SINGAPORE ARMED FORCES MUSIC AND DRAMA COMPANY OPENS CHINGAY PARADE 2007
Date: 23 Feb 07 Contact: Bhavani d/o NyanajegaranTel: 6768 3049
Hp: 9826 2544
SINGAPORE ARMED FORCES MUSIC AND DRAMA COMPANY OPENS CHINGAY PARADE 2007
Background of Music and Drama Company
Formed on 1st July 1973, the Singapore Armed Forces Music and Drama Company (MDC) served as a vehicle to boost the morale of the SAF and spread national education messages through song and dance. The company has since grown to become a major player in Singapore’s arts scene.
With its strong foundations in music, vocals, dance and drama, MDC has evolved in becoming a leading one-stop centre that houses an extensive range of services and performance choices, from show consultancy and national education skits to event management and full roadshows (consisting of artistes and a live band).
In encouraging the development and expression of artistic ideas through the years, MDC has evolved into a training ground for budding artistes and a starting point for many who have become recognised in the entertainment industry. MDC’s alumni include Jack Neo, Najip Ali, Gurmit Singh and Rosalyn Lee.
Past performances by MDC
Some of its contributions to the local arts scene include the production of the musical ‘Kampong Amber’ commissioned by the National Arts Council in 1995 and Singapore Repertory Theatre’s ‘Sing to the Dawn’, which opened the Singapore Arts Festival in 1997. MDC’s presence in Chingay Parade started in 1986. 2007 marks 21 years of MDC’s participation in Chingay Parade.
MDC’s role as the public face of the SAF has also since expanded through overseas performances, cultivating defence relations with regional countries and countries as far as New Zealand and Australia. Last November, MDC performed 22 shows to full-house audience in various parts of Australia, ranging from 200 to 5,000-strong crowd. Australian publications like the Rockhampton Morning Bulletin and Yeppoon Morning Bulletin even lauded the performances as talented SAF performers.
MDC opening this year’s Chingay Parade
For the first time ever, MDC will be opening this year’s Chingay Parade in collaboration with Dance Emotion (a dance company headed by Dan Kwoh, an MDC alumnus).
President Nathan will be launching the parade, titled “Parade of Dreams”. 70 performers (45 from MDC and 25 from Dance Emotion) will be accompanying the opening float and will be performing the opening dance choreographed by MDC‘s Artistic Manager, Zaini Mohd Tahir and Dan Kwoh. The performers went through two months of rigorous dance training with Zaini to improve their dance and performing skills.
MDC alumnus, Mothar Kassim, is the costume designer. The music accompanying the 3-minute performance is by famous Singaporean composer, Iskandar Ismail, who was commissioned by People’s Association to compose the music especially for this performance.
During the performance, the audience will be encouraged to interact as dancers distribute gifts to the audience (provided by PA). The four demarcated performance areas along Orchard Road are Paragon, Mandarin Hotel, Orchard MRT Station and Orchard Plaza.
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Kindly attribute all photographs to MINDEF. The photographs provided showcase MDC in action at various performances.
