Singapore, 29 July 2021 (Thursday) – Come celebrate National Day with Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) on 6 August 2021 (Friday), 12pm at the SCO Concert Hall. As part of the SPH Gift of Music Series sponsored by Singapore Press Holdings Foundation, the home-grown Chinese orchestra will be presenting A Musical Gift “Unmasked”《罩不住的琴艺深深》- an exciting line-up of familiar patriotic favourites, Xinyao classics and new inspirations.
Programme curator, SCO Resident conductor Quek Ling Kiong shared about his inspiration behind the theme of the concert. He said, “I still remember the Chinese character 罩 (“mask” in Chinese) was picked by readers in Word of the Year 2020 (字述一年), organized by SPH’s Chinese flagship Daily Lianhe Zaobao. I have always kept it in my innovation booklet, where I collect my ideas for programming and creative thoughts.” He highlighted that it was a good reflection of how this habit of wearing a mask, an important part of our daily lives, has already been deeply marked in everyone’s minds and hearts. “Although we can mask up to keep safe, the therapeutic power and the beauty of music cannot be masked or hidden away from us. It is with this passion and belief that SCO continues to share our music to all of you.”
This concert is SPH's musical gift to the nation in celebration of Singapore's 56th National Day. Don your most glamorous red and white outfit, and come in anticipation of a jubilant yet heart-warming afternoon as we celebrate our nation’s birthday, with the captivating sounds of Chinese orchestral music! While the concert is free admission, interested audience members are required to get their free tickets on SISTIC platform. The free tickets are available on a first-come-first-served basis on SISTIC starting Wednesday (28 July 2021). The concert is currently limited to 50 audience members and will also be live-streamed on SCO and SPH’s Facebook pages at 12pm on 6 August.
Listen to the beautiful elements of Singapore’s vibrant multi-cultural landscape as the concert commence with Power Singapura《动力狮城》, composed by Quek Ling Kiong and local young composer Phang Kok Jun. This piece draws its musical influences from the percussion music of multi-culture in Singapore. Though seemingly distinctive at first, these musical materials are seamlessly interconnected within the piece, and are unified with a vibrant rhythmic display.
Familiar Xinyao favourites in Xinyao Medley《摇摇新谣》are bound to tug at your heartstrings. Arranged by Sim Boon Yew, this medley includes Swing the Folk《摇摇民谣》, One Step At A Time《一步一步来》, Since the Day You Looked Back 《从你回眸那天开始》, A Song For You《写一首歌给你》, as well as Friendship Forever《细水长流》, the most representative piece written and composed by Liang Wern Fook lauding one’s ability to strive on against all odds. This will be the highlight for fans of Xinyao, a popular music movement that blossomed in Singapore in the 1980s.
SCO will also present Three Short Malay Pieces, composed by local young composer Chow Junyi. This piece consists of three short Malay songs including Ikan Kekek, Burung Kakak Tua and Rasa Sayang. It is a wonderful recreation of the familiar tunes into chamber music for a Chinese bowed strings ensemble, seemingly refreshing, enchanting and delightful. In addition, a lively ballad titled Rain 《雨》, composed by Cao Wengong will also be presented.
In conjunction with this National Day season, SCO will go on to showcase patriotic tunes well-loved by Singaporeans, such as Flavours@SG 《家园@SG》, arranged by local young composer Liong Kit Yeng. This piece consists of a medley of Singapore community songs, including Rasa Sayang, Munnaeru Vaalibaa, My Homeland 《我的家园》and Home.
Audience members can also enjoy Trains of Thoughts, composed by local young composer Phang Kok Jun. The composer wrote this piece exploring how individual lines of music could come together to create music, akin to how fragments of thoughts could be combined to construct new ideas and directions. This segment features sound artist Evan Tan, where a collage of sounds in Singapore will be played while the orchestra performs. Lastly, the concert will conclude with Our Singapore, composed by Dick Lee, rearranged by Phang Kok Jun, and originally performed by the well-loved home-grown international star JJ Lin.
This lunchtime concert is part of the Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) Gift of Music Series sponsored by SPH Foundation.
SISTIC Link: https://www.sistic.com.sg/events/gift0821
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About Singapore Chinese Orchestra
Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) is Singapore’s only professional Chinese orchestra. Inaugurated in 1997, the orchestra made up of more than 80 musicians took on the twin role of preserving traditional arts and culture and establishing new frontiers through the incorporation of Nanyang music elements in its repertoire. SCO has impressed a broadening audience with its blockbuster presentations and is fast establishing itself among its counterparts around the world. Known for its high performance standards and versatility, the SCO is recognized through invitations to perform at numerous prestigious events locally and internationally. In line with its vision to be a world-renowned people’s orchestra, SCO continues to inspire, educate and communicate through its music.
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