Saturday, May 10, 2008

Big college concert night at the Conference Hall. I'm no big fan of sit-down symphonic music but it helped that the band played lively, upbeat, familiar tunes that kept the mood light and happy. The concert combined the strings of the traditional guzheng with European wind and percussion instruments for something of a fusion performance. It wasn't entirely perfect, a bit more rehearsal time would have helped smoothen out the blend better. Nevertheless, it was a credible enough show for me to be absorbed into the music and enjoy the evening.

'Peter and the Wolf' turned out amazingly cute, as I'd expected. The props makers spared no effort in creating a huge cardboard set comprising a massive tree, a reed bank to represent the edge of a pond, a working gate and a little farmhouse, all cut and painted from old packing crates. The cast's enthusiasm in playing their characters won over the crowd, particularly the bird who kept flitting and flapping almost right through the entire piece, wowing us with her endurance and stamina. It was a nice touch to introduce colour and movement to the concert, and we did appreciate the variety.

Among the audience was this bunch from x17 who, like everyone else, was busy taking photos after the concert was over. Well, I had my camera with me too, so I guess I was no different.

Oh, before the concert, Mel, Wayne and I quite confirmed that around Shenton Way on Saturday evening, there's practically nothing to eat. All potential eateries have closed and it's easy to starve on the street there and then.

Fortunately, we stumbled upon Honjin Japanese Restaurant, still open for business on Robinson Road. For its location, the prices aren't too bad, between $18-28 for a teishoku bento.

The decor is entirely Jap, right down to the wait staff dressed in yukata. The illusion ends there, though, 'cos they don't walk at all Japanese, and while polite, their accents betray a more local, heartland origin.

But who cares? The food is good (yummy, juicy sukiyaki beef) with a generous array of sides, chawanmushi inclusive. Yay! One more place to eat at!

No comments: