Singapore Sun Festival to Take Place 3-12 October 2009

The Singapore Sun Festival returns on the 3 to 12 October 2009 to celebrate the Art of Living Well.

Featuring over 190 international artists and celebrities in more than 90 events, the Festival, which is held at some of Singapore's leading venues, will also be presenting new elements and several "first experiences" this year.

Kicking off with a gala performance at the Esplanade Concert Hall on Saturday, 3 October, audiences will be treated to a stunning world premiere ballet performance starring principal dancers of the renowned Bolshoi Theatre and Mariinsky Theatre sharing the stage for the first time.

Classical music highlights include concerts by one of the world's finest radio orchestras - Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra - visiting Singapore with its chief conductor and artistic director, Jaap van Zweden. The Orchestra will perform with glamorous soloists like Sir James Galway (8 October); 14 year-old prodigy, Conrad Tao and Russian Cellist, Nina Kotova (9 October); and a Singapore premiere performance by opera superstar Angela Gheorghiu (10 October) with tenor Marius Manea.

Another 'first' is the indoor film screenings with multi-talented and highly-respected Film star and Director, Joan Chen. Joan will select eight unique films that depict the Art of Living Well for screening will also be conducting an on-stage interview facilitated by film writer Ben Slater at the Singapore Airlines Theatre at LASALLE College of the Arts - a brand new programming element that's included in this year's Festival.

Other 'first' celebrity appearances at the Festival include prolific author and spiritual advisor, Deepak Chopra, who will enlighten Festival-goers on physical and mental wellbeing; whilst Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, will expand the horizons of literary aficionados and playwrights as he shares his insights on writing for the stage; singer-songwriter, Elvis Costello, will be rocking Singapore at the Esplanade Concert Hall with his greatest hits at his one-night- only Singapore premiere concert!

Experimental chef Floyd Cardoz, executive chef of groundbreaking New York restaurant Tabla, will be serving a myriad of sensational flavours during the exclusive signature dinner and cooking class.

"The genius of modern French cuisine", Thierry Marx will be using the finest produce to express his avant- garde cuisine in Singapore! The two Michelin star chef will prepare gastronomic treats that perfectly match the finest Bordeaux wines, ensuring a unique and sumptuous experience for his diners at the Fullerton Hotel.

The Festival also celebrates Singapore's rich Peranakan heritage offering interactive guided charity tours at the Baba House. Festival-goers can also enjoy a showcase of over 300 pieces of intricately crafted Peranakan jewellery at the Peranakan Museum.

Jeff Fuhrman, Global Chief Operating Officer of IMG Artists, said, "In keeping with our aim to deliver premium international music and lifestyle events that are exclusive and fresh, we are proud to offer festival audiences a series of "firsts" in the Festival's 3rd year. The programme for the Singapore Sun Festival 2009 will have a spectacular line-up, featuring world-renowned celebrities and artists, boosting Singapore's position as a truly global entertainment and lifestyle destination."

Furthermore, in an effort to bring added enjoyment to Festival-goers, ticket prices to various events have also been reduced from the previous year and more free events have been included.

Tickets for the Singapore Sun Festival events go on sale on 3 July 2009. Customers can enjoy an early bird discount of 15% across all seating categories if they purchase their tickets before 31st July.

A special grand prize of a 3 day 2 night stay at the Banyan Tree Bintan will also be awarded to one lucky early bird ticket buyer.

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