Classical music over coffee and kaya toasts

SINGAPORE — In a move to create new platforms for local musicians to perform, and bring classical music to the masses, MediaCorp’s Symphony 92.4FM, Singapore’s only classical music radio station, has partnered local coffee joint Ya Kun Kaya Toast to present a series of free concerts to be held at the latter’s Orchard Central branch.

“Ya Kun is proud to be the host of the Symphony 92.4FM Cafe Concert series as it relishes the opportunity to cultivate the local arts scene with Symphony,” said Jesher Loi, director for branding and market development, Ya Kun Kaya Toast.

These will take place at 3pm on the first and third Saturday of this month and next month, with each performance lasting between 15 and 20 minutes. The series will feature prominent local classical musicians and a special performance by winners of Symphony 92.4FM’s Young Talents Project.

The first performance, which happens tomorrow, will feature Singapore violinists Loh Jun Hong and Gabriel Ng, who are using this opportunity to promote their recital at the Esplanade Recital Studio on Sept 9. Performances will also be recorded and posted online, as organisers aim to increase awareness through social media.

“As Singapore moves to celebrate its 50th birthday in 2015, we want to use the platform of a strong local brand and social media platforms to showcase to the world the classical music talents in Singapore,” said Wang Ya-Hui, vice-president of Symphony 92.4FM.

“For the shoppers on Orchard Road, it is also a way to appreciate good music over a cup of aromatic coffee or soothing tea, and support our very own talents.”

For more information on Symphony 92.4FM’s Cafe Concerts @ Ya Kun 2014 (Ya Kun Kaya Toast Orchard Central #05-33) and performance schedule, visit xinmsn.com/symphony924.