Singapore, 10 September, 2024 – The Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) is set to present a captivating duo of concerts as part of 2024‘s "Virtuoso Series": "Towards the Light" and "Ode to Peking Opera: Zhang Lie SCO." These performances showcase the innovative charm of Chinese orchestral music and the profound essence of Peking opera.
Towards the Light
Curated and conducted by SCO Associate Conductor Moses Gay, "Towards the Light" concert features a selection of challenging and enlightening pieces that symbolize hope. Moses shared, "‘Towards the Light' symbolically represents hope and renewal, akin to finding light at the end of a tunnel. I have chosen pieces that SCO has not previously performed. These pieces are not only challenging but also imbued with hope, blending Eastern and Western aesthetics to inspire our audience to find light amidst the darkness and move forward together."
The concert highlights the Singapore premiere of the fifth movement Light of The Fifth Chinese Symphony Towards the Light, by renowned composer Liu Changyuan. This profound piece delves into the resilience and determination of humanity when faced with destiny, with each note expressing a deep longing for truth—a guiding light that propels us forward—and the strength to find hope amid darkness. Additionally, the concert will feature Garden Veils by local composer Ho Chee Kong, adapted by Phang Kok Jun, which blends Eastern and Western artistic aesthetics and exudes a distinctive Nanyang style.
Notably, the concert highlights two memorable concerto pieces that played an important role in SCO’s history. SCO Erhu II Principal Zhu Lin will perform Fantasia of the Western Regions, using the unique timbre of the diyin erhu to narrate stories of cultural diversity in the West and human struggles for survival. From peaceful daily life to the tumult of war, this piece offers a stark contrast that highlights the complex nature of life and the enduring spirit of people in adversity. Fantasia of the Western Regions was a concerto commissioned by SCO in 2002 for the diyin erhu, a relatively less renowned instrument. The work was premiered by Zhu Lin in 2002. SCO veteran dizi musician Lim Sin Yeo will present the dizi concerto Cascades, vividly depicting the merger of natural landscapes and human emotions, presenting a magnificent tapestry of music harmoniously intertwined with nature. Sin Yeo performed this concerto in SCO’s inaugural concert in 1997, held in Victoria Concert Hall.
Ode to Peking: Zhang Lie and SCO
Esteemed conductor Zhang Lie, one of the Top 10 Chinese orchestra conductors in China, returns to Singapore for the "Ode to Peking Opera" concert with SCO. The concert, meticulously planned by Huang Guifang, Plucked Strings Section Leader and Sanxian Principal, delves deep into the fusion of Peking opera and Chinese orchestral music.
Huang Guifang shared, "‘Ode to Peking Opera’ concert draws from essence of Peking opera and the charms of Chinese orchestral music. This concert will explore traditional Peking opera and modern arrangements, showcasing the unique allure of opera music and its modern expressiveness." A highlight of the concert is the collaboration between famous Jinghu musician Wang Caiyun and Professor Wang Jianhua from Central Conservatory of Music, in Night Thoughts. This ensemble piece showcases the tragic grandeur and emotional depth of opera music through an exquisite dialogue between the jinghu and percussion. Young and talented opera performer Li Bo will perform several famous sections from the modern Peking opera Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy, demonstrating his impressive skills. Finally, SCO will also perform numerous well-loved Peking opera classics such as The Family Legend – The Moon at Dawn over Lugou Bridge, Ode to Pear Blossom, and The Surging of Turbulent Clouds.
Concert details:
Towards the Light
Date: 12 October 2024, Saturday
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: SCO concert hall
Ticket price: $20-$80 (not inclusive of SISTIC fee)
Ticket purchase link: https://bit.ly/4aJxudg
Ode to Peking Opera: Zhang Lie and SCO
Date:2 November 2024, Saturday
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: SCO concert hall
Ticket price: $20-$80 (not inclusive of SISTIC fee)
Ticket purchase link: https://bit.ly/4bUB5q3
About SCO
Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) is Singapore’s only professional Chinese orchestra. Inaugurated in 1996, 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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