Some Strings Attached: This Rare Concert Pairs 6 Local Acts With A String Ensemble

You’ve never heard these songs performed quite like this (Credit: Pexels/cottonbro)

From the intimate folk serenades of Andrew Bird to the extravagant rock opuses of Arcade Fire, there’s a diverse gamut of music out there being lifted by the splendour of strings. Even hometown giants Electrico roped in the classical accompaniment for their live album last year. Strings impart a timeless tonal effect that’s dramatic and magnificent, and they have the power of transforming a simple piece into a symphonic oeuvre. So what happens when you apply this to the songcraft of six respected singer-songwriters? That’s the twist of this upcoming local gig, Singer-Songwriters: No Strings Attached.

Happening for one night only (18 February) at the Drama Centre Theatre, a seven-piece string ensemble will be performing alongside a roster of pop and indie acts including weish, Jack & Rai, lewloh, Jaime Wong, Krysta Joy and Amanda Tee. With arrangements spearheaded by stalwart music director, Bang Wenfu – who boasts 27 years of industry experience – these numbers will be reimagined renditions of each musician’s repertoire, performed live for the very first time.

This gig brings together six esteemed singer-songwriters (Credit: Some Strings Attached)

Singer-Songwriters: No Strings Attached is actually a concept dreamt up by one of its performers, Amanda, who’s been a fixture of the musician circuit for the last 18 years. Like many others, she’s felt a need to hit back against a pandemic that threatens to snuff out the scene. “The pandemic has been savage to the local arts scene, and for many, a painful and sobering experience,” Amanda shares. “But we are bursting with talent, and I hope that the passion and virtuosity of everyone involved in this show – from performers to production crew – can be felt by everyone in the audience. Like a reawakening.”

She continues, “Growing up, I’ve watched concerts where international artists integrated their music into orchestral interpretations to recreate and elevate the entire experience for the audience. It’s always been a dream for me to make this happen with our local singer-songwriters, whose work I respect and admire”.

(Credit: Some Strings Attached)

Singer-Songwriters: No Strings Attached, 18 February 2022, 8.30pm, Drama Centre Theatre, National Library Level 3, Singapore 188064. Purchase your tickets here.