If you noticed, we have a very new segment called #ALifeWithAliff. It’s gonna be very interesting cause other than hotel reviews, this blog will venture and explore more parts of my life and of course different things that I do or experience. The exposure and number of readers for my blog has been great lately and I should thank you for that, hence the new ventures that we will be doing together, now and moving forward. This is for you!

The purpose is of course, to let you to get to know me even more deeper and literally like what the segment says, feeling as though you’re living life with me! #ALifeWithAliff!

“Living life with Aliff? Why would I do that?”

Because it’s fun! You don’t need to marry me to live a life with me. No strings attached! Unless you wanna? I’m free Monday to Friday, office hour if you wanna propose.

It’s also for everyone or you to get to know more about the interesting things we do have here in Singapore. Be it attractions or museum tours, literally anything. I’m here to do it first so that you could check out my review prior before actually being there for your date, or outings with your friends.

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Lately, I’ve been listening to the band, Queens, non-stop after a friend of mine showed me the Bohemian Rhapsody movie on Netflix. It instantly turned me into a die-hard fan of that iconic band. And as always, I usually become a fan of a particular band or artistes only after they came to Singapore years after. Like how I’m into Blackpink but not during the time they came here for a show, which is a total waste because now I really wanna see them perform on stage! Now, I just realized that the Queens actually came here before, in 2013 and I didn’t know?! I’m so uncultured.

Sorry, I’m digressing!

I was scrolling through Instagram and saw that a string quartet in Singapore is doing a Queens tribute. First of all, let me make it crystal clear that I’m not really a musical person, be it playing instruments or vocally. I can’t sing! Music is just not my forte, but I could one-hundred percent appreciate it so forgive me if I’m using the wrong words to describe the music notes or instruments.

VOX Singapore, the first pop-rock string quartet in Singapore is doing a Queens tribute at the iconic, heritage building; The Chambers – The Arts House Singapore. I’ve heard of them before and they’re really super cool. VOX Singapore is one of the best string quartet in Singapore and it really was an absolute honour to catch them perform.

I arrived at the Arts House a few minutes before sunset and it wasn’t crowded like what you would expect for a typical concert. Everything was really organised. Two candlelight concert was going on simultaneously, one at the Art House and the other one at the Victoria Concert Hall but no worries, the staff there will definitely guide you to the correct place. Really efficient. Everything is paperless, which I really love. All they need to do is scan your QR code that they sent to your email, that’s all.

The safe distancing measures are all strictly followed. Also, do get yourself fully vaccinated cause if not, you can’t enter the premises. If you’re not vaccinated, you have to get your own swab tests done and your covid results have to be negative. Take note, you have to pay for the test yourself.

The Art House itself was really incredible. It really is beautiful inside and out! I’m a heritage structure enthusiast so it was really mind-blowing for me.

Every corner and stairs of the building really amazed me. The high ceilings, the interior design of the building itself is really phenomenal. The building was built in 1827 and was used as the parliament house until 1999. The Art House is prolly the oldest surviving building in Singapore to date.

The chamber is beautiful too. Everything was perfectly conserved and completed with the original upholstery from 1954. Above photo was taken from their official website.

Once inside, we were ushered to our seats. While the seats were chosen upon booking, you can actually choose your preferred seats when you’re there according to your zone. I prolly was sitting on the second highest row? Whenever I go to concerts, be it an orchestra or a normal typical concert, I’d usually choose a seat from the higher rows! Not only the sound quality is better but also you can view the entire production as a whole.

Specially for the candlelight concert, hundreds of candles were lighted all around the chamber. Definitely, giving off that soothing and calm ambience. Just the perfect venue for a romantic, relaxing string-quartet music.

The row from where I was was definitely perfect. You can view and enjoy the whole concert from here. Mind you, videography isn’t allowed during the set. However, the performers will announce the time when they allow videos to be taken so I took a short one for all of you to enjoy.

Did I enjoy the candlelight concert?

I totally was in love with it. It’s something new for me. Yes, I have the same thought as the most of you. Wouldn’t it make you sleepy? Truthfully, it might. I was awake for work the whole night and only had a 2 hour nap prior to the concert but surprisingly, I was wide awake for the whole performance. I think it’s impossible for anyone to sleep through the amazing performance, it somehow lures you in and it definitely would make you feel relaxed. Not too relaxed till you would fall asleep.

I heard these candlelight concerts are great for dates. I would feel otherwise? I prefer my dates to have deep conversations and laughter. I was here with a friend and while we were whispering, we were immediately shhh-ed by the audience. I guess that the major etiquette of watching these performances is to be quiet, like super quiet? I’m really not sure.

Regardless! I would definitely recommend this to you. Music is relatively much easier to appreciate and for those who are fans of Queens, you’ll definitely enjoy this even more. If you’re finding for something new to enjoy, this is it.

What’s more amazing is that, the performances are held in a lot of romantic, vintage venues. Not only the Art House, they too have these candlelight concerts at the majestic Victoria Concert Hall, The Chijmes and many more! You can check them out here for the tickets and prices.

If you’ve been here, do tell me about your experience!

Aliff Daniel.