Symphony Uncensored

Have you ever left the house to run errands, only to leave your furry friend home alone? So to help lessen the “guilt”, you put on some music - whether it's rock, pop, or classical, hoping to give them some "company"? But how do we know if our pets even appreciate the music we're playing them? Or if they like music at all? Find out more in "Musical Furry Friends", where Amanda is joined by her you...

Have you ever sung in choir or try to sing along at karaoke, and realise you're super out of tune? Or... maybe you're finding it difficult to identify pitch? Has someone ever told you you're "tone deaf"? But after all this, you still have a burning passion to learn a music instrument?  Amanda (who's got perfect pitch), together with her cello student and co-host Jessica Kang (who was ONCE tone dea...

Because we’re all about that bass, bout that bass, no treble – quite literally, in this episode of Symphony Uncensored! Apart from a blocked nose (oops!), Amanda is joined with co-host, and her better half, Croatian music producer and artist Oliver Mando. From the classical music genres, to the pop music scene, we scramble to figure out what BASS lines are like, WHY we need them, and what they mea...

Throw me on a deserted island and I'll be able to survive, as long as I've got good company, good music, and good food. Music & Makan Founder Beverly Hiong joins me in this episode of Symphony Uncensored, where it's all about FOOD, how food has become a great source of inspiration for many composers, and likewise, how chefs use classical composers and music as a source of inspiration in their...

A relatable word to MANY, if not ALL who learn a music instrument or play music is PRACTICE. Since we start our music journeys, our teachers, parents, practice supervisors have always begged for us to practice more!  But WHY do we need to practice? HOW can we make our practice routines more fun & enjoyable? And does practice really make perfect...?  Cellists and music educators Amanda Zhu and...

Amanda has NEVER dated a non-musician, but Khim has been with her better half (who hasn't got a musical cell in his body) for decades - it's a happily ever after either way!  So is it really a "thing" that musicians naturally gravitate towards another musician? Join Symphony 924's hopeless romantics, Amanda Zhu & Khim Oei as they navigate their favourite topic - LOVE STORIES. Plus, an insight...

Singaporeans are known for our KIASU personality - with a study showing Singaporean families spending $1.4 billion on enrichment classes. Well, surprise! the top 3 lessons are music classes. Music lessons are some of the most expensive classes to invest in. So how do you know if you are getting a bang for your buck? What are some "red flags" when searching for a music teacher?  Andrew Lim joins Am...

"How much are we getting paid?" "Can I claim my travel expenses for this gig?" For a long time, it's been a known factor that many musicians struggle financially. We picked up such an expensive hobby, and turned it into our career. But, is it putting food on our table? Are we happy with our career choice?  Weekend Warrior and violinist from the Lorong Boys David Loke joins Amanda Zhu to discuss ab...

 Khim and Gaiatri continue their chat with 3 "young seniors"   Dr Amy Stebbings,  Professor Donald Tan and Ms Heng Pei Yan, about their musical learning journey as adults - are exams the only path to achieving their musical goals? How do you find the right teacher ? These questions and more in this concluding episode.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is  it like learning music from scratch as an adult? Khim and Gaiatri chat with  respiratory specialist Dr Amy Stebbings, ophthalmologist Professor Donald Tan and Mathematics teacher Ms Heng Pei Yan about their musical learning journey as adults - what got them started, challenges they faced, their goals and staying motivated.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who are some of the “rock star” equivalents in the classical music world, and what makes them so beloved? Who do Khim & Gaiatri go gaga for? Find out in this episode! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Classical music and the world of sports have more similarities than you might think. In this week’s episode, Khim and Gaiatri explore how the two worlds overlap, and also the role classical music plays in sports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to raise a prodigy, and how do you shape a child's  musical talent ?Khim and Gaiatri talk to Marcus Loh ( the father of guitarist Kevin Loh )  and Chua Eng Lee  (violinist Chloe Chua's mother) to find out more.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to raise a prodigy, and how do you shape a child's  musical talent ?Khim and Gaiatri talk to Marcus Loh ( the father of guitarist Kevin Loh )  and Lim  Eng Lee  (violinist Chloe Chua's mother) to find out more.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Symphony 924  meets Mr X from Mediacorp's pop radio station Gold 905. We challenge him to pronounce classical music terms and names and learn all about him and his radio career.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Classical music is often written with a mature adult audience in mind…but what about playing music to your baby, pet, or…plant? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When two or more siblings pursue classical music professionally , does it lead to a family drama or spur each one to achieve greater success? Khim and Gaitri chat about some of their favorite siblings, duos,  trios and more!      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who are some of the most inspiring female composers in music history and what were they up against?  In this episode Gaitri and Khim discuss the fate of women composers then and now and also share more about some inspiring classical musicians in this era.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you are just starting out in exploring the wonderful world of classical music but you want to sound confident when discussing it with others, have a listen to this episode of Symphony Uncensored where Andrew and Gerald will provide some tips and possibly a cheat sheet on what you should know and say about classical music! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is common to see musicians dressed to the nines for their concert performances, but should they always wear their tuxedos to the concert hall? In this episode, Andrew and Gerald will discuss the changing fashion trends in the world of classical music today and if musicians should let loose in the way they dress up for their performances! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Casual listeners of classical music like it, purists hate it! Is classical crossover music cheapening our beloved classical music? In this episode of Symphony Uncensored, your Symphony bros Andrew and Gerald will uncover what is a classical crossover piece and if they should be considered a boon or bane to the world of classical music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you have ever thought that classical music is boring, you are not alone! Find out what Andrew and Gerald thought about classical music in the past and join them as they explore if it is possible for classical music to revamp its image in this episode of Symphony Uncensored! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You might have heard of Pavarotti or Andrea Bocelli and wondered why on earth they have to sing so loudly on stage. Don’t they have microphones they can use? Aren’t we living in the 21st century? Find out more about what opera is and why singers like these have to sing in such a way in this episode of Symphony Uncensored with Andrew and Gerald! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i...

Classical musicians and organisations have often been accused of not moving with the times, and are seen as unwilling to find new and innovative ways to attract youth. In this episode, Andrew and Gerald discuss if  classical music entities should pander to the young, and if so, how should that be balanced with artistic integrity? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What should I wear? What do I do in between movements? Can I take pictures in the concert hall? Andrew and Gerald answer all your questions about classical music concerts. Attending a classical music concert really isn’t as daunting as it seems! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.