Gig guide: Dec 6 to 15

ONCE UPON A TIME. The first concert of the More Than Music series, the concert combines top quality classical music with a fresh perspective. Join acclaimed musicians Abigail Sin and Loh Jun Hong in creating a novel social experience. After the concert, audiences will also enjoy a post-concert party at Awfully Chocolate’s Nine Thirty with free-flow of desserts and drinks. Dec 6, 7.30pm, Esplanade Recital Studio. Tickets at S$30 from Sistic.

DARKNESS IN LIGHT (SSO). The great Finnish conductor Osmo Vanska returns with SSO musicians, this time in three guises - as a clarinettist, partner to young compatriot Pekka Kuusisto, and then as conductor. Dec 6, 7.30pm, Esplanade Concert Hall. Tickets from S$15 to S$72 at Sistic.

SCO SERIES 2013/2014 A MUSICAL CONVERSATION OF SHENG & CELLO. Acclaimed sheng master Wu Wei breathes new life into the wind instrument with cutting-edge repertoire. He will perform a sheng concerto specially composed for him by German composer Enjott Schneider titled Earth and Fire. He will also be joined by SCO’s cello principal Xu Zhong. Dec 7, 8pm, SCO Concert Hall. Tickets from S$25 to S$55 at Sistic.

I WANT TO BREAK FREE. Join well-known Singapore chamber ensemble re: mix for a night featuring iconic works from Beethoven’s Symphony to even rearrangements of hits by Lady Gaga and the Bee Gees. Dec 7, 7.30pm, Esplanade Recital Studio. Tickets at S$25 from Sistic.

THIS JOY SLOCC IN CONCERT WITH FRIENDS. This Christmas, Join the Singapore Lyric Opera as they spread the festive joy with carols in English, French, Italian and Spanish. Dec 7, 7,30pm, Esplanade Concert Hall. Tickets at S$20 to S$35 at Sistic.

2013 NATIONAL PIANO & VIOLIN COMPETITION: PRIZE WINNERS’ CONCERT. Join the winners of the rigorous nine-day 2013 National Piano & Violin Competition as they put up a spectacular showcase of performances. Dec 8, 7.30pm, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music Concert Hall. Tickets at S$10 from Sistic.

ROOTS BY FERRY. A solo project by Jean Low, Roots by Ferry shows the creativity of an individual who just likes to make things look and sound pretty. She will also share her journey of discovering her voice and songwriting over the course of 10 years. Dec 9 and 10, 7.15pm and 8.15pm, Esplanade Concourse. Free.

RHYMEVOLUTION. The Vocal Associates will serve nursery rhymes and children songs with a twist that’s both wicked and funny, while dancing through every rhyme and song. This is a show for everyone this December. Dec 10, 8pm, Esplanade Recital Studio. Tickets at S$25 from Sistic.

SSO CHRISTMAS CONCERTS. Capture the Christmas spirit with Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO), who will bring you two magical evenings of traditional carols and other christmas offerings, including excerpts from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and music by John Williams from the movie Home Alone. Dec 10 and 12, 7.30pm, Esplanade Concert Hall. Tickets from S$15 to S$75 at Sistic,

SYC ENSEMBLE SINGERS PRESENTS PAGDIRIWANG A CELEBRATION OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH JONATHAN VELASCO (PHILIPPINES). As part of SYC Ensemble’s 50th anniversary and the holiday season, the singers together with Jonathan Velasco from the Philippines will present a collection of traditional Advent and seasonal texts re-imagined, including a new commission by John A. Pamintuan. Dec 11, 7.30pm, Esplanade Concert Hall. Tickets from S$22 to S$32 at Sistic.

NOSTALGIA BY THE STONEY CATS. The Stoney Cats is a chamber group with talented musicians from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, LASALLE College of the Arts and former participants of Esplanade’s Bright Young Things. The Stoney Cats performs cross-genre music with cross-genre instruments, making their music a fresh and new concept. Dec 11 and 12, 7.15pm and 8.15pm, Esplanade Concourse. Free.

11TH INTERNATIONAL GUITAR FESTIVAL 2013 (SINGAPORE) JOHN MILLS. A frequent performer on BBC, performed in various tours in Europe, Australia and more, John Mills is invited for the 11th International Guitar Festival 2013 to share his love for music through seminars, masterclasses and lessons. Dec 11, 7.30pm, RELC International Hotel (Auditorium). Tickets at S$50 from Sistic.

SSO BABIES’ PROMS. The one and only babies’ concert in Singapore, SSO will bring the little ones on a musical adventure, exploring the fun world of classical music and orchestra. The interactive concert is suitable for all children aged 6 and below. Dec 12 and 13, 10 am and 12pm, Esplanade Concert Hall. Tickets at S$20 and S$28 at Sistic,

11TH INTERNATIONAL GUITAR FESTIVAL 2013 (SINGAPORE) PAVEL STEIDL. Pavel Steidl, the most widely celebrated soloists of his generation, is in town for the 11th International Guitar Festival 2013, where he will share his love for music through seminars, masterclasses and lessons. Dec 12, 7.30pm, RELC International Hotel (Auditorium). Tickets at S$50 from Sistic.

THE SULTAN JAZZ CLUB PRESENTS ADAM HALL TRIO. The Adam Hall Trio will feature a swinging mix of original tracks written by Adam, as well as a few of his fans favourite covers. Dec 12 and 14, 9pm and 9.30pm respectively, Sultan Jazz Club. S$15 and S$20 admission respectively.

THE SULTAN JAZZ CLUB PRESENTS SANDRA VIRAY & LOUIS SOLIANA COMBO. Sandra is well-renowned with her impeccable voice and style of jazz singing, soulful interpretation and perfect rhythm. Come join Sandra with Louis Soliano Combo. Dec 13, 9.30pm, Sultan Jazz Club. S$20 admission.

VOICES 2013 ESTONIAN PHILHARMONIC CHAMBER CHOIR. One of the most highly regarded choirs in the world, the choir has a repertoire that extends from Gregorian chant and baroque to 21st century music. The choir presents a performance including motets by Johann Sebastian Bach and Johannes Brahms, chansons by Claude Debussy, and works by prominent Estonian composers, Veljo Tormis and Arvo Pärt. Dec 13, 7.30pm, Esplanade Concert Hall. Tickets from S$28 to S$88 at Sistic.

SING OUT! Watch lively singing performances of pop a cappella ensembles, show choirs and more as they belt out your popular radio hits. Dec 13 and 14, various show times. Esplanade Outdoor Theatre. Free.

VOICES WITHIN. Featuring top groups from national a cappella championships, youth and school choirs, celebrate the beauty of the human voice in Voices Within. Dec 13 to 15, Various show times, Esplande Concourse. Free.

LATE NITE @ ESPLANADE KAILIN YONG’S QILIN GROUP FEATURING WEIXIANG TAN, PABLO CALZADO, FELIX PHANG. Dive into a vast ocean of sounds where world, jazz and folk music meet with Qilin group’s music, fiddle, jazz piano, drumming and bass. The quartet formed early this year brings you a night of original world music with a keen awareness of vast cultural and emotional landscapes. Dec 13, 9.30pm, Esplanade Recital Studio. Tickets at S$25 from Sistic.

11TH INTERNATIONAL GUITAR FESTIVAL 2013 (SINGAPORE) ERIC FRANCERIES. His experience has lead him to give concerts and masterclasses in guitar festivals around the world. This time he is invited to share his love for music with seminars, masterclasses and lessons. Dec 13, 7.30pm, RELC International Hotel (Auditorium). Tickets at S$40 from Sistic.

LOVE ACROSS THE OCEANS MARSILING CHINESE ORCHESTRA & YOUTH ANGKLUNG ORCHESTRA INDONESIA MUSICAL EXCHANGE. Love Across The Ocean brings Marsiling Chinese Orchestra (MCO) and Youth Angklung Orchestra Indonesia together for a musical exchange, bringing you joint performances between the two groups while the youths learn about the culture and music of Indonesia. Dec 13, 7.30pm, The Star Theatre. Tickets at S$19 from Sistic.

VOICES 2013 KHOOMII - THROAT SINGERS OF MONGOLIA BY KHUSUGTUN. Khusugtun is a khöömii (throat singing) ensemble that performs modern arrangements of Mongolian folk songs that have been passed down for generations. The six member ensemble even specialises in singing at least two distinct musical notes at the same time! They will perform their repertoire including a cappella, and musical accompaniment with traditional Mongolian instruments. Dec 14 and 15, 7.30pm and 5pm respectively, Esplanade Recital Studio. Tickets at S$30 from Sistic.

VOICES 2013 COLOURS - AN EVENING OF A CAPPELLA JUZ-B, KEY ELEMENTS, MICAPPELLA, VOCALUPTUOUS. Colours bring together four unique a cappella groups - Juz-B, Key Elements, MICappella and Vocaluptuous. Together they present an evening of original compositions and even k-pop and RnB hits. Dec 14, 7pm, Esplanade Concert Hall. Tickets at S$35 from Sistic.

11TH INTERNATIONAL GUITAR FESTIVAL 2013 (SINGAPORE) BERTA ROJAS. Berta Rojas is one of the most outstanding female classical guitarists today, as the creator of the first online classical guitar competition (Barrios World Wide Web Competition), and is also the artistic director of the Ibero-American Guitar Festival. Learn from her through the 11th International Guitar Festival through seminars, masterclasses and lessons. Dec 14, 7.30pm, RELC International Hotel (Auditorium). Tickets at S$50 from Sistic.

11TH INTERNATIONAL GUITAR FESTIVAL 2013 (SINGAPORE) FRANCO MORONE. Franco Morone is the Italian poet of the acoustic guitar, performing for over 30 years and is one of the greatest names in guitar. Be mersmerized by his guitar playing techniques today. Dec 15, 7.30pm, RELC International Hotel (Auditorium). Tickets at S$40 from Sistic.