Photos for Dedrick @ the Durian

I had a great time performing last Saturday.

It’s been years since my last public performance and I was slightly nervous to get back on stage, but once I did, I was surprised by how natural it felt.

Honestly I wasn’t 100%, but all things considered, I was happy with the way things turned out.

My left hand suffered a cramp in the middle of Tarrega’s Gran Vals. I was in agony trying to finish that piece with a frozen hand. Keen observers would have noticed me massaging my left hand immediately after that piece.

I think the cold is to blame. I am unaccustomed to performing in cold conditions. I pre-empted this by buying some heat packs from Daiso. Unfortunately, it sucks.

It didn’t work at all, so Yi-Hui bought a cup of hot cappuccino so that I could warm my hands.

I warmed up (literally and figuratively) in the storage room and felt pretty good as I went up on stage. But it was very cold and my hands froze up again.

I suppose the cold-hot-cold situation made things worse! I was hoping to bring the Daiso heat pack with me on stage, but it was completely useless. I foresee myself buying an electric hand warmer from Eneloop sometime in the near future.

I wish the hot spotlights aimed at my forehead could have been redirected to my hands.

Fortunately, I was able to recover after that. What a terrible feeling. It was like trying to finish a race after pulling a hamstring.

The rest of the recital went much better. Musically, I was able to communicate about 70-80% of everything I wanted to convey. My performing competency is not as high as it used to be but I’m happy that the last 7 years haven’t tarnished my ability entirely.

My colleague Andrew Wee advised me to perform with amplification. I appreciate Andrew’s consideration and concern, but fortunately, the Tsuji Grand Suprema and my playing were both loud enough for the venue. Several spectators sitting in the back, and some standing beyond the last row, told me that my playing could be heard clearly.

It’s a good thing the cafe next to the performing area wasn’t very noisy that day.

I’ve always strove to ensure adequate projection when I perform. In my opinion, the classical guitar is best experienced in a natural and unamplified setting. Some of the magic is invariably lost when electronics are introduced.

I was pleased to present an authentic and traditional performance akin to the performing environment of the great masters in the 1800s and 1900s (sans the smoking and with the addition of air conditioning, of course).

I want to thank everyone who took the time to come down for my recital. James and I were deeply touched by the strong turn out. It was a full house with some spectators standing at the back due to a lack of chairs.

Thanks to everyone who came down including: Cornelia, Michelle, Gabriel, Wendy, Reza, Sen, Lim and family, Rocco, Ting, Yi-Hui, Jeremy, Gary, Hoe Pin, Mum and Dad for coming down. Apologies if I missed anyone.

Thanks to Peng Hui and his lovely wife Victoria for taking all these lovely photos of my recital. Peng Hui is the photographer who shot the many wonderful photos that I currently use for my marketing collaterals (website, namecard, fliers, posters, sticky notes, post cards, stickers, etc.)

Victoria also took some great photos. The featured image on the homepage was taken by her. It’s also one of my favourite from this set.

I’d also like to thank the National Library Board and Mr Chong Thong Yang for letting me use this fantastic venue for my recital.

The date of my next public performance is not confirmed yet. I’ve been asked to perform at a private event, but have not agreed yet.

I was also tentatively booked to perform at the Singapore Guitar Show 2011, but the volatility of my schedule forced me to pull out. I should still be providing coverage of the show if I still in Singapore at the time.

Aw well. Let’s see what happens.