Composed in 1918, The Soldier’s Tale (Histoire du Soldat) is a timeless parable about a deserting soldier who trades his violin to the devil for a book that shows him how to get all he desires.  The soldier’s violin represents both the soldier’s soul and the Devil’s stealth.  Scored for just seven instruments (violin, double bass, multiple percussion, bassoon, trombone, clarinet and cornet), The Soldier’s Tale fuses jazz (which was just beginning to emerge into the mainstream) with tango rhythms, marches and a waltz.

Conducted by Lim Yau, the septet from The Philharmonic Orchestra will be accompanied by established actors whom will play the part of the Narrator, Devil & Soldier.

The Philharmonic Orchestra (Singapore) is a project led by Music Director, Maestro Lim Yau.  It brings together young adults with a keen and serious interest to learn, to develop, and to train as ensemble musicians.

Formerly known as The Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra (PCO), the group became The Philharmonic Orchestra (TPO) in 2006 to better reflect its intention to explore both symphonic and chamber works like Beethoven Symphony Cycle (2003), Schumann Symphony Cycle (2004), and Schubert’s Symphonies (2005).  TPO also performed the Singapore premiere of Shostakovich’s monumental Leningrad Symphony (2006) and most recently completed the Singapore’s first Sibelius Symphony Cycle in collaboration with Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay in  2008.

The Orchestra also works closely with two choirs, The Philharmonic Chamber Choir and the Hallelujah Oratorio Society, on works like Mozart’s Requiem (1998), Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis (2002), Bach’s B minor Mass (2006 and 2008) and Handel’s Messiah (2006).

TPO is also known for its commanding standard as a pit orchestra.  It received good reviews for its work with the Singapore Lyric Opera (SLO) and Singapore Dance Theatre (SDT).  For the SDT, the orchestra provided music for Puccini’s Madame Butterfly (2003), Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty (2004) and The Nutcracker (2005).  With the SLO, the orchestra appeared in productions such as Puccini’s Madama Butterfly (2005) and Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro (2006), Rossini’s The Barber of Seville (2007), Verdi’s La Traviata (2008) as well as Puccini’s Turandot (2008).

View Programme Notes Here


Due to the nature of the performance, there will be no latecomers entry

Find out more about the works being performed at the concert. Join us in an informal post-performance talk by the artists.

You are strongly advised to be seated 15 minutes before the performance start time.
No admission will be allowed into the venue once the performance has commenced.
Exceptions may be made at Esplanade's discretion depending on the nature of the performance.

Tickets sold through SISTIC Website, Hotline and Outlets.

IMPORTANT NOTICE
For the enjoyment of all audience members, all events start promptly at the time printed on the ticket. Please be seated 15 minutes before the performance start-time. Entry for latecomers and re-admission will not be permitted until the first appropriate pause in the programme or intermission, if any.

Patrons are advised that with effect from 12 March 2004, an administrative fee of $5 per ticket is payable for all Replacement Tickets issued.

Please note the following conditions:
- Replacement Tickets can only be issued for performances with reserved seating
- No Replacement Ticket will be issued for general admission or 'free seating' performances.
- Replacement Tickets are issued subject to verification of patron's details against our transaction records.
- Esplanade reserves the right to not issue a Replacement Ticket if we are not able to verify the claim.