Review: Excursion by Tomodachi Winds

Poster courtesy of Zachary Ng

An adorable title is indeed in place for the inaugural concert of the Tomodachi Winds. The young musicians of the chamber group aim to strengthen friendships through excellence in music-making.

An unfortunate opening with ‘Towards the fair with sweetheart, on a fine day!‘ by Tomohiro Tatebe. Most were jittery and unclear. The muddy basses could use better coordination and articulation. I suppose you could excuse them for it being their first piece to the public. A piece better forgotten. On to better things.

Trust in the dubious clarinets for instant redemption with Satoshi Yagisawa’s ‘Twin-Pony Tailed Girl‘. The trio was well-led by clarinetist Daniel Yee, whose meticulous attention to detail was made apparent by gestures to his fellow performers.

The first flute display had Alvin Chan and Chua Zhihao present ‘Duettino Americain, OP. 37‘ by Franz Doppler. They were accompanied by Gabriel Hoe on the piano. The piece featured famous American tunes accompanied and embellished with the running passages of the flutes, very well done at that. Both flautists made distinct their slurred from their tongued notes. Interpretation and understanding was clear between the duo. The piano proved a worthy addition with its evident definition through the delicate harmonies. Also, finally some agreement on intonation. The only worry was perhaps an accident on the page turn on Gabriel’s part.

Gabriel Hoe on piano

Rika Ishige’s ‘Antiques‘ was regrettably as colourless as its title. The ensemble lacked the ‘ups and downs’. Though I do have to commend on Eugene Sim’s opening solo, deserving of a musicians’ finger-on-lap applause.

The T-winds decided on a better second-half. Valerie Ng’s smooth and intricate playing of melodies was heard in ‘Studio Ghibli for 4 Flutes‘ arranged by Kazuhiro Ohmura. The previously soft and uncertain flautist exhibited excellence in pitch. This piece also featured an alto flute played by Alvin Chan. The four flautists worked harmoniously to deliver this medley of anime tunes.

Beryl the emcee

Kudos to the emcee for her analytic and academic introduction to the pieces for the night. Gershwin would concur with her if he’d heard ‘Gershwin in Clarinets!’ arranged by Keiichi Kurokawa. The best piece put up by said section for the concert. The dynamics and direction of the phrases by the higher clarinets were fluid above the well supported bass of Jolene Heng, which made up for her quasi-absence in ‘Die Fledermaus Selections‘. The arrangement, together with the artistry of the musicians, fully portrayed the flexibility and range of the instrument. Daniel Yee’s craft was laudable with the well executed glissandi, though I can’t help but get distracted by Jolene’s foot-tapping.

‘Capricious Winds II‘ by Satoshi Yagisawa rounded up the 2-hour affair with the T-winds. Under the direction of conductor Tan Soh Hwa, the 14-piece ensemble displayed a high level of synchronisation and dexterity. Tempo was tight and dynamics were well-paced. The product was something incapable of a smaller ensemble.

Ensemble representative Chua Zhihao

Big thumbs up to ensemble representative Chua Zhihao for expressing gratitude to the many contributors to the event, including the photographers, stage crew and ushers. A concert is after all a show by many more than just the performers themselves.

All in all a successful inaugural by the Tomodachi Winds. The wind chamber group shone on the proficiency and potential of the woodwind players of Singapore.

Photos courtesy of Ho Hua Thun