The first collaboration between titans Charlie Lim & Ng Pei-Sian, “Into Dreams” rounds off the UTOPIA Reimagined initiative, commissioned by the Foundation for the Arts and Social Enterprise.
What’s News Archives
Nod to Russia in inger-songwriter Charlie Lim’s reimagination of Singapore-inspired symphony
Press Release: Award winners in their respective pop and classical music fields, singer-songwriter Charlie Lim and Ng Pei-Sian, Principal Cellist of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, teamed up for the first time to release a single, “Into Dreams”, which released on 4 February 2022 on all major digital platforms.
Cultural VTL just as vital in reconnecting the world by The Straits Times
We hope to resume the highly successful Beethoven im Garten series, led by maestro Wong, in the near future. The series held at the Botanic Gardens is an initiative of the German Embassy in partnership with the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music and the Foundation for the Arts and Social Enterprise.
S’pore conductor Wong Kah Chun to usher in new year with Bamberg Symphony
On New Year’s Eve, Singaporean conductor Wong Kah Chun will take the stage with the Bamberg Symphony in Germany to lead it in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. This year’s concert is an initiative by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, in partnership with the Foundation for the Arts and Social Enterprise in Singapore and the Bamberg Symphony, with The Straits Times as media partner.
ShiGGa Shay Teams Up with Aisyah Aziz To Unveil ‘uTopia reimagined: chasing’ by Bandwagon
Singaporean rapper ShiGGa Shay teamed up Aisyah Aziz and Charlie Lim to release ‘uTopia reimagined: chasing’, marking the third installment of The Foundation’s UTOPIA Reimagined series.
Mixtape Mondays: New Music from FKA Twigs & Central Cee, ShiGGa Shay, and RRILEY by Esquire Magazine
Refashioning a uTopia is not an easy feat. But local rapper ShiGGA Shay made it his own by looking at a different perspective. Titled ‘uTopia reimagined: chasing’, this is the third release of the UTOPIA Reimagined Series, an initiative by the Foundation for The Arts and Social Enterprise, and reflects ShiGGa Shay’s response to the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s UTOPIA Symphony.
Video: ShiGGa Shay ft. Aisyah Aziz – uTopia reimagined: chasing, A Behind-The-Scenes Interview
“uTopia reimagined: chasing” is the third song of the UTOPIA Reimagined initiative, commissioned by the Foundation for the Arts and Social Enterprise. Produced by superjdoug, who sampled different parts of the Singapore-inspired UTOPIA Symphony, this song is the first time which three long-time friends ShiGGa Shay, Aisyah Aziz, and Charlie Lim have worked on together.
Rapper ShiGGa Shay Samples Singapore-inspired UTOPIA Symphony in Latest Single “uTopia reimagined: chasing”
Press Release: Singaporean rapper ShiGGa Shay will release “uTopia reimagined: chasing” on 19 November on all major digital platforms, which sees ShiGGa Shay rapping over the UTOPIA Symphony, Aisyah Aziz on vocals, and Charlie Lim in charge of vocal production.
Video: Utopia Reimagined: Euphoria – An Interview with Aisyah, RHAUN & Adir Kaisan
Singapore soul singer Aisyah Aziz’s new single titled Euphoria was released today, 29 October, on major digital platforms, the second in the UTOPIA Reimagined Series – an initiative by the Foundation for The Arts and Social Enterprise. Aisyah’s single is the second of four scheduled to be released progressively in the coming months, following Joanna Dong’s《The First Chapter》, which was released last month. Written by Aisyah, co-writer RHAUN & producer Adir Kaisan (Cosmic Owls), Euphoria is their take on Vladimir Martynov’s UTOPIA Symphony that was recorded by the London Philharmonic Orchestra on its own LPO label and released last November.
Singer Aisyah Aziz Writes about Love and Being in The Present, in Response to Singapore-Inspired Symphony UTOPIA
Press Release: Singaporean singer-songwriter Aisyah Aziz writes about love and “being in the present”, in a single, Euphoria, that will be released as the second song in the UTOPIA Reimagined initiative – commissioned by the Foundation for the Arts and Social Enterprise (“The Foundation”) – that sees four artists reimagine a symphony inspired by Singapore, written by a Russian composer and recorded by the London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO).
Inaugural Singapore Clay Festival Showcases More Than 130 Potters in November 2021
The Foundation is a proud partner of the Singapore Clay Festival ’21. The multi-event community celebration will bring together more than 130 potters from 57 studios in a family-friendly and diverse programme that includes 4 exhibitions, 10 workshops for adults and children, and 65 market tables for visitors to admire and purchase a wide range of creative clay works.
It’s Time To Demand More for Singapore’s Art and Culture by The Peak Magazine
The veteran diplomat and Sing Jazz founder Michael Tay believes the pandemic will negatively impact the arts, but he plans to reverse it. Tay’s musical knowledge expanded as his career grew. His lifelong career as a diplomat brought him into contact with the deep cultural traditions of Korea, Japan, and Russia. Living in these culturally rich countries, he learned that a child who grows up surrounded by music, literature, poetry and plays will develop a creative impulse that will last throughout their lives and contribute to society.
人生态度VS中国古典经典 by UWeekly
The Foundation for The Arts and Social Enterprise initiated a music project called UTOPIA Reimagined. Joanna Dong’s single “Chapter One” reinterpreted the UTOPIA Symphony by the Russian composer Martynov inspired by Singapore; and, the lyrics were taken from Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching, so the song is entitled “Chapter One”.
From Ionisers To Digital Concert Halls, Singapore Orchestras Adapt To The Covid-19 Normal by The Straits Times
Home-grown charity The Foundation For The Arts And Social Enterprise has also launched a 10-year Music Commissioning Series to support Singapore composers and build up a canon of local contemporary music – from Chinese orchestra and cross-cultural works to jazz and musicals.
Joanna Dong and Chok Kerong kick start “The Series” with ‘‘第一章’ (The First Chapter)’ by Bandwagon
Singaporean Jazz-vocalist Joanna Dong teamed up with composer Chok Kerong to release ‘第一章’ (The First Chapter) on the 24th of September, marking the first in the UTOPIA Reimagined series “The Series” – which will see four artists reimagining a symphony written by Russian composer Vladimir Martynov and recorded by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
Video: UTOPIA Reimagined: The First Chapter – An Interview with Joanna Dong and Chok Kerong
Singapore jazz singer Joanna Dong’s new single titled “Chapter One” will be released on 24 September on major digital platforms, the first in the UTOPIA Reimagined Series – an initiative by the Foundation for The Arts and Social Enterprise.
Jazz Vocalist Joanna Dong Releases Single Inspired by Symphony about Singapore
Press Release: Singaporean jazz singer Joanna Dong’s new single titled 《第一章》will be released on 24 September on major digital platforms, the first in the UTOPIA Reimagined Series (“the Series”) – an initiative by the Foundation for The Arts and Social Enterprise (“The Foundation”) that will see four artists reimagine a symphony inspired by Singapore, written by a Russian composer and recorded by the London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO).
Robb Report Singapore’s Thought Leaders of 2021
Michael Tay’s early interest in philosophy has profoundly shaped the way he thinks about issues and trends – simultaneously teaching him how to seek underlying motivations and causes in the area of problem-solving. This, together with his passion for the arts and its place in society, led to the genesis of Foundation for the Arts and Social Enterprise, which aims to pin Singapore’s art scene onto the world map.
The Foundation Launches “The Series”, A 10-year Project To Build A Canon for Singapore Music by Bandwagon
Singaporean arts charity, Foundation for The Arts and Social Enterprise, has launched a 10-year commissioning series that spans works across various genres of music. Entitled “The Series”, it kick-starts the first of ten inaugural commissions, beginning with Singaporean composer and Cultural Medallion recipient Kelly Tang.
Building A Canon of Singapore Music by The Business Times
THE Foundation For The Arts & Social Enterprise is carrying out an ambitious commissioning series for the creation, performance, recording and promotion of 10 full-length Singapore music pieces, which it hopes to export to the rest of the world.
The Foundation Launches Inaugural 10-year Music Commissioning Series To Support Singapore Composers and Contribute To Canon of Singapore Contemporary Music
Media Release: Local arts charity Foundation for The Arts and Social Enterprise has launched a 10-year commissioning series for works across various genres of music, with Cultural Medallion winner Dr Kelly Tang as the first composer in this inaugural series.
Part Two: Martynov’s Utopia and Jun Hong’s Utopia
Two weeks ago, renowned violinist Loh Jun Hong spoke with us on his experience as the soloist for the UTOPIA Symphony, his approach towards the arts and his idea of ‘utopia’. In Part Two, he talks about his own charity work, and looking for his own ‘utopia’ in Martynov’s terms. You also seem to...
Part One: On Playing with The London Philharmonic Orchestra; and on A Piece by A Living Composer
Last month, renowned violinist Loh Jun Hong spoke with us about his experience as the soloist for the UTOPIA Symphony, his approach towards the arts and his idea of ‘utopia’. In Part One, he discusses his experience playing the UTOPIA Symphony with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Hey Jun Hong,...
Conductor and Ex-Food Delivery Rider Chiya Amos on Spotlighting Singapore’s Culture Globally through The UTOPIA Symphony
Today, Chiya is back in Russia after seeing an improvement in his situation. Before he departed, he scored a role as Creative Advisor at local non-profit Foundation for The Arts and Social Enterprise. Chiya hopes to further the reach of a Singapore-inspired piece titled ‘UTOPIA Symphony’ on the international arena.
Singaporean Music Conductor Who Became A Delivery Rider Due To Covid-19 Gets Advisory Role in Arts Charity
Singaporean conductor Chiya Amos, who became a Foodpanda delivery rider last year when his conducting stints around Europe and Russia dried up, has been appointed as creative advisor for Foundation for the Arts and Social Enterprise, a local arts charity.
Interview: Conversation with Kenny Low’s about His Multimedia Work Entitled ‘Utopia’
The Foundation’s Yaim Chia has a conversation with Kenny Low, the artist who created a multimedia work entitled Utopia, where the centrepiece and source of inspiration is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple at the edge of Singapore’s Chinatown. Kenny’s work was selected to be the album cover for the...
Podcast: You Play A What? Interview with Loh Jun Hong
Listen to the You Play A What? podcast interview with Loh Jun Hong, co-founder of More than Music, about his recent involvement in the recording of the Utopia Symphony organized by The Foundation and what is his definition of utopia, his mentality and relationship towards music and performance, and more.
Video: Joanna Dong & ShiGGa Shay Talk about Aging, Maturing & Family
As part of the One Million Towards UTOPIA movement, The Foundation invited Joanna Dong & ShiGGa Shay – two of the brightest artistes from Singapore – to talk us through their experience as artists in Singapore, and the type of comments and advice they would receive from their relatives Join...
Video: Charlie Lim & Aisyah Aziz Share Impactful Arts Advice!
As part of the One Million Towards UTOPIA movement, The Foundation invited Charlie Lim & Aisyah Aziz - two of the brightest stars from Singapore - to talk us through their journeys as artistes - their struggles, what they're striving towards, what keeps them focused. In this week's Roundtable...
The Business of The Arts by The Business Times
Photo Credit Foundation for The Arts and Social Enterprise www.thefoundation.sg While governments can provide the conditions for the expansion fo the arts space, it is business that will make the arts world go round. By Michael Tay and Dawn Wong Imagine waking up to a world without the arts. You...
Video: Joanna Dong & ShiGGa Shay Discuss ‘Utopia’
As part of the One Million Towards UTOPIA movement, The Foundation invited Joanna Dong & ShiGGa Shay – two of the brightest stars from Singapore – to talk us through their conception of ‘utopia’ – as artists, what is their idea of utopia, and how can we get there?
Video: Charlie Lim & Aisyah Aziz Talk about Their Journeys As Artistes!
As part of the One Million Towards UTOPIA movement, The Foundation invited Charlie Lim & Aisyah Aziz – two of the brightest stars from Singapore – to talk us through their journeys as artistes – their struggles, what they’re striving towards, what keeps them focused.
Building Bridges with Music: How Russian Composer Vladimir Martynov Composed A Symphony Inspired by Singapore by SGN
Inspired by Singapore’s culture and identity, renowned Russian composer Vladimir Martynov accepted a commission by ex-Singapore Ambassador to Russia, Michael Tay, to compose a symphony in 2003.
Foundation for The Arts and Social Enterprise Founder Michael Tay On How The Smallest Act of Giving Can Transform The Arts Scene by SGN
Photo Credit Foundation for The Arts and Social Enterprise www.thefoundation.sg Michael’s passion for the arts would carry on in the later half of his career – as Founder and Director of The Foundation for The Arts and Social Enterprise, he has helped to connect many local artists to opportunities...
Video: Charlie Lim, Aisyah Aziz, Joanna Dong and ShiGGa Shay React To The UTOPIA Symphony
Four of Singapore’s brightest stars listen to the UTOPIA Symphony for the first time – and share their unfiltered responses!
Music Is: Vladimir Martynov’s Utopia Symphony by Bakchormeeboy
In November 2020, Russian composer Vladimir Martynov’s Utopia Symphony made history as the first Singaporean-commissioned symphony to be recorded by the London Philharmonic Orchestra under their LPO label.
Michael Tay of Foundation for The Arts and Social Enterprise on ‘Utopia’ by Robb Report
For many, utopia is understood as a place of ideal perfection, especially in laws and social conditions. But for Michael Tay, founder of arts charity Foundation for The Arts and Social Enterprise, utopia holds a different meaning altogether – rather than an endpoint, Tay sees utopia as a state of becoming.
Vladimir Martynov’s UTOPIA Symphony Review by Pianomania
An excerpt from Dr. Chang Tou Liang’s review from his classical music blog – pianomania. Russian composer Vladimir Martynov’s Utopia Symphony began as a commission in 2004 by Michael Tay, then-ambassador of Singapore to the Russian Federation.
What’s Up This Week by Business Times
The renowned London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) and London Philharmonic Choir have recorded and released a symphony inspired by Singapore. Commissioned by former Singapore Ambassador to Russia, Michael Tay, and composed by renowned
Michael Tay on CNA’s Singapore Tonight
Michael Tay, Founder of the Foundation for The Arts and Social Enterprise, shares his vision and the journey that paved the way for the first country-inspired symphony to be recorded and released by the London Philharmonic Orchestra on CNA’s Singapore Tonight.
New Release Round-Up – 13th November 2020 by Presto Classical
Made at Abbey Road last year in the presence of the composer, this is the world premiere recording of Martynov’s Utopia Symphony, which began life in 2005 as Singapore: A Geopolitical Utopia and sets text adapted from passages of the Tao Te Ching; the orchestra have history with the Russian composer’s music, having premiered his Dante-inspired opera-oratorio Vita Nuova in 2009.
A Utopia Reimagined by Pauline Wong
An interview with Michael Tay, Founder of the Foundation for The Arts and Social Enterprise published by The Edge Singapore. Michael speaks about the UTOPIA Symphony – The Foundation’s flagship initiative to kickstart a future where the arts and business go hand-in-hand.
London Philharmonic Orchestra Releases Singapore-Inspired Symphony Recording Globally by Bandwagon
Titled ‘UTOPIA’ and composed by prolific Russian composer, Vladimir Martynov, it was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London.
Recording of The Symphony “Utopia” by Vladimir Martynov Is Released by Colta
Russian media outlet COLTA breaks the news about the London Philharmonic Orchestra release of Utopia Symphony, composed by Vladimir Martynov.
London Philharmonic Releases Recording of Martynov’s ‘Utopia’ by Donemus
The London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) announced the release of its new album ‘Utopia’ on the LPO’s own label, featuring Vladimir Martinov’s Utopia Symphony performed by the LPO and London Philharmonic Choir under Principal Conductor Vladimir Jurowski, featuring soloist Jun Hong Loh on violin…
以个人力量推动艺术 by Lianhe Zaobao
Two local arts lovers Kris Tan and Michael Tay have individually set up arts foundations to support young, local musical talents, and through music, bring Singapore to the global stage.
Beeth∞ven 360° – Ode To Joy
Beeth∞ven 360° – Ode to Joy: World’s first immersive digital performance of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony
Apsaras Arts Receives The Steward of Singapore’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Award 2020
The Foundation sends our heartiest congratulations to Apsaras Arts on being selected as one of the 6 organisations to receive The Stewards of Singapore’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Award.
A Virtual Tribute To Ode To Joy by The Straits Times
The Foundation is proud to be a supporting partner of Beethoven Im Garten 2020 with the German Embassy in Singapore. Due to the impact of COVID-19, this year’s concert in the park has taken on a digital incarnation. Read about the project in this article from official media partner, The Straits Times.
GMX Trio x The Steve McQueens
The Foundation for The Arts and Social Enterprise proudly presented GMX Trio's debut performance in Singapore at Voilah! Festival 2019 with a two-night, double-bill concert that also shone the spotlight on Singapore's very own neofuture jazz outfit The Steve McQueens. Opening the night, The Steve...
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