The third Secret Sessions
The third edition of our Secret Sessions was held at The NCO Club’s Stags’ Room, which was the perfect setting for enjoying a variety of fine wines. As guests savoured the relaxing ambience, butlers served canapés and cheese. For the purpose of getting to know one another better, a+’s guests played a game of “human bingo” . They also enjoyed a wine tasting masterclass with head sommelier Inthran Ramasamy. A flight of barolos was served, including Borgogno Barolo and Michele Chiarlo Palas Barolo. Both wines are produced in Piedmont, Italy, from nebbiolo, a small, thin skinned red grape varietal. Another highlight is a riesling from Mosel, Germany, the Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Spätlese. The merry-making continued with live entertainment at Cool Cats, the hip cocktail bar next door.
A JEWELLED MOMENT WITH Fabergé
Kate Lim, general manager of Sincere Fine Watches and Antony Lindsay, CEO of Fabergé welcomed guests of a+ to a Michelin-starred four-course luncheon at Ce Soir. A selection of jewelled timepieces, jewellery, and bejewelled eggs were showcased. The watches in particular, featured movement developed by Agenhor, an internationally renowned artisanal atelier that specialises in the conception, development, and creation of innovative mechanical complication modules.
The two-time Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève award winner Fabergé is owned by British corporation Gemfields, the globally renowned responsible miner and retailer of coloured gemstones. Additionally, it is an expert in the mining and trading of rubies and emeralds from some of the finest sources.
ARTFUL GIVING With Sogetsu Singapore
Sogetsu Singapore celebrates its 57th anniversary with the theme Artful Giving – Sogetsu Ikebana Awakening 2023 at the Shangri-la Hotel Tower ballroom. Guests were treated to a wonderful visual demonstration by master instructors from the Sogetsu HQ in Japan, Ken Katayama and his wife Koso Katayama. A lively lucky draw session ended the evening with much anticipation and squeals of delight. Joining the festivities were the ambassador of Japan, Hiroshi Ishikawa and his wife, Yuko, as well as the CEO of HCSA Community Services (beneficiary of this instalment’s charity gala), Kim Lang Khalil. The estimated gross amount raised before expenses was estimated to be $125,800.
OVER THE RAINBOW At the jass benefit gala
Held at the Shangri-La Hotel Island Ballroom, the 5th JASS (Jazz Association Singapore) Benefit Gala 2023 was fittingly named “Over The Rainbow”. It saw over 550 donors, guests, and sponsors dressed in a rainbow of colours, from pastels to vibrant and neon hues. Bidding was fervent during a silent auction for hotel, food and beverage packages, as well as aesthetic treatments provided by Shangri-la Hotel, Pan Pacific London, Parkroyal Penang, and Dr. Ivor Lim.
Another key highlight of the evening was the “Build Your Legacy Through Jazz” series. Guests support a cause by bidding on a custom jazz tune created just for them. They could pick the composer of their choice, according to donation amount. Composers include Jeremy Monteiro, the in-residence executive director and music director, a variety of music directors, or composers from either the Jazz Association Singapore Orchestra (JASSO) or the Jazz Association Singapore Youth Orchestra (JASSYO).
The two time Grammy-nominated Roberta Gambarini flew in specially from New York to serenade the guests. The evening, graced by Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law, raised over $900,000. The amount was the highest in its seven-year history.
