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Singapore Sun Festival back with more to offer

After two years, showcasing more than 500 international and regional artists and more than 180 events in music, performing arts, cuisine, movies, literature and even well-being, The Singapore Sun Festival is back for its third year with another stellar line-up of exciting events from Oct

Erza S.T. (The Jakarta Post)
Jakarta
Sun, September 27, 2009

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Singapore Sun Festival back with more to offer

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fter two years, showcasing more than 500 international and regional artists and more than 180 events in music, performing arts, cuisine, movies, literature and even well-being, The Singapore Sun Festival is back for its third year with another stellar line-up of exciting events from Oct. 3 to 12.

This celebration of the art of living well, known as The Sun Festival, is a premium lifestyle festival celebrated around the world including in Napa Valley in America and Tuscany in Europe. As for our continent, Singapore has been the host for the last two festivals showcasing only the best.

Big names from various backgrounds - including Geoffrey Rush, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, the Vienna Choir Boys, Chef Charlie Trotter, Sergio Mendez and many more - were some of the artists who participated in last year's event. And this year, festival organizer IMG Artists plans to present more artists than before.

This coming October, the festival is back and is set to present big names in all six categories; music, visual arts, film, literature, wine and cuisine, and wellbeing. Some exciting names including Elvis Costello, Angela Gheorgiu, The Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, Joan Chen, the principal dancers of the Bolshoi Theatre and The Mariinsky Theatre, Nobel-winner Wole Soyinka, Deepak Chopra and even Oprah's chef Art Smith are among the line-up for this year's Singapore Sun Festival.

Below are several highlight events we are really looking forward to

In Music and Performing Arts

A World Premiere Performance of International Ballet Gala with specially selected principal dancers of The Bolshoi Theatre and Mariinsky Theatre

Oct. 3.

This is the first collaboration ever to be made between Bolshoi and Mariinsky for the festival gala opening. For all ballet aficionados, the Bolshoi Theatre is no stranger and is one of the world's greatest. This unique collaboration will be an exciting show not to be missed.

Opera Gala - Singapore Premiere Performance presents The Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra with Jaap Van Zweden, Soprano Angela Gheorgiu and Tenor Marius Manea

Oct. 10.

Opera lovers rejoice! This is surely an opera gala you cannot miss. Angela Gheorgiu is our soprano diva who stunned the public in her great portrayal of Violetta in Verdi's La Traviata in 1994 at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. On this occasion she will accompany the highly reputed Romanian tenor Marius Manea, together with The Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, performing arias from the bel canto golden era such as La Boheme, L'elisir d'amore and many more.

Elvis Costello: A Solo Performance

Oct. 5.

Elvis Costello is one of greatest musicians of this century. Famous for his versatility, Elvis is not only a singer, but also a composer and musician who has been influenced heavily by a wide range of musical styles ranging from pop to punk rock, new wave and even classical music. Best known for his performances with The Attractions in the 70's, Elvis will perform some of his greatest hits in this one-night-only concert. Not to be missed!

Al Jarreau

Oct. 6.

Nominated by Time Magazine as "The greatest jazz singer alive", Al Jarreau will bring sensational jazz classics such as "We're In This Love Together", "Take Five", "Roof Garden" and "Boogie Down" to the Singapore Sun Festival this year. One of the few artists to win Grammys in three categories of jazz, pop and R&B, catch Al's performance on October 6th.

Wellbeing

Sunday Afternoon with Deepak Chopra

Oct. 4.

Now this is what I call excitement! The philosopher himself is finally arriving on our shores to share his wisdom and vision on simple questions such as: What is our true nature? Where do we come from? What is the meaning and purpose of our existence? What are the mechanics of creation? How can I transform myself? How can I make a better world? Trust me, you don't need Harry Potter's philosopher stone. Just hear what Deepak Chopra has to say and get enlightened.

Of course, aside from what we highlighted here, the festival still has plenty of other interesting events. Some have free admission too. Book your tickets now and you check www.singaporesunfestival.com for latest updates on the festival.

Visual Arts

A Singapore Tale or Two - Painting Workshops by Diana Francis

Oct. 2 and Oct. 9.

This painter of British origin is actually one of Singapore's most renowned painters. She studied art at Croydon College in London and continued her studies at Wimbledon School of Art. She decided to move to Asia 18 years ago now is one of Singapore's most celebrated painters. Diana applies a playful finesse to her artworks through the media of oil, resulting in vibrant and colorful paintings.

Film

The Sun Film Festival and In Conversation with Joan Chen

Oct. 4.

It is very exciting to know that the Singapore Sun Festival this year chose Joan Chen as their film ambassador and curator. She is one of the most widely recognized and respected Asian stars in the international film industry, whether as an actress or director. In this event, you can do screenings with her (by invitation only) and follow an exclusive on-stage interview that will be hosted by Ben Slater.

Literature

In Conversation with Wole Soyinka - An Exclusive Event at UCC Theatre, National University of Singapore

Oct. 5.

Wole Soyinka may not be famous in this part of the world, but he is in other continents including on his own, Africa. This freedom fighter who fought for the independence of Nigeria has been imprisoned several times for his beliefs in freedom and justice. Many of his writings and poems were banned in Nigeria during that time. In 1986, Wole Soyinka was the first African to be awarded the Nobel Laureate in Literature. He is sharing his vision and works in this rare opportunity.

Wine and Cuisine

Southern Secrets with Chef Art Smith

Oct. 4.

Speaking of celebrity Chefs, Art Smith is one of them. Not only has Oprah trusted him to make sure she is always in good shape, but even President Obama's family has put their faith in his cooking. Known also as a humanitarian Chef, Art Smith believes in fostering family relationships through home cooked meals. In this wonderful cooking class he will share insights into some of the best and most sumptuous family meals.

Where to Stay?

The "where to stay?" question could pose a problem. While Singapore is known for its numerous hotels, choosing the right one is never easy.

Location plays an important role in this matter, and you want to get that personal attention and care from the hotel to make it worthwhile. Well, we recommend you stay at the Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore.

Not only does it have a prime location (five minutes walk from the Esplanade, where most of the above events are taking place) the Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore also has an incredible view of Marina Bay and the city skyline.

The Club Premier Suite is not only spacious but also has magnificent views. Imagine taking bath with a great big window facing the Singapore Flyer. Priceless.

For art lovers, The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore could be quite a surprise. This is the only hotel in Singapore that has a vast art collection of international artists from our own Nyoman Gunarsa to Henry Moore, Dale Chihuly, David Hockney and even Pop-Art pioneer Andy Warhol.

We believe, when you are coming to Singapore just to participate in events such as "The Singapore Sun Festival", there is nothing better than to stay at a hotel that also shares the same values in art, beauty and excellent service.

The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore

7 Raffles Avenue Singapore

www.ritzcarlton.com

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