Singapore, 3 February 2023 (Friday) – This February, Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO)’s newly minted Principal Conductor Quek Ling Kiong will bring audience members on a journey to an enchanted realm of dance and music. Familiar favourites such as Ambush from All Sides, and Sword Dance III and two Singapore premiere pieces will be performed. Audience members who watch live concerts at the SCO Concert Hall will all be in for a treat!
SCO presents Legends concert on 25 February 2023, 7.30pm
This February, be enthralled and mesmerised by SCO’s Legends concert, under the baton of newly-minted Principal Conductor Quek Ling Kiong. Immerse yourself and get enthralled by local premiere of Ode to Qilin with Meng Jie’s captivating performance on the suona, composed by Kong Zhixuan. Another local premiere Gan Jiang Mo Ye Fantasia, by the Yunnan-born renowned composer Zhang Zhao, is a grand masterpiece not to be missed. The orchestra also presents familiar favourites such as Ambush from All Sides, and Sword Dance III, the latter inspired from the poetry of Tang poet Du Fu who drew inspiration from a sword dance.
The concert commences with Sword Dance III, composed by Xu Changjun. The title Swords came from the name of an ancient Chinese dance of Tang Dynasty. In Tang, there was a famous female dancer named Gong-Sun whom is known for performing swords dance. One day, after looking her performance, poet Du Fu of Tang Dynasty was totally impressed and wrote a poem following that feeling.
Suona musician Meng Jie takes the stage once again, after his solo performance during the An Evening of Concertos III concert held on 11 June 2022. This piece, Ode to Qilin commissioned by suona musician Liu Wenwen, made its debut in 2019. The style is based on two traditions of Shandong, Luxinan Guchuiyue wind and percussion music, and Shandong Bangzi (Wooden Clapper Opera). The composer adopts musical variation techniques used to expand the scope of traditional music pieces to pay tribute to the qilin, which has been acting as the guardian of humanity for millennia. The qilin is an auspicious animal in ancient Chinese mythology, symbolising the people's hopes of good fortune and safety. Many legends about the qilin hail from Shandong, including "Encountering a Qilin in the West" and "The Child-giving qilin". In addition to being seen as a benevolent mythical beast, the Qilin is also a symbol of Confucianism.
In addition, crowd favourite Ambush from All Sides, an ancient tune, arranged by Liu Wenjin, Zhao Yongshan, is not to be missed! The composition is based on the traditional musical structure of the original pipa piece, with the composer intensifying and developing the characters of each sub-section. String instruments are deployed to reinforce the lyricism of arching melodies, while the symphonic technique is used to transform motifs and create a sense of urgency followed by feelings of desperation and sorrow in an ancient battle field.
Lastly, Gan Jiang Mo Ye Fantasia was composed by the renowned composer Zhang Zhao as a commissioned piece by the Suzhou Chinese Orchestra. Based on the moving story of Gan Jiang and Mo Ye, a well-known folklore in Suzhou, the composition comprises four movements, namely "The Oath", "Snow-capped Peaks", "Inferno", and "Nirvana". Melodic tunes tell the story of the skilled blacksmith Gan Jiang. He was asked to forge a pair of swords, named "Gan Jiang" (male sword) and "Mo Ye" (female sword) respectively, for the King of Wu. However, the King had Gan Jiang murdered after the swords had been forged. The couple's son, Chi, devoted his life to seeking revenge for his father. The musical piece sidesteps literary narrative modes and instead emphasises emotional and spiritual expression. Through the performance of four movements, a powerful message is communicated to the audience – one of great love, righteousness, and courage.
Ticketing details
SISTIC Link: https://www.sistic.com.sg/events/legends0223
Ticket Price (Excludes SISTIC charges):
$70、$60、 $40、$20 (Concession, includes Senior Citizen, Student, NS Men etc)
SCO Legends concert Programme List
Conductor: Quek Ling Kiong
Sword Dance III, Composed by Xu Changjun
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Ode to Qilin, Composed by Kong Zhixuan
Suona: Meng Jie
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Ambush from All Sides, Ancient tune, Arranged by Liu Wenjin, Zhao Yongshan
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Gan Jiang Mo Ye Fantasia, Composed by Zhang Zhao
Movement I: The Oath
Movement II: Snow-capped Peaks
Movement III: Inferno
Movement IV: Nirvana
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Other upcoming concerts include:
SCO goes to Heartbeat@Bedok concert will be happening on 4 February 2023 (Saturday), 6pm. This concert is supported by Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, National Arts Council, Tote Board and Temasek Foundation. Admission is free!
Join the Singapore Chinese Orchestra at Heartbeat@Bedok on 4 Feb 2023 at 6pm, as we celebrate Yuan Xiao. Croon to familiar festive music pieces such as He Xin Nian (New Year Greetings) and Full Moon Blossoms, and local favourites such as the xinyao evergreen Friendship Forever. Local dikir barat ensemble Nibong Tunggal will be performing the well-loved Di Tanjong Katong with SCO, showcasing a confluence of cultures. A concert not to be missed!
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Concert-In-Progress: SYF Demonstration Concert will be happening on 3 March 2023 (Friday), 3pm at the SCO Concert Hall. This concert is supported by Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, National Arts Council, Tote Board and Temasek Foundation.
Calling out to all secondary school and JC & Millenia Institute Chinese orchestra instructors, conductors and teachers-in-charge participating in Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) Arts Presentation! The Concert-in-Progress: SYF Demonstration Concert is back in the concert hall on 3 March 2023, 3pm. Conductor Mr Quek Ling Kiong will be sharing tips and insights from the set pieces – Dauntless by Wang Chenwei (secondary school), and Tiong Bahru by Eric Watson (JC & Millenia Institute) – that the students will be performing in the arts presentation showcase in April. Homegrown SCO double bassist Frankie Lee will be sharing his music journey with us in the second segment. Lastly, SCO will be performing the top audience choice piece voted online by students. Join us for Concert-in-Progress, and enhance the synergy and music appreciation within your orchestra.
Ticketing details
Ticket Price (Excludes SISTIC charges): $16
Please contact Box office at 6557 4034 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for ticket purchase. Thank you!
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Under the baton of Associate Conductor Moses, Gay, immerse yourself in the joyous spirit this school holidays! SCO goes to Jalan Kayu community concert will be happening on 11 March 2023 (Saturday), 6pm. The performance will be held at Fernvale Park (Near Thanggam LRT station), admission is free!
Moses Gay
More information to be released, stay tuned for more updates!
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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 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.
For media enquiries, please contact:
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