Tribute To Tina: Singing A 60s Sensation's Songs

Although the lady herself did not appear on stage till the end of the performance, the tribute concert on a warm August night had stalwarts on the Esplanade Concert Hall sing the songs made famous by Singapore 60s keroncong diva.


Esplanade Concert Hall with Video Interplay

Organised by the Esplanade and Associate Producer Norhayati Yusoff, in conjunction with this year's Pesta Raya - the Malay Festival of Arts, Sayang di Sayang proved to be one of the most enjoyable musical evenings I have experienced with a programme well detailed and a concert sensitively organised for singing sensation Kartina Dahari.


Orkestra Melayu Singapura with Amri Amin conducting.

I took the opportunity of taking my 7 year old piano-student grandson because I thought it best if I exposed him, while still at his age, to the rich multi-cultural heritage that we have in Singapore.  He was fascinated by the Wayang Kulit and other shows at the Esplanade's periphery but more so by the Singapore Malay Orchestra at the concert. 

It was a little dark from the circle seats but little Joshie managed to count the number of musicians with their instruments in the various sections of the 42-strong group.  The orchestra was lead by Amri Amin, music director since 2009.  His flair in music arrangement, together with the experienced singers on board, helped retain the original flavour of most of Kartina's songs.

TV 60s personality - Mr M. Ismail - remember him?

For me it was like watching a 60s Pesta Ria TV show all over again, with veterans Julie Sudiro, M. Ismail and composer  Kassim Masdor at the piano. (With his dark felt hat and sunglasses he resembled John Lee Hooker without a guitar.) English pop hits punctuated the concert of mostly Malay tunes once sung by Kartina.  With the other *younger and talented singers they provided an unforgettable evening of love and entertainment. 

The stars of the show with Kartina Dahari third from left.

It was interesting to see good friend Yusnor Ef and DJ Brian Richmond discussing Kartina on the back-drop video screen in between songs but the grand finale was the best (image) when the theme song, Sayang di-Sayang played to an appreciative and hand-clapping audience where Kartina tearfully thanked musicians, singers and audience for their support in making the tribute show a success.

It was a fascinating music and cultural experience which took me back to Kampong Wak Tanjong and Kampong Melaka days in the 1960s.  Thank you Esplanade.

The above posting is a personal one.

*I am not familiar with the younger singers. Do excuse me.

Photos: Courtesy of The Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.