Highly-Anticipated 'Firsts' in Singapore Sun Festival 2009

The Singapore Sun Festival returns on the 3 to 12 October 2009 to celebrate the Art of Living Well. Featuring over 190 international artists and celebrities in more than 90 events, the Festival, which is held at some of Singapore's leading venues, will also be presenting new elements and several "first experiences" this year.

Kicking off with a gala performance at the Esplanade Concert Hall on Saturday, 3 October, audiences will be treated to a stunning world premiere ballet performance as part of the Opening Celebrations. Starring principal dancers of the renowned Bolshoi Theatre and Mariinsky Theatre, they will be sharing the stage for the first time in this unique collaboration under the artistic direction of Maxim Beloserkovsky and Irina Dvorovenko from the American Ballet Theatre.

Classical music highlights include concerts by one of the world's finest radio orchestras - Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra - visiting Singapore with its chief conductor and artistic director, Jaap van Zweden. The Orchestra will perform with glamorous soloists like Sir James Galway (8 October); 14 year-old prodigy, Conrad Tao and Russian Cellist, Nina Kotova (9 October); and a Singapore premiere performance by opera superstar Angela Gheorghiu (10 October) with tenor Marius Manea.

Another 'first' is the indoor film screenings with multi-talented and highly-respected Film star and Director, Joan Chen. As film curator for the Singapore Sun Festival, she will select eight unique films that depict the Art of Living Well for screening. In addition, Joan will also be conducting an on- stage interview facilitated by film writer Ben Slater at the Singapore Airlines Theatre at LASALLE College of the Arts - a brand new programming element that's included in this year's Festival.

Other 'first' celebrity appearances at the Festival include prolific author and spiritual advisor, Deepak Chopra, who will enlighten Festival-goers on their physical and mental wellbeing; whilst Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, will expand the horizons of literary aficionados and playwrights as he shares his insights on writing for the stage; singer-songwriter, Elvis Costello, will be rocking Singapore at the Esplanade Concert Hall with his greatest hits at his one-night-only Singapore premiere concert!

The enigmatic secrets of flavorsome spices will also unravel as a new Indian cuisine component has been added to the festival for 2009. Experimental chef Floyd Cardoz, executive chef of groundbreaking New York restaurant Tabla, will be serving a myriad of sensational flavours that will leave guests hungry for more during the exclusive signature dinner and cooking class.

"The genius of modern French cuisine", Thierry Marx will be using the finest produce to express his avant-garde cuisine in Singapore! The two Michelin star chef will prepare gastronomic treats that perfectly match the finest Bordeaux wines, ensuring a unique and sumptuous experience for his diners at the Fullerton Hotel.

Visual Arts will be exciting in 2009, with newly-added interactive and themed workshops. Painting workshops will be conducted by contemporary painter Diana Francis at the Singapore Art Museum, and budding artists and painters will get to learn techniques and tips on producing vibrant oil paintings.

A unique "Singing Art" event will be hosted at the Asian Civilisations Museum by jazz artist, Claressa Monteiro, opening up a new perspective of art appreciation when music and the visual arts combine in this audio visual special event.

The Festival also celebrates Singapore's rich Peranakan heritage offering interactive guided charity tours at the Baba House. Festival-goers can also enjoy a showcase of over 300 pieces of intricately crafted Peranakan jewellery at the Peranakan Museum.

Jeff Fuhrman, Global Chief Operating Officer of IMG Artists, said, "In keeping with our aim to deliver premium international music and lifestyle events that are exclusive and fresh, we are proud to offer festival audiences a series of "firsts" in the Festival's 3rd year. The programme for the Singapore Sun Festival 2009 will have a spectacular line-up, featuring world- renowned celebrities and artists, boosting Singapore's position as a truly global entertainment and lifestyle destination."

Furthermore, in an effort to bring added enjoyment and magnificent experiences of fine living to Festival-goers, ticket prices to various events have also been reduced from the previous year and more free events have been included.

Mindy Coppin, Senior Vice President, Director of IMG Artists (Asia Pacific) and Executive Producer of the Singapore Sun Festival said, "We believe that living well can be experienced without an expensive price tag as we're all about advocating a high quality holistic and balanced way of life at any price."

Tickets for the Singapore Sun Festival events go on sale on 3 July and can be booked directly with SISTIC at website; SISTIC Hotline (65) 6348 5555; and all SISTIC authorized agents.

The Singapore Sun Festival also works with a group of selected travel agents around the region to offer special packages which include hotel accommodation and Festival tickets. Details of participating travel agents can be found on website.

Join the Singapore Sun Festival online community on Facebook and Twitter.

The Singapore Sun Festival is the third and only Asian chapter of a global lifestyle brand owned by the international arts management group, IMG Artists. The Sun Festival is also celebrated annually in Cortona, Tuscany (Italy) and the Napa Valley, California (USA).

The Singapore Sun Festival is supported by the Singapore Tourism Board.

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