
Feb 28 6.45pm, 8pm & 9.15pm
Orkestra Sri Temasek presents a performance of classical music with a traditional Malay twist. The group will be giving fresh perspectives to popular classical works such as Verdi’s Brindisi from La Traviata, Brahms’ Hungarian Dance and many more. To celebrate Beethoven’s 250th birthday, they will also be including a few of Beethoven’s pieces such as Moonlight Sonata, Symphony No. 5 and many more.
