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Chamber Charms:
Pizzicato
Performers: SCO Plucked String Section
- Pipa: Wang Siyuan
- Yangqin: Ma Huan
Composed by Zhang Xiaofeng
Antiphonal Flower Song
Composed by Zhang Xiaofeng
The title Antiphonal Flower Song was borrowed from a folk song and refers covertly to the duet between Pipa and Yangqin in this piece, which comprises of a free-spirited two-act structure. The first act draws the listener from far to near through the blend of quiet and melodious vocals and graceful dance choreography. The second act uses overtones produced by glissando notes on the pipa to mimic the sound of the mouth harp. Then, the melody picks up speed again and brings us back to the graceful dance and song of the first act, before the song fades off into the night. Overall, the composition conveys a sense of enigma and mystery. This piece was commissioned by renowned pipa player Professor Yang Jing.
Zhang Xiaofeng
Zhang Xiaofeng is a well-known Chinese musician and composer. He performed as a yangqin soloist in the Shanghai Opera House and switched tracks to be a full-time composer since 1970. In the 1970s, he created works A Salesman Comes to the Village and Song of the Stockade Near the Border that were immensely popular till today. His later works such as The Songs of Pipa and The Newly-Weds' Parting were given the epithet The Tang Poetry of Music. Zhang's erhu concertos The Songs of Lige, Yang Guifei, The Love of Xi Shi, and Snow in June received raving reviews when they premiered in Singapore. Zhang's exploration, systematisation, arrangement, and publication of Jiangnan Sizhu art have undoubtedly played a key role in the official inclusion of this art form in China's intangible cultural heritage.
Zhang Xiaofeng
Zhang Xiaofeng is a well-known Chinese musician and composer. He performed as a yangqin soloist in the Shanghai Opera House and switched tracks to be a full-time composer since 1970. In the 1970s, he created works A Salesman Comes to the Village and Song of the Stockade Near the Border that were immensely popular till today. His later works such as The Songs of Pipa and The Newly-Weds' Parting were given the epithet The Tang Poetry of Music. Zhang's erhu concertos The Songs of Lige, Yang Guifei, The Love of Xi Shi, and Snow in June received raving reviews when they premiered in Singapore. Zhang's exploration, systematisation, arrangement, and publication of Jiangnan Sizhu art have undoubtedly played a key role in the official inclusion of this art form in China's intangible cultural heritage.
Featuring
Wang Siyuan
Wang Siyuan was accepted into the Central Conservatory of Music Affiliated Middle School in 2008, where she studied under the tutelage of Professor Fan Wei. After her graduation, she moved to Singapore to continue her music studies in the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in 2015, where she studied under SCO Pipa Principal Yu Jia. In November 2015, Siyuan successfully auditioned and joined the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra. She joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a pipa musician in September 2023.
Siyuan matured as a Pipa player in NAFA, and she took participated actively in school performances and exchange programs. She had also performed on many occasions NAFA hosted visitors from China. Siyuan represented NAFA in the 2016 National Chinese Music Competition, and she came in Second in the Open Category. She was also one of NAFA’s representatives in the Ensemble Category, in which the group won the First prize.
In 2017, Siyuan won both the NAFA-RAVE Chinese Concerto Competition as well as the Nanyang International Music Competition (Pipa, Open Category), on top of being part of a NAFA concerto group that clinched the champion title in the Concerto (Professional) Category. In 2018, she won the Pipa Open Category in the Singapore National Chinese Music Competition, and was selected for the Winner's Concert, performing Apsaras on the Silk Road (丝路飞天) with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. In 2019, she won the Rave Concerto Competition. In March 2019, she was selected as the soloist for "Dauntless Spirit", an annual concert put up by the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, and performed the Pipa concerto The Sword and the Scroll (文武双全). Her performances were very well received and highly acclaimed by the audience. During her studies in Pipa performance, Siyuan started learning the Zhongruan, and in 2019, Siyuan participated in the 2nd Nanyang International Music Competition Zhongruan Youth Professional Category, which she was awarded second place. In 2020, Siyuan started studying Bachelor's Degree in Zhongruan under the tutelage of Yu Jia. In the same year, Siyuan participated in the Singapore Chinese Music Competition Zhongruan Open Category, where she won 1st prize. In 2021, Siyuan took part in the 3rd Nanyang International Music Competition Zhongruan Open Professional Category, winning the top prize of the category. In 2023, Siyuan continued her studies in a master course at NAFA.
Pipa
Wang Siyuan
Wang Siyuan was accepted into the Central Conservatory of Music Affiliated Middle School in 2008, where she studied under the tutelage of Professor Fan Wei. After her graduation, she moved to Singapore to continue her music studies in the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in 2015, where she studied under SCO Pipa Principal Yu Jia. In November 2015, Siyuan successfully auditioned and joined the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra. She joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a pipa musician in September 2023.
Siyuan matured as a Pipa player in NAFA, and she took participated actively in school performances and exchange programs. She had also performed on many occasions NAFA hosted visitors from China. Siyuan represented NAFA in the 2016 National Chinese Music Competition, and she came in Second in the Open Category. She was also one of NAFA’s representatives in the Ensemble Category, in which the group won the First prize.
In 2017, Siyuan won both the NAFA-RAVE Chinese Concerto Competition as well as the Nanyang International Music Competition (Pipa, Open Category), on top of being part of a NAFA concerto group that clinched the champion title in the Concerto (Professional) Category. In 2018, she won the Pipa Open Category in the Singapore National Chinese Music Competition, and was selected for the Winner's Concert, performing Apsaras on the Silk Road (丝路飞天) with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. In 2019, she won the Rave Concerto Competition. In March 2019, she was selected as the soloist for "Dauntless Spirit", an annual concert put up by the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, and performed the Pipa concerto The Sword and the Scroll (文武双全). Her performances were very well received and highly acclaimed by the audience. During her studies in Pipa performance, Siyuan started learning the Zhongruan, and in 2019, Siyuan participated in the 2nd Nanyang International Music Competition Zhongruan Youth Professional Category, which she was awarded second place. In 2020, Siyuan started studying Bachelor's Degree in Zhongruan under the tutelage of Yu Jia. In the same year, Siyuan participated in the Singapore Chinese Music Competition Zhongruan Open Category, where she won 1st prize. In 2021, Siyuan took part in the 3rd Nanyang International Music Competition Zhongruan Open Professional Category, winning the top prize of the category. In 2023, Siyuan continued her studies in a master course at NAFA.
Ma Huan
Ma Huan began learning Yangqin at 4 under the tuteledge of Professor Wei Yanming. She was admitted to the China Conservatory of Music in 2002 and become the protégé of renowned Yangqin educator Xiang Zuhua. Furthermore, she learned the Hungarian dulcimer from Ms. Viktoria Herencsar and studied percussion under Professor Wang Yidong. After graduating in 2008 with a Master degree, Ma Huan was employed as an instructor by the Chinese Opera Institute. In 2010, she joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a Yangqin musician. After which, she learned about composing from the famed Singapore local musician Law Wai Lun and music conducting from local famed conductor Dr. Tay Teow Kiat. She is currently the Vice Chairperson of Singapore Yangqin Association.
In 2002, Ma Huan won the Young Professional Group Performance Award and set up a String Chamber Orchestra which won a group gold medal in the International Youth Instrumental Competition in Macau in 2003. During her years in college, she participated in the CCTV “Teochew Music Festival special” performance, the Seventh Beijing International Music Festival, Sino French Music Festival, and Hungarian Music Festival. She successfully held a series of “Yangqin Works of Xiang Zuhua Teacher Student” concerts and performed in the first public performance of the double Yanqin piece The Butterfly Lovers. • Butterfly Qin Tunes, after which she participated in recording the Best of Xiang Zuhua Yangqin Collection II CD.
In January 2013, she held a concert named Silken Expressions at Esplanade Singapore Theatres on the Bay. In 2015, she was invited as the judge of NAFA music contest. Her students have won numerous awards at the Singapore National Music Instrumental Competition. As a composer, her works include Lost, school song of Pei Qun Primary School, Let it go, Dream chaser and Fantasia twinkle twinkle little star. She also produced a orchestra piece with distinctive Singaporean characteristics, titled A Ditty of Nyonya.
Yangqin
Ma Huan
Ma Huan began learning Yangqin at 4 under the tuteledge of Professor Wei Yanming. She was admitted to the China Conservatory of Music in 2002 and become the protégé of renowned Yangqin educator Xiang Zuhua. Furthermore, she learned the Hungarian dulcimer from Ms. Viktoria Herencsar and studied percussion under Professor Wang Yidong. After graduating in 2008 with a Master degree, Ma Huan was employed as an instructor by the Chinese Opera Institute. In 2010, she joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a Yangqin musician. After which, she learned about composing from the famed Singapore local musician Law Wai Lun and music conducting from local famed conductor Dr. Tay Teow Kiat. She is currently the Vice Chairperson of Singapore Yangqin Association.
In 2002, Ma Huan won the Young Professional Group Performance Award and set up a String Chamber Orchestra which won a group gold medal in the International Youth Instrumental Competition in Macau in 2003. During her years in college, she participated in the CCTV “Teochew Music Festival special” performance, the Seventh Beijing International Music Festival, Sino French Music Festival, and Hungarian Music Festival. She successfully held a series of “Yangqin Works of Xiang Zuhua Teacher Student” concerts and performed in the first public performance of the double Yanqin piece The Butterfly Lovers. • Butterfly Qin Tunes, after which she participated in recording the Best of Xiang Zuhua Yangqin Collection II CD.
In January 2013, she held a concert named Silken Expressions at Esplanade Singapore Theatres on the Bay. In 2015, she was invited as the judge of NAFA music contest. Her students have won numerous awards at the Singapore National Music Instrumental Competition. As a composer, her works include Lost, school song of Pei Qun Primary School, Let it go, Dream chaser and Fantasia twinkle twinkle little star. She also produced a orchestra piece with distinctive Singaporean characteristics, titled A Ditty of Nyonya.
- Pipa: Wang Siyuan
- Yangqin: Ma Huan
- Gaoyin Ruan: Liang Ming-Huei
- Xiaoruan: Koh Min Hui
- Zhongruan: Ngeow Si Ming, Jonathan
- Daruan: Chan Jing Wen, Kenny
Composed by Liu Xing
Rearranged by Chen Zhe
Mountain Song
Composed by Liu Xing
Rearranged by Chen Zhe
The original version of Mountain Song was created by Liu Xing, a renowned ruan musician and composer. The piece went on to become an iconic ruan solo masterpiece. The current version, carefully rearranged for a ruan ensemble, plays up the interaction between the different variations of ruan, giving them dialogue-like dynamics. Lines of the melody woven together resemble turn-taking in conversations, creating an undulating effect that enriches the layers and spatiality of the music.
Liu Xing
Liu Xing is China’s renowned composer and zhongruan musician. He is the Research Supervisor who guides the Shanghai Conservatory of Music’s RuanGraduate Studies and the Art Director of the music production company, Ban Du. His works are focuses more on folk music and Newage music, including Animal Suites, No.2 Folk Symphony and Zhongruan Concerto – Memoirs of Yunnan.
Liu Xing
Liu Xing is China’s renowned composer and zhongruan musician. He is the Research Supervisor who guides the Shanghai Conservatory of Music’s RuanGraduate Studies and the Art Director of the music production company, Ban Du. His works are focuses more on folk music and Newage music, including Animal Suites, No.2 Folk Symphony and Zhongruan Concerto – Memoirs of Yunnan.
Featuring
Liang Ming-Huei
Liang Ming-Huei was born in Taoyuan, Taiwan. She began learning the piano and the liuqin at age five and seven respectively. She performed on stage for the first time when she was 10 and started playing the zhongruan at the age of 13. Liang Ming-Huei obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2021 and Master of Arts degree in 2023 from the Department of Chinese Music, National Taiwan University of Arts. She studied under the tutelage of Assistant Professor Chen Chung-Ching, a liuqin and zhongruan performer and educator. She joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra in 2023 as a zhongruan musician. Liang Ming-Huei graduated from the music class of the Affiliated Zhongli Senior High School of National Central University in 2017. During her time in the school, she was a student of Yang Chieh-Ju, to whom she owes her musical inspiration, and was also mentored by Chen Zi-Han.
As a student, Liang was already actively involved in various events both on and off campus. She was a regular performer at the annual concert series held at Taiwan’s National Concert Hall (NCH) and has been invited to perform as a lead musician at NCH despite being a newcomer to the scene. She has also been invited to join various school orchestras including the Little Giant Chinese Chamber Orchestra and professional orchestras as an adjunct musician. Her performances have taken her all over Taiwan, Mainland China, and Mexico.
Liang's talents have not gone unnoticed, evident from the myriad of awards, concerts, and recorded works under her belt. These include clinching double Gold Awards in the Senior High Category at the Taiwan National Student Competition of Music in both 2017 and 2019 for her outstanding performance on the liuqin and zhongruan. In September 2023, Liang participated in the Taoyuan City Chinese Instrumental Music Competition for ruan and guzheng as a zhongruan performer and won the Audience's Choice Award. In April 2023, she got into the semifinals of the Rising Star of Zhongruan – NCO Music Competition 2023. In 2019, Liang performed a concerto Die Loreley at a pluck string showcase held at the National Taiwan University of Arts. She also joined the Taipei Chinese Orchestra in the studio recording for both of Lo Leung-Fai’s The Four Seasons albums, released in 2022 and 2023 respectively. In 2021 and 2023, she held solo graduation concerts to mark the end of her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts journeys at the National Taiwan University of Arts. She debuted Danza Spagnola for the liuqin, zhongruan, and piano to great acclaim. On top of being a full-time performer, Liang also teaches piano, zhongruan, liuqin and foundational music courses such as sight singing, dictation and music theory.
Zhongruan
Liang Ming-Huei
Liang Ming-Huei was born in Taoyuan, Taiwan. She began learning the piano and the liuqin at age five and seven respectively. She performed on stage for the first time when she was 10 and started playing the zhongruan at the age of 13. Liang Ming-Huei obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2021 and Master of Arts degree in 2023 from the Department of Chinese Music, National Taiwan University of Arts. She studied under the tutelage of Assistant Professor Chen Chung-Ching, a liuqin and zhongruan performer and educator. She joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra in 2023 as a zhongruan musician. Liang Ming-Huei graduated from the music class of the Affiliated Zhongli Senior High School of National Central University in 2017. During her time in the school, she was a student of Yang Chieh-Ju, to whom she owes her musical inspiration, and was also mentored by Chen Zi-Han.
As a student, Liang was already actively involved in various events both on and off campus. She was a regular performer at the annual concert series held at Taiwan’s National Concert Hall (NCH) and has been invited to perform as a lead musician at NCH despite being a newcomer to the scene. She has also been invited to join various school orchestras including the Little Giant Chinese Chamber Orchestra and professional orchestras as an adjunct musician. Her performances have taken her all over Taiwan, Mainland China, and Mexico.
Liang's talents have not gone unnoticed, evident from the myriad of awards, concerts, and recorded works under her belt. These include clinching double Gold Awards in the Senior High Category at the Taiwan National Student Competition of Music in both 2017 and 2019 for her outstanding performance on the liuqin and zhongruan. In September 2023, Liang participated in the Taoyuan City Chinese Instrumental Music Competition for ruan and guzheng as a zhongruan performer and won the Audience's Choice Award. In April 2023, she got into the semifinals of the Rising Star of Zhongruan – NCO Music Competition 2023. In 2019, Liang performed a concerto Die Loreley at a pluck string showcase held at the National Taiwan University of Arts. She also joined the Taipei Chinese Orchestra in the studio recording for both of Lo Leung-Fai’s The Four Seasons albums, released in 2022 and 2023 respectively. In 2021 and 2023, she held solo graduation concerts to mark the end of her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts journeys at the National Taiwan University of Arts. She debuted Danza Spagnola for the liuqin, zhongruan, and piano to great acclaim. On top of being a full-time performer, Liang also teaches piano, zhongruan, liuqin and foundational music courses such as sight singing, dictation and music theory.
Koh Min Hui
Koh Min Hui joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a zhongruan musician at the age of 21, right before graduating from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) with a music degree in 2011. Back then, she was the youngest musician in the orchestra.
Min Hui is no stranger to the music industry. Currently, she is the Zhongruan Principal of the Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble and committee member of the Ruanxian Association of Singapore. Min Hui is professionally trained to teach autistic children ruan and has been teaching in Pathlight School since 2014. She is also the newly appointed ruan instructor for the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra (SNYCO) since January 2020.
Growing up in the music scene, Min Hui started learning zhongruan at the age of 8 under the guidance of Ms. Xu Yi Ping. She later gained admission to the School of Young Talents at NAFA, where she obtained the Zhongruan Diploma awarded by the Central Conservatory of China in 2005. Since 2006, Min Hui has been under the tutelage of Mdm. Zhang Ronghui, Ruan Principal in the SCO. A recipient of the Ngee Ann Kongsi merit award for degree studies in 2010; Min Hui graduated from her BA (Hons) Music, majoring in Ruan, with an upper second-class honour at NAFA in July 2011.
A multi-award winner, Min Hui was the only Gold Award winner representing Singapore in the 2010 Inaugural International Ruan Competition (professional youth category) organised by the China Nationalities Orchestra Society in Beijing. In 2008, she was the first person in history of the National Arts Council National Chinese Music Competition (now known as Singapore Chinese Music Competition) to clinch the First prize in the Zhongruan Open Category.
Zhongruan
Koh Min Hui
Koh Min Hui joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a zhongruan musician at the age of 21, right before graduating from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) with a music degree in 2011. Back then, she was the youngest musician in the orchestra.
Min Hui is no stranger to the music industry. Currently, she is the Zhongruan Principal of the Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble and committee member of the Ruanxian Association of Singapore. Min Hui is professionally trained to teach autistic children ruan and has been teaching in Pathlight School since 2014. She is also the newly appointed ruan instructor for the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra (SNYCO) since January 2020.
Growing up in the music scene, Min Hui started learning zhongruan at the age of 8 under the guidance of Ms. Xu Yi Ping. She later gained admission to the School of Young Talents at NAFA, where she obtained the Zhongruan Diploma awarded by the Central Conservatory of China in 2005. Since 2006, Min Hui has been under the tutelage of Mdm. Zhang Ronghui, Ruan Principal in the SCO. A recipient of the Ngee Ann Kongsi merit award for degree studies in 2010; Min Hui graduated from her BA (Hons) Music, majoring in Ruan, with an upper second-class honour at NAFA in July 2011.
A multi-award winner, Min Hui was the only Gold Award winner representing Singapore in the 2010 Inaugural International Ruan Competition (professional youth category) organised by the China Nationalities Orchestra Society in Beijing. In 2008, she was the first person in history of the National Arts Council National Chinese Music Competition (now known as Singapore Chinese Music Competition) to clinch the First prize in the Zhongruan Open Category.
Ngeow Si Ming Jonathan
Jonathan Ngeow is one of the most sought after Ruan musicians of his generation. His ability to captivate audiences with his intrinsic musicianship and dynamic presence, coupled with his passion for advocating Chinese music through his media presence redefines what it means to be a Chinese instrumentalist, making him one of the leading Ruan musicians of today.
A multi-award winner, Jonathan clinched the first prize (Zhongruan Open Category) at the National Chinese Music Competition 2010 in Singapore and performed his winning concerto with the SCO at the Prize Winners’ Concert. He was also awarded the silver prize at the inaugural Zhongruan competition organised by the China Nationalities Orchestra Society the same year in Beijing.
In 2017 he was invited to stage a recital at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and performed Zhongruan concerto (Reminiscences of Yunnan) accompanied by the Symphonic Winds. In 2018 Jonathan held a recital (Onwards) in the Esplanade recital studio as part of their Chinese Chamber Series and in that very year he recorded the music for Disney’s live action movie “Mulan”. In 2019 he debuts his solo recital at the National Theatre and Concert Hall in Taipei. In the midst of the Pandemic in 2020, Jonathan recorded the music for the Hollywood movie “Songbird”.
Jonathan is a versatile musician who is comfortable playing in an orchestra, chamber ensemble and as a soloist. Apart from being in the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, he is also the founding member of DingYi Music Company, Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble. Jonathan prides in teaching and inspiring the next generation of ruan musicians and hopes he can impart his knowledge to them.
Zhongruan
Ngeow Si Ming Jonathan
Jonathan Ngeow is one of the most sought after Ruan musicians of his generation. His ability to captivate audiences with his intrinsic musicianship and dynamic presence, coupled with his passion for advocating Chinese music through his media presence redefines what it means to be a Chinese instrumentalist, making him one of the leading Ruan musicians of today.
A multi-award winner, Jonathan clinched the first prize (Zhongruan Open Category) at the National Chinese Music Competition 2010 in Singapore and performed his winning concerto with the SCO at the Prize Winners’ Concert. He was also awarded the silver prize at the inaugural Zhongruan competition organised by the China Nationalities Orchestra Society the same year in Beijing.
In 2017 he was invited to stage a recital at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and performed Zhongruan concerto (Reminiscences of Yunnan) accompanied by the Symphonic Winds. In 2018 Jonathan held a recital (Onwards) in the Esplanade recital studio as part of their Chinese Chamber Series and in that very year he recorded the music for Disney’s live action movie “Mulan”. In 2019 he debuts his solo recital at the National Theatre and Concert Hall in Taipei. In the midst of the Pandemic in 2020, Jonathan recorded the music for the Hollywood movie “Songbird”.
Jonathan is a versatile musician who is comfortable playing in an orchestra, chamber ensemble and as a soloist. Apart from being in the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, he is also the founding member of DingYi Music Company, Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble. Jonathan prides in teaching and inspiring the next generation of ruan musicians and hopes he can impart his knowledge to them.
Chan Jing Wen Kenny
Kenny Chan, Singapore’s home grown ruan artist graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in partnership with the Royal College of Music (London) and the Central Conservatory of Music (Beijing). Kenny joined Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) as daruan musician in 2023. He was under the tutelage of SCO Ruan Principal Zhang Ronghui and Jing Po, he also did a minor in sanxian performance under the tutelage of SCO Pluck Strings Sectional Leader Huang Guifang and renowned sanxian musician Zhang Nianbing.
Kenny is the founding member of Ding Yi Music Company, Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble. Kenny presented a double Ruan concerto composed by local composer Jean. Y Foo with Ding Yi music company, and was conducted by Maestro Lim Yau. In 2008, Kenny won the Silver award at the 28th Shanghai Spring International Music Festival and first prize under the folk ensemble category at the 2009 National Eisteddfod of Wales (Llangollen) with Art-Sphere ensemble (now known as Ding Yi Music Company). In 2010, Kenny was awarded with the first runner-up for Ruan Solo Competition (Open Category) in the National Chinese Music Competition (now known as Singapore Chinese Music Competition). In the same year, he was appointed as Pluck Strings Principal in Ding Yi Music Company.
In 2018, Chan joined the Suzhou Chinese Orchestra (SUCO) and was with SUCO on the well-received tour around Europe. He was awarded the Austrian Music Theatre Prize 2021 with SUCO. Apart from playing in the orchestral and chamber ensemble setting, Kenny has a strong calling in educating the next generation of ruan musician, hoping to impart his knowledge and experiences to them.
Daruan
Chan Jing Wen Kenny
Kenny Chan, Singapore’s home grown ruan artist graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in partnership with the Royal College of Music (London) and the Central Conservatory of Music (Beijing). Kenny joined Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) as daruan musician in 2023. He was under the tutelage of SCO Ruan Principal Zhang Ronghui and Jing Po, he also did a minor in sanxian performance under the tutelage of SCO Pluck Strings Sectional Leader Huang Guifang and renowned sanxian musician Zhang Nianbing.
Kenny is the founding member of Ding Yi Music Company, Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble. Kenny presented a double Ruan concerto composed by local composer Jean. Y Foo with Ding Yi music company, and was conducted by Maestro Lim Yau. In 2008, Kenny won the Silver award at the 28th Shanghai Spring International Music Festival and first prize under the folk ensemble category at the 2009 National Eisteddfod of Wales (Llangollen) with Art-Sphere ensemble (now known as Ding Yi Music Company). In 2010, Kenny was awarded with the first runner-up for Ruan Solo Competition (Open Category) in the National Chinese Music Competition (now known as Singapore Chinese Music Competition). In the same year, he was appointed as Pluck Strings Principal in Ding Yi Music Company.
In 2018, Chan joined the Suzhou Chinese Orchestra (SUCO) and was with SUCO on the well-received tour around Europe. He was awarded the Austrian Music Theatre Prize 2021 with SUCO. Apart from playing in the orchestral and chamber ensemble setting, Kenny has a strong calling in educating the next generation of ruan musician, hoping to impart his knowledge and experiences to them.
- Gaoyin Ruan: Liang Ming-Huei
- Xiaoruan: Koh Min Hui
- Zhongruan: Ngeow Si Ming, Jonathan
- Daruan: Chan Jing Wen, Kenny
- Pipa: Wang Siyuan
- Yangqin: Ma Huan
- Gaoyin Ruan: Liang Ming-Huei
- Zhongruan: Cheng Tzu-Ting, Koh Min Hui
- Daruan: Ngeow Si Ming, Jonathan
- Sanxian: Chan Jing Wen, Kenny
Jiangnan Sizhu
Orchestrated by Gu Guanren
Three Six
Jiangnan Sizhu
Orchestrated by Gu Guanren
Three Six is a widely circulated piece of music. The original title of this composition is San Luo, but because in the Wu dialect of Jiangnan, “San Liu” and “San Luo” are homonymic, therefore it is titled as such. The melody of this composition is lively, smooth flowing and rhythmic, and is permeated with joyous sentiments.
Gu Guanren
Gu Guanren is a National Class One composer in China. He was the leader and artistic director of the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra, vice-president and honorary president of the China Chinese Orchestral Society and deputy director of the Chinese Music Committee. His major works include pipa concerto Hua Mu Lan, Spring Suite for orchestra, The General’s Command, Return of Spring, concerto for orchestra Eight Tones in Harmony, guzheng and qudi concerto Peony Pavilion, Jingling Camel Bells, Spring Song for silk and bamboo ensemble and musical poem The Way of the Pipa.
Gu Guanren
Gu Guanren is a National Class One composer in China. He was the leader and artistic director of the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra, vice-president and honorary president of the China Chinese Orchestral Society and deputy director of the Chinese Music Committee. His major works include pipa concerto Hua Mu Lan, Spring Suite for orchestra, The General’s Command, Return of Spring, concerto for orchestra Eight Tones in Harmony, guzheng and qudi concerto Peony Pavilion, Jingling Camel Bells, Spring Song for silk and bamboo ensemble and musical poem The Way of the Pipa.
Featuring
Wang Siyuan
Wang Siyuan was accepted into the Central Conservatory of Music Affiliated Middle School in 2008, where she studied under the tutelage of Professor Fan Wei. After her graduation, she moved to Singapore to continue her music studies in the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in 2015, where she studied under SCO Pipa Principal Yu Jia. In November 2015, Siyuan successfully auditioned and joined the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra. She joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a pipa musician in September 2023.
Siyuan matured as a Pipa player in NAFA, and she took participated actively in school performances and exchange programs. She had also performed on many occasions NAFA hosted visitors from China. Siyuan represented NAFA in the 2016 National Chinese Music Competition, and she came in Second in the Open Category. She was also one of NAFA’s representatives in the Ensemble Category, in which the group won the First prize.
In 2017, Siyuan won both the NAFA-RAVE Chinese Concerto Competition as well as the Nanyang International Music Competition (Pipa, Open Category), on top of being part of a NAFA concerto group that clinched the champion title in the Concerto (Professional) Category. In 2018, she won the Pipa Open Category in the Singapore National Chinese Music Competition, and was selected for the Winner's Concert, performing Apsaras on the Silk Road (丝路飞天) with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. In 2019, she won the Rave Concerto Competition. In March 2019, she was selected as the soloist for "Dauntless Spirit", an annual concert put up by the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, and performed the Pipa concerto The Sword and the Scroll (文武双全). Her performances were very well received and highly acclaimed by the audience. During her studies in Pipa performance, Siyuan started learning the Zhongruan, and in 2019, Siyuan participated in the 2nd Nanyang International Music Competition Zhongruan Youth Professional Category, which she was awarded second place. In 2020, Siyuan started studying Bachelor's Degree in Zhongruan under the tutelage of Yu Jia. In the same year, Siyuan participated in the Singapore Chinese Music Competition Zhongruan Open Category, where she won 1st prize. In 2021, Siyuan took part in the 3rd Nanyang International Music Competition Zhongruan Open Professional Category, winning the top prize of the category. In 2023, Siyuan continued her studies in a master course at NAFA.
Pipa
Wang Siyuan
Wang Siyuan was accepted into the Central Conservatory of Music Affiliated Middle School in 2008, where she studied under the tutelage of Professor Fan Wei. After her graduation, she moved to Singapore to continue her music studies in the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in 2015, where she studied under SCO Pipa Principal Yu Jia. In November 2015, Siyuan successfully auditioned and joined the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra. She joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a pipa musician in September 2023.
Siyuan matured as a Pipa player in NAFA, and she took participated actively in school performances and exchange programs. She had also performed on many occasions NAFA hosted visitors from China. Siyuan represented NAFA in the 2016 National Chinese Music Competition, and she came in Second in the Open Category. She was also one of NAFA’s representatives in the Ensemble Category, in which the group won the First prize.
In 2017, Siyuan won both the NAFA-RAVE Chinese Concerto Competition as well as the Nanyang International Music Competition (Pipa, Open Category), on top of being part of a NAFA concerto group that clinched the champion title in the Concerto (Professional) Category. In 2018, she won the Pipa Open Category in the Singapore National Chinese Music Competition, and was selected for the Winner's Concert, performing Apsaras on the Silk Road (丝路飞天) with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. In 2019, she won the Rave Concerto Competition. In March 2019, she was selected as the soloist for "Dauntless Spirit", an annual concert put up by the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, and performed the Pipa concerto The Sword and the Scroll (文武双全). Her performances were very well received and highly acclaimed by the audience. During her studies in Pipa performance, Siyuan started learning the Zhongruan, and in 2019, Siyuan participated in the 2nd Nanyang International Music Competition Zhongruan Youth Professional Category, which she was awarded second place. In 2020, Siyuan started studying Bachelor's Degree in Zhongruan under the tutelage of Yu Jia. In the same year, Siyuan participated in the Singapore Chinese Music Competition Zhongruan Open Category, where she won 1st prize. In 2021, Siyuan took part in the 3rd Nanyang International Music Competition Zhongruan Open Professional Category, winning the top prize of the category. In 2023, Siyuan continued her studies in a master course at NAFA.
Ma Huan
Ma Huan began learning Yangqin at 4 under the tuteledge of Professor Wei Yanming. She was admitted to the China Conservatory of Music in 2002 and become the protégé of renowned Yangqin educator Xiang Zuhua. Furthermore, she learned the Hungarian dulcimer from Ms. Viktoria Herencsar and studied percussion under Professor Wang Yidong. After graduating in 2008 with a Master degree, Ma Huan was employed as an instructor by the Chinese Opera Institute. In 2010, she joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a Yangqin musician. After which, she learned about composing from the famed Singapore local musician Law Wai Lun and music conducting from local famed conductor Dr. Tay Teow Kiat. She is currently the Vice Chairperson of Singapore Yangqin Association.
In 2002, Ma Huan won the Young Professional Group Performance Award and set up a String Chamber Orchestra which won a group gold medal in the International Youth Instrumental Competition in Macau in 2003. During her years in college, she participated in the CCTV “Teochew Music Festival special” performance, the Seventh Beijing International Music Festival, Sino French Music Festival, and Hungarian Music Festival. She successfully held a series of “Yangqin Works of Xiang Zuhua Teacher Student” concerts and performed in the first public performance of the double Yanqin piece The Butterfly Lovers. • Butterfly Qin Tunes, after which she participated in recording the Best of Xiang Zuhua Yangqin Collection II CD.
In January 2013, she held a concert named Silken Expressions at Esplanade Singapore Theatres on the Bay. In 2015, she was invited as the judge of NAFA music contest. Her students have won numerous awards at the Singapore National Music Instrumental Competition. As a composer, her works include Lost, school song of Pei Qun Primary School, Let it go, Dream chaser and Fantasia twinkle twinkle little star. She also produced a orchestra piece with distinctive Singaporean characteristics, titled A Ditty of Nyonya.
Yangqin
Ma Huan
Ma Huan began learning Yangqin at 4 under the tuteledge of Professor Wei Yanming. She was admitted to the China Conservatory of Music in 2002 and become the protégé of renowned Yangqin educator Xiang Zuhua. Furthermore, she learned the Hungarian dulcimer from Ms. Viktoria Herencsar and studied percussion under Professor Wang Yidong. After graduating in 2008 with a Master degree, Ma Huan was employed as an instructor by the Chinese Opera Institute. In 2010, she joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a Yangqin musician. After which, she learned about composing from the famed Singapore local musician Law Wai Lun and music conducting from local famed conductor Dr. Tay Teow Kiat. She is currently the Vice Chairperson of Singapore Yangqin Association.
In 2002, Ma Huan won the Young Professional Group Performance Award and set up a String Chamber Orchestra which won a group gold medal in the International Youth Instrumental Competition in Macau in 2003. During her years in college, she participated in the CCTV “Teochew Music Festival special” performance, the Seventh Beijing International Music Festival, Sino French Music Festival, and Hungarian Music Festival. She successfully held a series of “Yangqin Works of Xiang Zuhua Teacher Student” concerts and performed in the first public performance of the double Yanqin piece The Butterfly Lovers. • Butterfly Qin Tunes, after which she participated in recording the Best of Xiang Zuhua Yangqin Collection II CD.
In January 2013, she held a concert named Silken Expressions at Esplanade Singapore Theatres on the Bay. In 2015, she was invited as the judge of NAFA music contest. Her students have won numerous awards at the Singapore National Music Instrumental Competition. As a composer, her works include Lost, school song of Pei Qun Primary School, Let it go, Dream chaser and Fantasia twinkle twinkle little star. She also produced a orchestra piece with distinctive Singaporean characteristics, titled A Ditty of Nyonya.
Liang Ming-Huei
Liang Ming-Huei was born in Taoyuan, Taiwan. She began learning the piano and the liuqin at age five and seven respectively. She performed on stage for the first time when she was 10 and started playing the zhongruan at the age of 13. Liang Ming-Huei obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2021 and Master of Arts degree in 2023 from the Department of Chinese Music, National Taiwan University of Arts. She studied under the tutelage of Assistant Professor Chen Chung-Ching, a liuqin and zhongruan performer and educator. She joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra in 2023 as a zhongruan musician. Liang Ming-Huei graduated from the music class of the Affiliated Zhongli Senior High School of National Central University in 2017. During her time in the school, she was a student of Yang Chieh-Ju, to whom she owes her musical inspiration, and was also mentored by Chen Zi-Han.
As a student, Liang was already actively involved in various events both on and off campus. She was a regular performer at the annual concert series held at Taiwan’s National Concert Hall (NCH) and has been invited to perform as a lead musician at NCH despite being a newcomer to the scene. She has also been invited to join various school orchestras including the Little Giant Chinese Chamber Orchestra and professional orchestras as an adjunct musician. Her performances have taken her all over Taiwan, Mainland China, and Mexico.
Liang's talents have not gone unnoticed, evident from the myriad of awards, concerts, and recorded works under her belt. These include clinching double Gold Awards in the Senior High Category at the Taiwan National Student Competition of Music in both 2017 and 2019 for her outstanding performance on the liuqin and zhongruan. In September 2023, Liang participated in the Taoyuan City Chinese Instrumental Music Competition for ruan and guzheng as a zhongruan performer and won the Audience's Choice Award. In April 2023, she got into the semifinals of the Rising Star of Zhongruan – NCO Music Competition 2023. In 2019, Liang performed a concerto Die Loreley at a pluck string showcase held at the National Taiwan University of Arts. She also joined the Taipei Chinese Orchestra in the studio recording for both of Lo Leung-Fai’s The Four Seasons albums, released in 2022 and 2023 respectively. In 2021 and 2023, she held solo graduation concerts to mark the end of her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts journeys at the National Taiwan University of Arts. She debuted Danza Spagnola for the liuqin, zhongruan, and piano to great acclaim. On top of being a full-time performer, Liang also teaches piano, zhongruan, liuqin and foundational music courses such as sight singing, dictation and music theory.
Zhongruan
Liang Ming-Huei
Liang Ming-Huei was born in Taoyuan, Taiwan. She began learning the piano and the liuqin at age five and seven respectively. She performed on stage for the first time when she was 10 and started playing the zhongruan at the age of 13. Liang Ming-Huei obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2021 and Master of Arts degree in 2023 from the Department of Chinese Music, National Taiwan University of Arts. She studied under the tutelage of Assistant Professor Chen Chung-Ching, a liuqin and zhongruan performer and educator. She joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra in 2023 as a zhongruan musician. Liang Ming-Huei graduated from the music class of the Affiliated Zhongli Senior High School of National Central University in 2017. During her time in the school, she was a student of Yang Chieh-Ju, to whom she owes her musical inspiration, and was also mentored by Chen Zi-Han.
As a student, Liang was already actively involved in various events both on and off campus. She was a regular performer at the annual concert series held at Taiwan’s National Concert Hall (NCH) and has been invited to perform as a lead musician at NCH despite being a newcomer to the scene. She has also been invited to join various school orchestras including the Little Giant Chinese Chamber Orchestra and professional orchestras as an adjunct musician. Her performances have taken her all over Taiwan, Mainland China, and Mexico.
Liang's talents have not gone unnoticed, evident from the myriad of awards, concerts, and recorded works under her belt. These include clinching double Gold Awards in the Senior High Category at the Taiwan National Student Competition of Music in both 2017 and 2019 for her outstanding performance on the liuqin and zhongruan. In September 2023, Liang participated in the Taoyuan City Chinese Instrumental Music Competition for ruan and guzheng as a zhongruan performer and won the Audience's Choice Award. In April 2023, she got into the semifinals of the Rising Star of Zhongruan – NCO Music Competition 2023. In 2019, Liang performed a concerto Die Loreley at a pluck string showcase held at the National Taiwan University of Arts. She also joined the Taipei Chinese Orchestra in the studio recording for both of Lo Leung-Fai’s The Four Seasons albums, released in 2022 and 2023 respectively. In 2021 and 2023, she held solo graduation concerts to mark the end of her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts journeys at the National Taiwan University of Arts. She debuted Danza Spagnola for the liuqin, zhongruan, and piano to great acclaim. On top of being a full-time performer, Liang also teaches piano, zhongruan, liuqin and foundational music courses such as sight singing, dictation and music theory.
Cheng Tzu-Ting
Cheng Tzu-Ting was born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and is currently a Zhongruan musician with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. She graduated from the Tainan National University of the Arts (TNUA) in 2008, with a major in Ruan (under the tutelage of Chen Yi-Chien) and minors in Sanxian and composition. In the course of her studies, she has been mentored by renowned teachers like Ho Li-Hsiang, Yu Hui-Lan, Ts'ui Chun-Miao, T'ang Liang-Hsing and Feng Shao-Hsien.
An active performer since her student days, Cheng took part in many school concerts, in addition to her personal recitals. She performed in her graduation recital in 2008, a joint recital with Ping Hsiao-Chieh in 2007, and a promotion recital “Concealed Fluency” in collaboration with Liu Hsin-Lin in 2004. She won the top prize in the Ruan (varsity) category in the Wei Wu Ying National Music Competition held at the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts in 2008.
She is heavily involved in the local music scene after moving to Singapore, having performed as a soloist for many concerts, while maintaining a strong presence in Taiwan. Concerts held in Singapore include the Cheng San Chinese Orchestra Gala Concert – Ode to Sun in 2018, where she was the soloist in the Singapore premiere of the Ruan concerto Song of Dawn and Dusk, a joint recital: “Soulmates: A Pipa and Ruan Recital” in 2015, “Ruan Harmonies” in 2014, where she was the soloist in the piece Autumn, a joint recital “Heart Strings” in 2013, “Asian Waves: The Changing Face of Asia” in 2012 where she was a soloist in the premiere of Autumn Blues for Ruan and Erhu, and “Happy Ruan Family” in 2010, where she was the soloist in the piece “Self-Admiration”. Events in Taiwan include the “Liuqin and Ruan Interpretation and Education Forum” and the “Overseas and Local Faculty/Student Joint Concert” in 2014, where she was the soloist in the piece Childhood, and “Flight of the Bumblebee – Outstanding Alumni and the TNUA Plucked Strings Ensemble Joint Concert” in 2009, where she was the soloist in Capricho árabe.
On top of her busy performing career, she is highly committed to music education in Singapore, instructing Chinese Orchestras in various primary and secondary schools, and has received numerous awards from the Ministry of Education in recognition of her contribution.
Zhongruan
Cheng Tzu-Ting
Cheng Tzu-Ting was born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and is currently a Zhongruan musician with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. She graduated from the Tainan National University of the Arts (TNUA) in 2008, with a major in Ruan (under the tutelage of Chen Yi-Chien) and minors in Sanxian and composition. In the course of her studies, she has been mentored by renowned teachers like Ho Li-Hsiang, Yu Hui-Lan, Ts'ui Chun-Miao, T'ang Liang-Hsing and Feng Shao-Hsien.
An active performer since her student days, Cheng took part in many school concerts, in addition to her personal recitals. She performed in her graduation recital in 2008, a joint recital with Ping Hsiao-Chieh in 2007, and a promotion recital “Concealed Fluency” in collaboration with Liu Hsin-Lin in 2004. She won the top prize in the Ruan (varsity) category in the Wei Wu Ying National Music Competition held at the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts in 2008.
She is heavily involved in the local music scene after moving to Singapore, having performed as a soloist for many concerts, while maintaining a strong presence in Taiwan. Concerts held in Singapore include the Cheng San Chinese Orchestra Gala Concert – Ode to Sun in 2018, where she was the soloist in the Singapore premiere of the Ruan concerto Song of Dawn and Dusk, a joint recital: “Soulmates: A Pipa and Ruan Recital” in 2015, “Ruan Harmonies” in 2014, where she was the soloist in the piece Autumn, a joint recital “Heart Strings” in 2013, “Asian Waves: The Changing Face of Asia” in 2012 where she was a soloist in the premiere of Autumn Blues for Ruan and Erhu, and “Happy Ruan Family” in 2010, where she was the soloist in the piece “Self-Admiration”. Events in Taiwan include the “Liuqin and Ruan Interpretation and Education Forum” and the “Overseas and Local Faculty/Student Joint Concert” in 2014, where she was the soloist in the piece Childhood, and “Flight of the Bumblebee – Outstanding Alumni and the TNUA Plucked Strings Ensemble Joint Concert” in 2009, where she was the soloist in Capricho árabe.
On top of her busy performing career, she is highly committed to music education in Singapore, instructing Chinese Orchestras in various primary and secondary schools, and has received numerous awards from the Ministry of Education in recognition of her contribution.
Koh Min Hui
Koh Min Hui joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a zhongruan musician at the age of 21, right before graduating from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) with a music degree in 2011. Back then, she was the youngest musician in the orchestra.
Min Hui is no stranger to the music industry. Currently, she is the Zhongruan Principal of the Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble and committee member of the Ruanxian Association of Singapore. Min Hui is professionally trained to teach autistic children ruan and has been teaching in Pathlight School since 2014. She is also the newly appointed ruan instructor for the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra (SNYCO) since January 2020.
Growing up in the music scene, Min Hui started learning zhongruan at the age of 8 under the guidance of Ms. Xu Yi Ping. She later gained admission to the School of Young Talents at NAFA, where she obtained the Zhongruan Diploma awarded by the Central Conservatory of China in 2005. Since 2006, Min Hui has been under the tutelage of Mdm. Zhang Ronghui, Ruan Principal in the SCO. A recipient of the Ngee Ann Kongsi merit award for degree studies in 2010; Min Hui graduated from her BA (Hons) Music, majoring in Ruan, with an upper second-class honour at NAFA in July 2011.
A multi-award winner, Min Hui was the only Gold Award winner representing Singapore in the 2010 Inaugural International Ruan Competition (professional youth category) organised by the China Nationalities Orchestra Society in Beijing. In 2008, she was the first person in history of the National Arts Council National Chinese Music Competition (now known as Singapore Chinese Music Competition) to clinch the First prize in the Zhongruan Open Category.
Zhongruan
Koh Min Hui
Koh Min Hui joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a zhongruan musician at the age of 21, right before graduating from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) with a music degree in 2011. Back then, she was the youngest musician in the orchestra.
Min Hui is no stranger to the music industry. Currently, she is the Zhongruan Principal of the Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble and committee member of the Ruanxian Association of Singapore. Min Hui is professionally trained to teach autistic children ruan and has been teaching in Pathlight School since 2014. She is also the newly appointed ruan instructor for the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra (SNYCO) since January 2020.
Growing up in the music scene, Min Hui started learning zhongruan at the age of 8 under the guidance of Ms. Xu Yi Ping. She later gained admission to the School of Young Talents at NAFA, where she obtained the Zhongruan Diploma awarded by the Central Conservatory of China in 2005. Since 2006, Min Hui has been under the tutelage of Mdm. Zhang Ronghui, Ruan Principal in the SCO. A recipient of the Ngee Ann Kongsi merit award for degree studies in 2010; Min Hui graduated from her BA (Hons) Music, majoring in Ruan, with an upper second-class honour at NAFA in July 2011.
A multi-award winner, Min Hui was the only Gold Award winner representing Singapore in the 2010 Inaugural International Ruan Competition (professional youth category) organised by the China Nationalities Orchestra Society in Beijing. In 2008, she was the first person in history of the National Arts Council National Chinese Music Competition (now known as Singapore Chinese Music Competition) to clinch the First prize in the Zhongruan Open Category.
Ngeow Si Ming Jonathan
Jonathan Ngeow is one of the most sought after Ruan musicians of his generation. His ability to captivate audiences with his intrinsic musicianship and dynamic presence, coupled with his passion for advocating Chinese music through his media presence redefines what it means to be a Chinese instrumentalist, making him one of the leading Ruan musicians of today.
A multi-award winner, Jonathan clinched the first prize (Zhongruan Open Category) at the National Chinese Music Competition 2010 in Singapore and performed his winning concerto with the SCO at the Prize Winners’ Concert. He was also awarded the silver prize at the inaugural Zhongruan competition organised by the China Nationalities Orchestra Society the same year in Beijing.
In 2017 he was invited to stage a recital at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and performed Zhongruan concerto (Reminiscences of Yunnan) accompanied by the Symphonic Winds. In 2018 Jonathan held a recital (Onwards) in the Esplanade recital studio as part of their Chinese Chamber Series and in that very year he recorded the music for Disney’s live action movie “Mulan”. In 2019 he debuts his solo recital at the National Theatre and Concert Hall in Taipei. In the midst of the Pandemic in 2020, Jonathan recorded the music for the Hollywood movie “Songbird”.
Jonathan is a versatile musician who is comfortable playing in an orchestra, chamber ensemble and as a soloist. Apart from being in the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, he is also the founding member of DingYi Music Company, Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble. Jonathan prides in teaching and inspiring the next generation of ruan musicians and hopes he can impart his knowledge to them.
Zhongruan
Ngeow Si Ming Jonathan
Jonathan Ngeow is one of the most sought after Ruan musicians of his generation. His ability to captivate audiences with his intrinsic musicianship and dynamic presence, coupled with his passion for advocating Chinese music through his media presence redefines what it means to be a Chinese instrumentalist, making him one of the leading Ruan musicians of today.
A multi-award winner, Jonathan clinched the first prize (Zhongruan Open Category) at the National Chinese Music Competition 2010 in Singapore and performed his winning concerto with the SCO at the Prize Winners’ Concert. He was also awarded the silver prize at the inaugural Zhongruan competition organised by the China Nationalities Orchestra Society the same year in Beijing.
In 2017 he was invited to stage a recital at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and performed Zhongruan concerto (Reminiscences of Yunnan) accompanied by the Symphonic Winds. In 2018 Jonathan held a recital (Onwards) in the Esplanade recital studio as part of their Chinese Chamber Series and in that very year he recorded the music for Disney’s live action movie “Mulan”. In 2019 he debuts his solo recital at the National Theatre and Concert Hall in Taipei. In the midst of the Pandemic in 2020, Jonathan recorded the music for the Hollywood movie “Songbird”.
Jonathan is a versatile musician who is comfortable playing in an orchestra, chamber ensemble and as a soloist. Apart from being in the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, he is also the founding member of DingYi Music Company, Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble. Jonathan prides in teaching and inspiring the next generation of ruan musicians and hopes he can impart his knowledge to them.
Chan Jing Wen Kenny
Kenny Chan, Singapore’s home grown ruan artist graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in partnership with the Royal College of Music (London) and the Central Conservatory of Music (Beijing). Kenny joined Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) as daruan musician in 2023. He was under the tutelage of SCO Ruan Principal Zhang Ronghui and Jing Po, he also did a minor in sanxian performance under the tutelage of SCO Pluck Strings Sectional Leader Huang Guifang and renowned sanxian musician Zhang Nianbing.
Kenny is the founding member of Ding Yi Music Company, Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble. Kenny presented a double Ruan concerto composed by local composer Jean. Y Foo with Ding Yi music company, and was conducted by Maestro Lim Yau. In 2008, Kenny won the Silver award at the 28th Shanghai Spring International Music Festival and first prize under the folk ensemble category at the 2009 National Eisteddfod of Wales (Llangollen) with Art-Sphere ensemble (now known as Ding Yi Music Company). In 2010, Kenny was awarded with the first runner-up for Ruan Solo Competition (Open Category) in the National Chinese Music Competition (now known as Singapore Chinese Music Competition). In the same year, he was appointed as Pluck Strings Principal in Ding Yi Music Company.
In 2018, Chan joined the Suzhou Chinese Orchestra (SUCO) and was with SUCO on the well-received tour around Europe. He was awarded the Austrian Music Theatre Prize 2021 with SUCO. Apart from playing in the orchestral and chamber ensemble setting, Kenny has a strong calling in educating the next generation of ruan musician, hoping to impart his knowledge and experiences to them.
Daruan
Chan Jing Wen Kenny
Kenny Chan, Singapore’s home grown ruan artist graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in partnership with the Royal College of Music (London) and the Central Conservatory of Music (Beijing). Kenny joined Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) as daruan musician in 2023. He was under the tutelage of SCO Ruan Principal Zhang Ronghui and Jing Po, he also did a minor in sanxian performance under the tutelage of SCO Pluck Strings Sectional Leader Huang Guifang and renowned sanxian musician Zhang Nianbing.
Kenny is the founding member of Ding Yi Music Company, Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble. Kenny presented a double Ruan concerto composed by local composer Jean. Y Foo with Ding Yi music company, and was conducted by Maestro Lim Yau. In 2008, Kenny won the Silver award at the 28th Shanghai Spring International Music Festival and first prize under the folk ensemble category at the 2009 National Eisteddfod of Wales (Llangollen) with Art-Sphere ensemble (now known as Ding Yi Music Company). In 2010, Kenny was awarded with the first runner-up for Ruan Solo Competition (Open Category) in the National Chinese Music Competition (now known as Singapore Chinese Music Competition). In the same year, he was appointed as Pluck Strings Principal in Ding Yi Music Company.
In 2018, Chan joined the Suzhou Chinese Orchestra (SUCO) and was with SUCO on the well-received tour around Europe. He was awarded the Austrian Music Theatre Prize 2021 with SUCO. Apart from playing in the orchestral and chamber ensemble setting, Kenny has a strong calling in educating the next generation of ruan musician, hoping to impart his knowledge and experiences to them.
- Pipa: Wang Siyuan
- Yangqin: Ma Huan
- Gaoyin Ruan: Liang Ming-Huei
- Zhongruan: Cheng Tzu-Ting, Koh Min Hui
- Daruan: Ngeow Si Ming, Jonathan
- Sanxian: Chan Jing Wen, Kenny
- Gaoyin Pipa: Wang Siyuan
- Xiaoruan: Liang Ming-Huei, Cheng Tzu-Ting
- Zhongruan: Koh Min Hui, Ngeow Si Ming, Jonathan
- Daruan: Chan Jing Wen, Kenny
- Yangqin: Ma Huan
Composed by Chen Xinruo
Heavenly Fragrance of Gandharva
Composed by Chen Xinruo
Heavenly Fragrance of Gandharva was specially created in 2015 for the Zhang Hongyan Plucked Strings Group. "Gandharva" has a range of meanings: it is the Sanskrit word for "unpredictable changes," the name of the Music God who worships the Buddha in Jin Yong’s novel Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, and refers to the apsara in the Dunhuang murals. Historically, entertainers in the ancient western regions of China who did not run businesses and perform only to fill their bellies were commonly known as Gandharva. This work depicts the ethereal presence of Gandharva as she flies across the heavens, emitting an elusive and mysterious scent and music. For the melody, the composer utilises a modality heavily influenced by music from China's western regions. Through the use of a cannon arrangement and various plucked strings techniques, the music paints a picture of Gandharva playing music. As she plays, she exudes a celestial fragrance that drifts through the heavens in flowing layers.
Chen Xinruo
Chen Xinruo studied composition with Prof. Luo Xinmin, Prof. Guo Wenjing at the Central Conservatory of Music (CCOM) and obtained a Doctoral degree in 2008. He has been teaching and researching composition, theory of harmony at his alma mater since graduation. Chen Xinruo used to be the Director of Harmony Teaching and Research Section, Composition Department of CCOM before he took over as the Deputy Director of Comprehensive Music Theory.
Chen Xinruo
Chen Xinruo studied composition with Prof. Luo Xinmin, Prof. Guo Wenjing at the Central Conservatory of Music (CCOM) and obtained a Doctoral degree in 2008. He has been teaching and researching composition, theory of harmony at his alma mater since graduation. Chen Xinruo used to be the Director of Harmony Teaching and Research Section, Composition Department of CCOM before he took over as the Deputy Director of Comprehensive Music Theory.
Featuring
Wang Siyuan
Wang Siyuan was accepted into the Central Conservatory of Music Affiliated Middle School in 2008, where she studied under the tutelage of Professor Fan Wei. After her graduation, she moved to Singapore to continue her music studies in the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in 2015, where she studied under SCO Pipa Principal Yu Jia. In November 2015, Siyuan successfully auditioned and joined the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra. She joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a pipa musician in September 2023.
Siyuan matured as a Pipa player in NAFA, and she took participated actively in school performances and exchange programs. She had also performed on many occasions NAFA hosted visitors from China. Siyuan represented NAFA in the 2016 National Chinese Music Competition, and she came in Second in the Open Category. She was also one of NAFA’s representatives in the Ensemble Category, in which the group won the First prize.
In 2017, Siyuan won both the NAFA-RAVE Chinese Concerto Competition as well as the Nanyang International Music Competition (Pipa, Open Category), on top of being part of a NAFA concerto group that clinched the champion title in the Concerto (Professional) Category. In 2018, she won the Pipa Open Category in the Singapore National Chinese Music Competition, and was selected for the Winner's Concert, performing Apsaras on the Silk Road (丝路飞天) with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. In 2019, she won the Rave Concerto Competition. In March 2019, she was selected as the soloist for "Dauntless Spirit", an annual concert put up by the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, and performed the Pipa concerto The Sword and the Scroll (文武双全). Her performances were very well received and highly acclaimed by the audience. During her studies in Pipa performance, Siyuan started learning the Zhongruan, and in 2019, Siyuan participated in the 2nd Nanyang International Music Competition Zhongruan Youth Professional Category, which she was awarded second place. In 2020, Siyuan started studying Bachelor's Degree in Zhongruan under the tutelage of Yu Jia. In the same year, Siyuan participated in the Singapore Chinese Music Competition Zhongruan Open Category, where she won 1st prize. In 2021, Siyuan took part in the 3rd Nanyang International Music Competition Zhongruan Open Professional Category, winning the top prize of the category. In 2023, Siyuan continued her studies in a master course at NAFA.
Pipa
Wang Siyuan
Wang Siyuan was accepted into the Central Conservatory of Music Affiliated Middle School in 2008, where she studied under the tutelage of Professor Fan Wei. After her graduation, she moved to Singapore to continue her music studies in the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in 2015, where she studied under SCO Pipa Principal Yu Jia. In November 2015, Siyuan successfully auditioned and joined the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra. She joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a pipa musician in September 2023.
Siyuan matured as a Pipa player in NAFA, and she took participated actively in school performances and exchange programs. She had also performed on many occasions NAFA hosted visitors from China. Siyuan represented NAFA in the 2016 National Chinese Music Competition, and she came in Second in the Open Category. She was also one of NAFA’s representatives in the Ensemble Category, in which the group won the First prize.
In 2017, Siyuan won both the NAFA-RAVE Chinese Concerto Competition as well as the Nanyang International Music Competition (Pipa, Open Category), on top of being part of a NAFA concerto group that clinched the champion title in the Concerto (Professional) Category. In 2018, she won the Pipa Open Category in the Singapore National Chinese Music Competition, and was selected for the Winner's Concert, performing Apsaras on the Silk Road (丝路飞天) with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. In 2019, she won the Rave Concerto Competition. In March 2019, she was selected as the soloist for "Dauntless Spirit", an annual concert put up by the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, and performed the Pipa concerto The Sword and the Scroll (文武双全). Her performances were very well received and highly acclaimed by the audience. During her studies in Pipa performance, Siyuan started learning the Zhongruan, and in 2019, Siyuan participated in the 2nd Nanyang International Music Competition Zhongruan Youth Professional Category, which she was awarded second place. In 2020, Siyuan started studying Bachelor's Degree in Zhongruan under the tutelage of Yu Jia. In the same year, Siyuan participated in the Singapore Chinese Music Competition Zhongruan Open Category, where she won 1st prize. In 2021, Siyuan took part in the 3rd Nanyang International Music Competition Zhongruan Open Professional Category, winning the top prize of the category. In 2023, Siyuan continued her studies in a master course at NAFA.
Liang Ming-Huei
Liang Ming-Huei was born in Taoyuan, Taiwan. She began learning the piano and the liuqin at age five and seven respectively. She performed on stage for the first time when she was 10 and started playing the zhongruan at the age of 13. Liang Ming-Huei obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2021 and Master of Arts degree in 2023 from the Department of Chinese Music, National Taiwan University of Arts. She studied under the tutelage of Assistant Professor Chen Chung-Ching, a liuqin and zhongruan performer and educator. She joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra in 2023 as a zhongruan musician. Liang Ming-Huei graduated from the music class of the Affiliated Zhongli Senior High School of National Central University in 2017. During her time in the school, she was a student of Yang Chieh-Ju, to whom she owes her musical inspiration, and was also mentored by Chen Zi-Han.
As a student, Liang was already actively involved in various events both on and off campus. She was a regular performer at the annual concert series held at Taiwan’s National Concert Hall (NCH) and has been invited to perform as a lead musician at NCH despite being a newcomer to the scene. She has also been invited to join various school orchestras including the Little Giant Chinese Chamber Orchestra and professional orchestras as an adjunct musician. Her performances have taken her all over Taiwan, Mainland China, and Mexico.
Liang's talents have not gone unnoticed, evident from the myriad of awards, concerts, and recorded works under her belt. These include clinching double Gold Awards in the Senior High Category at the Taiwan National Student Competition of Music in both 2017 and 2019 for her outstanding performance on the liuqin and zhongruan. In September 2023, Liang participated in the Taoyuan City Chinese Instrumental Music Competition for ruan and guzheng as a zhongruan performer and won the Audience's Choice Award. In April 2023, she got into the semifinals of the Rising Star of Zhongruan – NCO Music Competition 2023. In 2019, Liang performed a concerto Die Loreley at a pluck string showcase held at the National Taiwan University of Arts. She also joined the Taipei Chinese Orchestra in the studio recording for both of Lo Leung-Fai’s The Four Seasons albums, released in 2022 and 2023 respectively. In 2021 and 2023, she held solo graduation concerts to mark the end of her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts journeys at the National Taiwan University of Arts. She debuted Danza Spagnola for the liuqin, zhongruan, and piano to great acclaim. On top of being a full-time performer, Liang also teaches piano, zhongruan, liuqin and foundational music courses such as sight singing, dictation and music theory.
Zhongruan
Liang Ming-Huei
Liang Ming-Huei was born in Taoyuan, Taiwan. She began learning the piano and the liuqin at age five and seven respectively. She performed on stage for the first time when she was 10 and started playing the zhongruan at the age of 13. Liang Ming-Huei obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2021 and Master of Arts degree in 2023 from the Department of Chinese Music, National Taiwan University of Arts. She studied under the tutelage of Assistant Professor Chen Chung-Ching, a liuqin and zhongruan performer and educator. She joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra in 2023 as a zhongruan musician. Liang Ming-Huei graduated from the music class of the Affiliated Zhongli Senior High School of National Central University in 2017. During her time in the school, she was a student of Yang Chieh-Ju, to whom she owes her musical inspiration, and was also mentored by Chen Zi-Han.
As a student, Liang was already actively involved in various events both on and off campus. She was a regular performer at the annual concert series held at Taiwan’s National Concert Hall (NCH) and has been invited to perform as a lead musician at NCH despite being a newcomer to the scene. She has also been invited to join various school orchestras including the Little Giant Chinese Chamber Orchestra and professional orchestras as an adjunct musician. Her performances have taken her all over Taiwan, Mainland China, and Mexico.
Liang's talents have not gone unnoticed, evident from the myriad of awards, concerts, and recorded works under her belt. These include clinching double Gold Awards in the Senior High Category at the Taiwan National Student Competition of Music in both 2017 and 2019 for her outstanding performance on the liuqin and zhongruan. In September 2023, Liang participated in the Taoyuan City Chinese Instrumental Music Competition for ruan and guzheng as a zhongruan performer and won the Audience's Choice Award. In April 2023, she got into the semifinals of the Rising Star of Zhongruan – NCO Music Competition 2023. In 2019, Liang performed a concerto Die Loreley at a pluck string showcase held at the National Taiwan University of Arts. She also joined the Taipei Chinese Orchestra in the studio recording for both of Lo Leung-Fai’s The Four Seasons albums, released in 2022 and 2023 respectively. In 2021 and 2023, she held solo graduation concerts to mark the end of her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts journeys at the National Taiwan University of Arts. She debuted Danza Spagnola for the liuqin, zhongruan, and piano to great acclaim. On top of being a full-time performer, Liang also teaches piano, zhongruan, liuqin and foundational music courses such as sight singing, dictation and music theory.
Cheng Tzu-Ting
Cheng Tzu-Ting was born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and is currently a Zhongruan musician with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. She graduated from the Tainan National University of the Arts (TNUA) in 2008, with a major in Ruan (under the tutelage of Chen Yi-Chien) and minors in Sanxian and composition. In the course of her studies, she has been mentored by renowned teachers like Ho Li-Hsiang, Yu Hui-Lan, Ts'ui Chun-Miao, T'ang Liang-Hsing and Feng Shao-Hsien.
An active performer since her student days, Cheng took part in many school concerts, in addition to her personal recitals. She performed in her graduation recital in 2008, a joint recital with Ping Hsiao-Chieh in 2007, and a promotion recital “Concealed Fluency” in collaboration with Liu Hsin-Lin in 2004. She won the top prize in the Ruan (varsity) category in the Wei Wu Ying National Music Competition held at the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts in 2008.
She is heavily involved in the local music scene after moving to Singapore, having performed as a soloist for many concerts, while maintaining a strong presence in Taiwan. Concerts held in Singapore include the Cheng San Chinese Orchestra Gala Concert – Ode to Sun in 2018, where she was the soloist in the Singapore premiere of the Ruan concerto Song of Dawn and Dusk, a joint recital: “Soulmates: A Pipa and Ruan Recital” in 2015, “Ruan Harmonies” in 2014, where she was the soloist in the piece Autumn, a joint recital “Heart Strings” in 2013, “Asian Waves: The Changing Face of Asia” in 2012 where she was a soloist in the premiere of Autumn Blues for Ruan and Erhu, and “Happy Ruan Family” in 2010, where she was the soloist in the piece “Self-Admiration”. Events in Taiwan include the “Liuqin and Ruan Interpretation and Education Forum” and the “Overseas and Local Faculty/Student Joint Concert” in 2014, where she was the soloist in the piece Childhood, and “Flight of the Bumblebee – Outstanding Alumni and the TNUA Plucked Strings Ensemble Joint Concert” in 2009, where she was the soloist in Capricho árabe.
On top of her busy performing career, she is highly committed to music education in Singapore, instructing Chinese Orchestras in various primary and secondary schools, and has received numerous awards from the Ministry of Education in recognition of her contribution.
Zhongruan
Cheng Tzu-Ting
Cheng Tzu-Ting was born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and is currently a Zhongruan musician with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. She graduated from the Tainan National University of the Arts (TNUA) in 2008, with a major in Ruan (under the tutelage of Chen Yi-Chien) and minors in Sanxian and composition. In the course of her studies, she has been mentored by renowned teachers like Ho Li-Hsiang, Yu Hui-Lan, Ts'ui Chun-Miao, T'ang Liang-Hsing and Feng Shao-Hsien.
An active performer since her student days, Cheng took part in many school concerts, in addition to her personal recitals. She performed in her graduation recital in 2008, a joint recital with Ping Hsiao-Chieh in 2007, and a promotion recital “Concealed Fluency” in collaboration with Liu Hsin-Lin in 2004. She won the top prize in the Ruan (varsity) category in the Wei Wu Ying National Music Competition held at the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts in 2008.
She is heavily involved in the local music scene after moving to Singapore, having performed as a soloist for many concerts, while maintaining a strong presence in Taiwan. Concerts held in Singapore include the Cheng San Chinese Orchestra Gala Concert – Ode to Sun in 2018, where she was the soloist in the Singapore premiere of the Ruan concerto Song of Dawn and Dusk, a joint recital: “Soulmates: A Pipa and Ruan Recital” in 2015, “Ruan Harmonies” in 2014, where she was the soloist in the piece Autumn, a joint recital “Heart Strings” in 2013, “Asian Waves: The Changing Face of Asia” in 2012 where she was a soloist in the premiere of Autumn Blues for Ruan and Erhu, and “Happy Ruan Family” in 2010, where she was the soloist in the piece “Self-Admiration”. Events in Taiwan include the “Liuqin and Ruan Interpretation and Education Forum” and the “Overseas and Local Faculty/Student Joint Concert” in 2014, where she was the soloist in the piece Childhood, and “Flight of the Bumblebee – Outstanding Alumni and the TNUA Plucked Strings Ensemble Joint Concert” in 2009, where she was the soloist in Capricho árabe.
On top of her busy performing career, she is highly committed to music education in Singapore, instructing Chinese Orchestras in various primary and secondary schools, and has received numerous awards from the Ministry of Education in recognition of her contribution.
Koh Min Hui
Koh Min Hui joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a zhongruan musician at the age of 21, right before graduating from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) with a music degree in 2011. Back then, she was the youngest musician in the orchestra.
Min Hui is no stranger to the music industry. Currently, she is the Zhongruan Principal of the Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble and committee member of the Ruanxian Association of Singapore. Min Hui is professionally trained to teach autistic children ruan and has been teaching in Pathlight School since 2014. She is also the newly appointed ruan instructor for the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra (SNYCO) since January 2020.
Growing up in the music scene, Min Hui started learning zhongruan at the age of 8 under the guidance of Ms. Xu Yi Ping. She later gained admission to the School of Young Talents at NAFA, where she obtained the Zhongruan Diploma awarded by the Central Conservatory of China in 2005. Since 2006, Min Hui has been under the tutelage of Mdm. Zhang Ronghui, Ruan Principal in the SCO. A recipient of the Ngee Ann Kongsi merit award for degree studies in 2010; Min Hui graduated from her BA (Hons) Music, majoring in Ruan, with an upper second-class honour at NAFA in July 2011.
A multi-award winner, Min Hui was the only Gold Award winner representing Singapore in the 2010 Inaugural International Ruan Competition (professional youth category) organised by the China Nationalities Orchestra Society in Beijing. In 2008, she was the first person in history of the National Arts Council National Chinese Music Competition (now known as Singapore Chinese Music Competition) to clinch the First prize in the Zhongruan Open Category.
Zhongruan
Koh Min Hui
Koh Min Hui joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a zhongruan musician at the age of 21, right before graduating from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) with a music degree in 2011. Back then, she was the youngest musician in the orchestra.
Min Hui is no stranger to the music industry. Currently, she is the Zhongruan Principal of the Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble and committee member of the Ruanxian Association of Singapore. Min Hui is professionally trained to teach autistic children ruan and has been teaching in Pathlight School since 2014. She is also the newly appointed ruan instructor for the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra (SNYCO) since January 2020.
Growing up in the music scene, Min Hui started learning zhongruan at the age of 8 under the guidance of Ms. Xu Yi Ping. She later gained admission to the School of Young Talents at NAFA, where she obtained the Zhongruan Diploma awarded by the Central Conservatory of China in 2005. Since 2006, Min Hui has been under the tutelage of Mdm. Zhang Ronghui, Ruan Principal in the SCO. A recipient of the Ngee Ann Kongsi merit award for degree studies in 2010; Min Hui graduated from her BA (Hons) Music, majoring in Ruan, with an upper second-class honour at NAFA in July 2011.
A multi-award winner, Min Hui was the only Gold Award winner representing Singapore in the 2010 Inaugural International Ruan Competition (professional youth category) organised by the China Nationalities Orchestra Society in Beijing. In 2008, she was the first person in history of the National Arts Council National Chinese Music Competition (now known as Singapore Chinese Music Competition) to clinch the First prize in the Zhongruan Open Category.
Ngeow Si Ming Jonathan
Jonathan Ngeow is one of the most sought after Ruan musicians of his generation. His ability to captivate audiences with his intrinsic musicianship and dynamic presence, coupled with his passion for advocating Chinese music through his media presence redefines what it means to be a Chinese instrumentalist, making him one of the leading Ruan musicians of today.
A multi-award winner, Jonathan clinched the first prize (Zhongruan Open Category) at the National Chinese Music Competition 2010 in Singapore and performed his winning concerto with the SCO at the Prize Winners’ Concert. He was also awarded the silver prize at the inaugural Zhongruan competition organised by the China Nationalities Orchestra Society the same year in Beijing.
In 2017 he was invited to stage a recital at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and performed Zhongruan concerto (Reminiscences of Yunnan) accompanied by the Symphonic Winds. In 2018 Jonathan held a recital (Onwards) in the Esplanade recital studio as part of their Chinese Chamber Series and in that very year he recorded the music for Disney’s live action movie “Mulan”. In 2019 he debuts his solo recital at the National Theatre and Concert Hall in Taipei. In the midst of the Pandemic in 2020, Jonathan recorded the music for the Hollywood movie “Songbird”.
Jonathan is a versatile musician who is comfortable playing in an orchestra, chamber ensemble and as a soloist. Apart from being in the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, he is also the founding member of DingYi Music Company, Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble. Jonathan prides in teaching and inspiring the next generation of ruan musicians and hopes he can impart his knowledge to them.
Zhongruan
Ngeow Si Ming Jonathan
Jonathan Ngeow is one of the most sought after Ruan musicians of his generation. His ability to captivate audiences with his intrinsic musicianship and dynamic presence, coupled with his passion for advocating Chinese music through his media presence redefines what it means to be a Chinese instrumentalist, making him one of the leading Ruan musicians of today.
A multi-award winner, Jonathan clinched the first prize (Zhongruan Open Category) at the National Chinese Music Competition 2010 in Singapore and performed his winning concerto with the SCO at the Prize Winners’ Concert. He was also awarded the silver prize at the inaugural Zhongruan competition organised by the China Nationalities Orchestra Society the same year in Beijing.
In 2017 he was invited to stage a recital at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and performed Zhongruan concerto (Reminiscences of Yunnan) accompanied by the Symphonic Winds. In 2018 Jonathan held a recital (Onwards) in the Esplanade recital studio as part of their Chinese Chamber Series and in that very year he recorded the music for Disney’s live action movie “Mulan”. In 2019 he debuts his solo recital at the National Theatre and Concert Hall in Taipei. In the midst of the Pandemic in 2020, Jonathan recorded the music for the Hollywood movie “Songbird”.
Jonathan is a versatile musician who is comfortable playing in an orchestra, chamber ensemble and as a soloist. Apart from being in the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, he is also the founding member of DingYi Music Company, Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble. Jonathan prides in teaching and inspiring the next generation of ruan musicians and hopes he can impart his knowledge to them.
Chan Jing Wen Kenny
Kenny Chan, Singapore’s home grown ruan artist graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in partnership with the Royal College of Music (London) and the Central Conservatory of Music (Beijing). Kenny joined Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) as daruan musician in 2023. He was under the tutelage of SCO Ruan Principal Zhang Ronghui and Jing Po, he also did a minor in sanxian performance under the tutelage of SCO Pluck Strings Sectional Leader Huang Guifang and renowned sanxian musician Zhang Nianbing.
Kenny is the founding member of Ding Yi Music Company, Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble. Kenny presented a double Ruan concerto composed by local composer Jean. Y Foo with Ding Yi music company, and was conducted by Maestro Lim Yau. In 2008, Kenny won the Silver award at the 28th Shanghai Spring International Music Festival and first prize under the folk ensemble category at the 2009 National Eisteddfod of Wales (Llangollen) with Art-Sphere ensemble (now known as Ding Yi Music Company). In 2010, Kenny was awarded with the first runner-up for Ruan Solo Competition (Open Category) in the National Chinese Music Competition (now known as Singapore Chinese Music Competition). In the same year, he was appointed as Pluck Strings Principal in Ding Yi Music Company.
In 2018, Chan joined the Suzhou Chinese Orchestra (SUCO) and was with SUCO on the well-received tour around Europe. He was awarded the Austrian Music Theatre Prize 2021 with SUCO. Apart from playing in the orchestral and chamber ensemble setting, Kenny has a strong calling in educating the next generation of ruan musician, hoping to impart his knowledge and experiences to them.
Daruan
Chan Jing Wen Kenny
Kenny Chan, Singapore’s home grown ruan artist graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in partnership with the Royal College of Music (London) and the Central Conservatory of Music (Beijing). Kenny joined Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) as daruan musician in 2023. He was under the tutelage of SCO Ruan Principal Zhang Ronghui and Jing Po, he also did a minor in sanxian performance under the tutelage of SCO Pluck Strings Sectional Leader Huang Guifang and renowned sanxian musician Zhang Nianbing.
Kenny is the founding member of Ding Yi Music Company, Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble. Kenny presented a double Ruan concerto composed by local composer Jean. Y Foo with Ding Yi music company, and was conducted by Maestro Lim Yau. In 2008, Kenny won the Silver award at the 28th Shanghai Spring International Music Festival and first prize under the folk ensemble category at the 2009 National Eisteddfod of Wales (Llangollen) with Art-Sphere ensemble (now known as Ding Yi Music Company). In 2010, Kenny was awarded with the first runner-up for Ruan Solo Competition (Open Category) in the National Chinese Music Competition (now known as Singapore Chinese Music Competition). In the same year, he was appointed as Pluck Strings Principal in Ding Yi Music Company.
In 2018, Chan joined the Suzhou Chinese Orchestra (SUCO) and was with SUCO on the well-received tour around Europe. He was awarded the Austrian Music Theatre Prize 2021 with SUCO. Apart from playing in the orchestral and chamber ensemble setting, Kenny has a strong calling in educating the next generation of ruan musician, hoping to impart his knowledge and experiences to them.
Ma Huan
Ma Huan began learning Yangqin at 4 under the tuteledge of Professor Wei Yanming. She was admitted to the China Conservatory of Music in 2002 and become the protégé of renowned Yangqin educator Xiang Zuhua. Furthermore, she learned the Hungarian dulcimer from Ms. Viktoria Herencsar and studied percussion under Professor Wang Yidong. After graduating in 2008 with a Master degree, Ma Huan was employed as an instructor by the Chinese Opera Institute. In 2010, she joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a Yangqin musician. After which, she learned about composing from the famed Singapore local musician Law Wai Lun and music conducting from local famed conductor Dr. Tay Teow Kiat. She is currently the Vice Chairperson of Singapore Yangqin Association.
In 2002, Ma Huan won the Young Professional Group Performance Award and set up a String Chamber Orchestra which won a group gold medal in the International Youth Instrumental Competition in Macau in 2003. During her years in college, she participated in the CCTV “Teochew Music Festival special” performance, the Seventh Beijing International Music Festival, Sino French Music Festival, and Hungarian Music Festival. She successfully held a series of “Yangqin Works of Xiang Zuhua Teacher Student” concerts and performed in the first public performance of the double Yanqin piece The Butterfly Lovers. • Butterfly Qin Tunes, after which she participated in recording the Best of Xiang Zuhua Yangqin Collection II CD.
In January 2013, she held a concert named Silken Expressions at Esplanade Singapore Theatres on the Bay. In 2015, she was invited as the judge of NAFA music contest. Her students have won numerous awards at the Singapore National Music Instrumental Competition. As a composer, her works include Lost, school song of Pei Qun Primary School, Let it go, Dream chaser and Fantasia twinkle twinkle little star. She also produced a orchestra piece with distinctive Singaporean characteristics, titled A Ditty of Nyonya.
Yangqin
Ma Huan
Ma Huan began learning Yangqin at 4 under the tuteledge of Professor Wei Yanming. She was admitted to the China Conservatory of Music in 2002 and become the protégé of renowned Yangqin educator Xiang Zuhua. Furthermore, she learned the Hungarian dulcimer from Ms. Viktoria Herencsar and studied percussion under Professor Wang Yidong. After graduating in 2008 with a Master degree, Ma Huan was employed as an instructor by the Chinese Opera Institute. In 2010, she joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a Yangqin musician. After which, she learned about composing from the famed Singapore local musician Law Wai Lun and music conducting from local famed conductor Dr. Tay Teow Kiat. She is currently the Vice Chairperson of Singapore Yangqin Association.
In 2002, Ma Huan won the Young Professional Group Performance Award and set up a String Chamber Orchestra which won a group gold medal in the International Youth Instrumental Competition in Macau in 2003. During her years in college, she participated in the CCTV “Teochew Music Festival special” performance, the Seventh Beijing International Music Festival, Sino French Music Festival, and Hungarian Music Festival. She successfully held a series of “Yangqin Works of Xiang Zuhua Teacher Student” concerts and performed in the first public performance of the double Yanqin piece The Butterfly Lovers. • Butterfly Qin Tunes, after which she participated in recording the Best of Xiang Zuhua Yangqin Collection II CD.
In January 2013, she held a concert named Silken Expressions at Esplanade Singapore Theatres on the Bay. In 2015, she was invited as the judge of NAFA music contest. Her students have won numerous awards at the Singapore National Music Instrumental Competition. As a composer, her works include Lost, school song of Pei Qun Primary School, Let it go, Dream chaser and Fantasia twinkle twinkle little star. She also produced a orchestra piece with distinctive Singaporean characteristics, titled A Ditty of Nyonya.
- Gaoyin Pipa: Wang Siyuan
- Xiaoruan: Liang Ming-Huei, Cheng Tzu-Ting
- Zhongruan: Koh Min Hui, Ngeow Si Ming, Jonathan
- Daruan: Chan Jing Wen, Kenny
- Yangqin: Ma Huan
- Liuqin: Liang Ming-Huei
- Pipa: Wang Siyuan
- Yangqin: Ma Huan
- Zhongruan: Cheng Tzu-Ting, Koh Min Hui, Ngeow Si Ming, Jonathan
- Daruan: Chan Jing Wen, Kenny
- Dagu: Koh Wen Jun, Derek
Composed by Liu Chang
Narati
Composed by Liu Chang
Narati is composed for plucked strings and percussion instruments. The creative inspiration for this piece comes from the famous Narati Grassland in Xinjiang. The name of Narati Grassland, also known as Kunes Grassland, means "The Grassland of the White Sun" in Turkic terms. The grassland consists of sub-alpine meadows formed on tertiary ancient diluvium. The story of Narati Grassland can be traced back to Genghis Khan's western expedition. Legend has it that a Mongolian army was marching from the depths of Tianshan Mountain to Ili. It was spring, but the mountainous areas were pelted by snow and wind. Hunger and cold exhausted the army and they were reluctant to cross the ridges. Suddenly, a sprawling grassland appeared before their eyes. On it was vibrant blooms and countless springs that offer fresh flowing water. It was like a totally different world. At that moment, the clouds parted to reveal the sun, casting a blood-red hue on the land. At this sight, the soldiers exclaimed, "Narati!" which means "There's the sun!" In this way, “narati” became the name of the grassland.
Liu Chang
Liu Chang is a young composer who teaches music composition at the School of Music of Liaoning Normal University. He is the Chairperson of the Music Composition and Music Theory Professional Committee of the Dalian Musician Association. Liu Chang also serves as the resident composer of the Guangxi Chinese Orchestra and the Jilin Symphony Orchestra. In 2004, Liu Chang was accepted into the Music Department of the Affiliated High School of the Central Conservatory of Music after topping his class. In 2007, he enrolled in the undergraduate program at the Conservatory's Composition Department. In 2012, he topped his class once again and thus was guaranteed a place in the Master's program at the Conservatory. During his time as a high school student and an undergraduate, Liu Chang had the privilege of learning from renowned composers such as Professor Du Yong and Professor Luo Xinmin. In college, he received much guidance from the famous composer and educator Mr Du Mingxin. Over the years, Liu Chang received various scholarships, such as the Baogang Education Awards Special Prize, China National Scholarship for Graduate Students, and a scholarship awarded by the Gucci Timepieces and Jewelry Music Fund.
Liu Chang
Liu Chang is a young composer who teaches music composition at the School of Music of Liaoning Normal University. He is the Chairperson of the Music Composition and Music Theory Professional Committee of the Dalian Musician Association. Liu Chang also serves as the resident composer of the Guangxi Chinese Orchestra and the Jilin Symphony Orchestra. In 2004, Liu Chang was accepted into the Music Department of the Affiliated High School of the Central Conservatory of Music after topping his class. In 2007, he enrolled in the undergraduate program at the Conservatory's Composition Department. In 2012, he topped his class once again and thus was guaranteed a place in the Master's program at the Conservatory. During his time as a high school student and an undergraduate, Liu Chang had the privilege of learning from renowned composers such as Professor Du Yong and Professor Luo Xinmin. In college, he received much guidance from the famous composer and educator Mr Du Mingxin. Over the years, Liu Chang received various scholarships, such as the Baogang Education Awards Special Prize, China National Scholarship for Graduate Students, and a scholarship awarded by the Gucci Timepieces and Jewelry Music Fund.
Featuring
Liang Ming-Huei
Liang Ming-Huei was born in Taoyuan, Taiwan. She began learning the piano and the liuqin at age five and seven respectively. She performed on stage for the first time when she was 10 and started playing the zhongruan at the age of 13. Liang Ming-Huei obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2021 and Master of Arts degree in 2023 from the Department of Chinese Music, National Taiwan University of Arts. She studied under the tutelage of Assistant Professor Chen Chung-Ching, a liuqin and zhongruan performer and educator. She joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra in 2023 as a zhongruan musician. Liang Ming-Huei graduated from the music class of the Affiliated Zhongli Senior High School of National Central University in 2017. During her time in the school, she was a student of Yang Chieh-Ju, to whom she owes her musical inspiration, and was also mentored by Chen Zi-Han.
As a student, Liang was already actively involved in various events both on and off campus. She was a regular performer at the annual concert series held at Taiwan’s National Concert Hall (NCH) and has been invited to perform as a lead musician at NCH despite being a newcomer to the scene. She has also been invited to join various school orchestras including the Little Giant Chinese Chamber Orchestra and professional orchestras as an adjunct musician. Her performances have taken her all over Taiwan, Mainland China, and Mexico.
Liang's talents have not gone unnoticed, evident from the myriad of awards, concerts, and recorded works under her belt. These include clinching double Gold Awards in the Senior High Category at the Taiwan National Student Competition of Music in both 2017 and 2019 for her outstanding performance on the liuqin and zhongruan. In September 2023, Liang participated in the Taoyuan City Chinese Instrumental Music Competition for ruan and guzheng as a zhongruan performer and won the Audience's Choice Award. In April 2023, she got into the semifinals of the Rising Star of Zhongruan – NCO Music Competition 2023. In 2019, Liang performed a concerto Die Loreley at a pluck string showcase held at the National Taiwan University of Arts. She also joined the Taipei Chinese Orchestra in the studio recording for both of Lo Leung-Fai’s The Four Seasons albums, released in 2022 and 2023 respectively. In 2021 and 2023, she held solo graduation concerts to mark the end of her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts journeys at the National Taiwan University of Arts. She debuted Danza Spagnola for the liuqin, zhongruan, and piano to great acclaim. On top of being a full-time performer, Liang also teaches piano, zhongruan, liuqin and foundational music courses such as sight singing, dictation and music theory.
Zhongruan
Liang Ming-Huei
Liang Ming-Huei was born in Taoyuan, Taiwan. She began learning the piano and the liuqin at age five and seven respectively. She performed on stage for the first time when she was 10 and started playing the zhongruan at the age of 13. Liang Ming-Huei obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2021 and Master of Arts degree in 2023 from the Department of Chinese Music, National Taiwan University of Arts. She studied under the tutelage of Assistant Professor Chen Chung-Ching, a liuqin and zhongruan performer and educator. She joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra in 2023 as a zhongruan musician. Liang Ming-Huei graduated from the music class of the Affiliated Zhongli Senior High School of National Central University in 2017. During her time in the school, she was a student of Yang Chieh-Ju, to whom she owes her musical inspiration, and was also mentored by Chen Zi-Han.
As a student, Liang was already actively involved in various events both on and off campus. She was a regular performer at the annual concert series held at Taiwan’s National Concert Hall (NCH) and has been invited to perform as a lead musician at NCH despite being a newcomer to the scene. She has also been invited to join various school orchestras including the Little Giant Chinese Chamber Orchestra and professional orchestras as an adjunct musician. Her performances have taken her all over Taiwan, Mainland China, and Mexico.
Liang's talents have not gone unnoticed, evident from the myriad of awards, concerts, and recorded works under her belt. These include clinching double Gold Awards in the Senior High Category at the Taiwan National Student Competition of Music in both 2017 and 2019 for her outstanding performance on the liuqin and zhongruan. In September 2023, Liang participated in the Taoyuan City Chinese Instrumental Music Competition for ruan and guzheng as a zhongruan performer and won the Audience's Choice Award. In April 2023, she got into the semifinals of the Rising Star of Zhongruan – NCO Music Competition 2023. In 2019, Liang performed a concerto Die Loreley at a pluck string showcase held at the National Taiwan University of Arts. She also joined the Taipei Chinese Orchestra in the studio recording for both of Lo Leung-Fai’s The Four Seasons albums, released in 2022 and 2023 respectively. In 2021 and 2023, she held solo graduation concerts to mark the end of her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts journeys at the National Taiwan University of Arts. She debuted Danza Spagnola for the liuqin, zhongruan, and piano to great acclaim. On top of being a full-time performer, Liang also teaches piano, zhongruan, liuqin and foundational music courses such as sight singing, dictation and music theory.
Wang Siyuan
Wang Siyuan was accepted into the Central Conservatory of Music Affiliated Middle School in 2008, where she studied under the tutelage of Professor Fan Wei. After her graduation, she moved to Singapore to continue her music studies in the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in 2015, where she studied under SCO Pipa Principal Yu Jia. In November 2015, Siyuan successfully auditioned and joined the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra. She joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a pipa musician in September 2023.
Siyuan matured as a Pipa player in NAFA, and she took participated actively in school performances and exchange programs. She had also performed on many occasions NAFA hosted visitors from China. Siyuan represented NAFA in the 2016 National Chinese Music Competition, and she came in Second in the Open Category. She was also one of NAFA’s representatives in the Ensemble Category, in which the group won the First prize.
In 2017, Siyuan won both the NAFA-RAVE Chinese Concerto Competition as well as the Nanyang International Music Competition (Pipa, Open Category), on top of being part of a NAFA concerto group that clinched the champion title in the Concerto (Professional) Category. In 2018, she won the Pipa Open Category in the Singapore National Chinese Music Competition, and was selected for the Winner's Concert, performing Apsaras on the Silk Road (丝路飞天) with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. In 2019, she won the Rave Concerto Competition. In March 2019, she was selected as the soloist for "Dauntless Spirit", an annual concert put up by the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, and performed the Pipa concerto The Sword and the Scroll (文武双全). Her performances were very well received and highly acclaimed by the audience. During her studies in Pipa performance, Siyuan started learning the Zhongruan, and in 2019, Siyuan participated in the 2nd Nanyang International Music Competition Zhongruan Youth Professional Category, which she was awarded second place. In 2020, Siyuan started studying Bachelor's Degree in Zhongruan under the tutelage of Yu Jia. In the same year, Siyuan participated in the Singapore Chinese Music Competition Zhongruan Open Category, where she won 1st prize. In 2021, Siyuan took part in the 3rd Nanyang International Music Competition Zhongruan Open Professional Category, winning the top prize of the category. In 2023, Siyuan continued her studies in a master course at NAFA.
Pipa
Wang Siyuan
Wang Siyuan was accepted into the Central Conservatory of Music Affiliated Middle School in 2008, where she studied under the tutelage of Professor Fan Wei. After her graduation, she moved to Singapore to continue her music studies in the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in 2015, where she studied under SCO Pipa Principal Yu Jia. In November 2015, Siyuan successfully auditioned and joined the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra. She joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a pipa musician in September 2023.
Siyuan matured as a Pipa player in NAFA, and she took participated actively in school performances and exchange programs. She had also performed on many occasions NAFA hosted visitors from China. Siyuan represented NAFA in the 2016 National Chinese Music Competition, and she came in Second in the Open Category. She was also one of NAFA’s representatives in the Ensemble Category, in which the group won the First prize.
In 2017, Siyuan won both the NAFA-RAVE Chinese Concerto Competition as well as the Nanyang International Music Competition (Pipa, Open Category), on top of being part of a NAFA concerto group that clinched the champion title in the Concerto (Professional) Category. In 2018, she won the Pipa Open Category in the Singapore National Chinese Music Competition, and was selected for the Winner's Concert, performing Apsaras on the Silk Road (丝路飞天) with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. In 2019, she won the Rave Concerto Competition. In March 2019, she was selected as the soloist for "Dauntless Spirit", an annual concert put up by the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, and performed the Pipa concerto The Sword and the Scroll (文武双全). Her performances were very well received and highly acclaimed by the audience. During her studies in Pipa performance, Siyuan started learning the Zhongruan, and in 2019, Siyuan participated in the 2nd Nanyang International Music Competition Zhongruan Youth Professional Category, which she was awarded second place. In 2020, Siyuan started studying Bachelor's Degree in Zhongruan under the tutelage of Yu Jia. In the same year, Siyuan participated in the Singapore Chinese Music Competition Zhongruan Open Category, where she won 1st prize. In 2021, Siyuan took part in the 3rd Nanyang International Music Competition Zhongruan Open Professional Category, winning the top prize of the category. In 2023, Siyuan continued her studies in a master course at NAFA.
Ma Huan
Ma Huan began learning Yangqin at 4 under the tuteledge of Professor Wei Yanming. She was admitted to the China Conservatory of Music in 2002 and become the protégé of renowned Yangqin educator Xiang Zuhua. Furthermore, she learned the Hungarian dulcimer from Ms. Viktoria Herencsar and studied percussion under Professor Wang Yidong. After graduating in 2008 with a Master degree, Ma Huan was employed as an instructor by the Chinese Opera Institute. In 2010, she joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a Yangqin musician. After which, she learned about composing from the famed Singapore local musician Law Wai Lun and music conducting from local famed conductor Dr. Tay Teow Kiat. She is currently the Vice Chairperson of Singapore Yangqin Association.
In 2002, Ma Huan won the Young Professional Group Performance Award and set up a String Chamber Orchestra which won a group gold medal in the International Youth Instrumental Competition in Macau in 2003. During her years in college, she participated in the CCTV “Teochew Music Festival special” performance, the Seventh Beijing International Music Festival, Sino French Music Festival, and Hungarian Music Festival. She successfully held a series of “Yangqin Works of Xiang Zuhua Teacher Student” concerts and performed in the first public performance of the double Yanqin piece The Butterfly Lovers. • Butterfly Qin Tunes, after which she participated in recording the Best of Xiang Zuhua Yangqin Collection II CD.
In January 2013, she held a concert named Silken Expressions at Esplanade Singapore Theatres on the Bay. In 2015, she was invited as the judge of NAFA music contest. Her students have won numerous awards at the Singapore National Music Instrumental Competition. As a composer, her works include Lost, school song of Pei Qun Primary School, Let it go, Dream chaser and Fantasia twinkle twinkle little star. She also produced a orchestra piece with distinctive Singaporean characteristics, titled A Ditty of Nyonya.
Yangqin
Ma Huan
Ma Huan began learning Yangqin at 4 under the tuteledge of Professor Wei Yanming. She was admitted to the China Conservatory of Music in 2002 and become the protégé of renowned Yangqin educator Xiang Zuhua. Furthermore, she learned the Hungarian dulcimer from Ms. Viktoria Herencsar and studied percussion under Professor Wang Yidong. After graduating in 2008 with a Master degree, Ma Huan was employed as an instructor by the Chinese Opera Institute. In 2010, she joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a Yangqin musician. After which, she learned about composing from the famed Singapore local musician Law Wai Lun and music conducting from local famed conductor Dr. Tay Teow Kiat. She is currently the Vice Chairperson of Singapore Yangqin Association.
In 2002, Ma Huan won the Young Professional Group Performance Award and set up a String Chamber Orchestra which won a group gold medal in the International Youth Instrumental Competition in Macau in 2003. During her years in college, she participated in the CCTV “Teochew Music Festival special” performance, the Seventh Beijing International Music Festival, Sino French Music Festival, and Hungarian Music Festival. She successfully held a series of “Yangqin Works of Xiang Zuhua Teacher Student” concerts and performed in the first public performance of the double Yanqin piece The Butterfly Lovers. • Butterfly Qin Tunes, after which she participated in recording the Best of Xiang Zuhua Yangqin Collection II CD.
In January 2013, she held a concert named Silken Expressions at Esplanade Singapore Theatres on the Bay. In 2015, she was invited as the judge of NAFA music contest. Her students have won numerous awards at the Singapore National Music Instrumental Competition. As a composer, her works include Lost, school song of Pei Qun Primary School, Let it go, Dream chaser and Fantasia twinkle twinkle little star. She also produced a orchestra piece with distinctive Singaporean characteristics, titled A Ditty of Nyonya.
Cheng Tzu-Ting
Cheng Tzu-Ting was born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and is currently a Zhongruan musician with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. She graduated from the Tainan National University of the Arts (TNUA) in 2008, with a major in Ruan (under the tutelage of Chen Yi-Chien) and minors in Sanxian and composition. In the course of her studies, she has been mentored by renowned teachers like Ho Li-Hsiang, Yu Hui-Lan, Ts'ui Chun-Miao, T'ang Liang-Hsing and Feng Shao-Hsien.
An active performer since her student days, Cheng took part in many school concerts, in addition to her personal recitals. She performed in her graduation recital in 2008, a joint recital with Ping Hsiao-Chieh in 2007, and a promotion recital “Concealed Fluency” in collaboration with Liu Hsin-Lin in 2004. She won the top prize in the Ruan (varsity) category in the Wei Wu Ying National Music Competition held at the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts in 2008.
She is heavily involved in the local music scene after moving to Singapore, having performed as a soloist for many concerts, while maintaining a strong presence in Taiwan. Concerts held in Singapore include the Cheng San Chinese Orchestra Gala Concert – Ode to Sun in 2018, where she was the soloist in the Singapore premiere of the Ruan concerto Song of Dawn and Dusk, a joint recital: “Soulmates: A Pipa and Ruan Recital” in 2015, “Ruan Harmonies” in 2014, where she was the soloist in the piece Autumn, a joint recital “Heart Strings” in 2013, “Asian Waves: The Changing Face of Asia” in 2012 where she was a soloist in the premiere of Autumn Blues for Ruan and Erhu, and “Happy Ruan Family” in 2010, where she was the soloist in the piece “Self-Admiration”. Events in Taiwan include the “Liuqin and Ruan Interpretation and Education Forum” and the “Overseas and Local Faculty/Student Joint Concert” in 2014, where she was the soloist in the piece Childhood, and “Flight of the Bumblebee – Outstanding Alumni and the TNUA Plucked Strings Ensemble Joint Concert” in 2009, where she was the soloist in Capricho árabe.
On top of her busy performing career, she is highly committed to music education in Singapore, instructing Chinese Orchestras in various primary and secondary schools, and has received numerous awards from the Ministry of Education in recognition of her contribution.
Zhongruan
Cheng Tzu-Ting
Cheng Tzu-Ting was born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and is currently a Zhongruan musician with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. She graduated from the Tainan National University of the Arts (TNUA) in 2008, with a major in Ruan (under the tutelage of Chen Yi-Chien) and minors in Sanxian and composition. In the course of her studies, she has been mentored by renowned teachers like Ho Li-Hsiang, Yu Hui-Lan, Ts'ui Chun-Miao, T'ang Liang-Hsing and Feng Shao-Hsien.
An active performer since her student days, Cheng took part in many school concerts, in addition to her personal recitals. She performed in her graduation recital in 2008, a joint recital with Ping Hsiao-Chieh in 2007, and a promotion recital “Concealed Fluency” in collaboration with Liu Hsin-Lin in 2004. She won the top prize in the Ruan (varsity) category in the Wei Wu Ying National Music Competition held at the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts in 2008.
She is heavily involved in the local music scene after moving to Singapore, having performed as a soloist for many concerts, while maintaining a strong presence in Taiwan. Concerts held in Singapore include the Cheng San Chinese Orchestra Gala Concert – Ode to Sun in 2018, where she was the soloist in the Singapore premiere of the Ruan concerto Song of Dawn and Dusk, a joint recital: “Soulmates: A Pipa and Ruan Recital” in 2015, “Ruan Harmonies” in 2014, where she was the soloist in the piece Autumn, a joint recital “Heart Strings” in 2013, “Asian Waves: The Changing Face of Asia” in 2012 where she was a soloist in the premiere of Autumn Blues for Ruan and Erhu, and “Happy Ruan Family” in 2010, where she was the soloist in the piece “Self-Admiration”. Events in Taiwan include the “Liuqin and Ruan Interpretation and Education Forum” and the “Overseas and Local Faculty/Student Joint Concert” in 2014, where she was the soloist in the piece Childhood, and “Flight of the Bumblebee – Outstanding Alumni and the TNUA Plucked Strings Ensemble Joint Concert” in 2009, where she was the soloist in Capricho árabe.
On top of her busy performing career, she is highly committed to music education in Singapore, instructing Chinese Orchestras in various primary and secondary schools, and has received numerous awards from the Ministry of Education in recognition of her contribution.
Koh Min Hui
Koh Min Hui joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a zhongruan musician at the age of 21, right before graduating from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) with a music degree in 2011. Back then, she was the youngest musician in the orchestra.
Min Hui is no stranger to the music industry. Currently, she is the Zhongruan Principal of the Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble and committee member of the Ruanxian Association of Singapore. Min Hui is professionally trained to teach autistic children ruan and has been teaching in Pathlight School since 2014. She is also the newly appointed ruan instructor for the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra (SNYCO) since January 2020.
Growing up in the music scene, Min Hui started learning zhongruan at the age of 8 under the guidance of Ms. Xu Yi Ping. She later gained admission to the School of Young Talents at NAFA, where she obtained the Zhongruan Diploma awarded by the Central Conservatory of China in 2005. Since 2006, Min Hui has been under the tutelage of Mdm. Zhang Ronghui, Ruan Principal in the SCO. A recipient of the Ngee Ann Kongsi merit award for degree studies in 2010; Min Hui graduated from her BA (Hons) Music, majoring in Ruan, with an upper second-class honour at NAFA in July 2011.
A multi-award winner, Min Hui was the only Gold Award winner representing Singapore in the 2010 Inaugural International Ruan Competition (professional youth category) organised by the China Nationalities Orchestra Society in Beijing. In 2008, she was the first person in history of the National Arts Council National Chinese Music Competition (now known as Singapore Chinese Music Competition) to clinch the First prize in the Zhongruan Open Category.
Zhongruan
Koh Min Hui
Koh Min Hui joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a zhongruan musician at the age of 21, right before graduating from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) with a music degree in 2011. Back then, she was the youngest musician in the orchestra.
Min Hui is no stranger to the music industry. Currently, she is the Zhongruan Principal of the Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble and committee member of the Ruanxian Association of Singapore. Min Hui is professionally trained to teach autistic children ruan and has been teaching in Pathlight School since 2014. She is also the newly appointed ruan instructor for the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra (SNYCO) since January 2020.
Growing up in the music scene, Min Hui started learning zhongruan at the age of 8 under the guidance of Ms. Xu Yi Ping. She later gained admission to the School of Young Talents at NAFA, where she obtained the Zhongruan Diploma awarded by the Central Conservatory of China in 2005. Since 2006, Min Hui has been under the tutelage of Mdm. Zhang Ronghui, Ruan Principal in the SCO. A recipient of the Ngee Ann Kongsi merit award for degree studies in 2010; Min Hui graduated from her BA (Hons) Music, majoring in Ruan, with an upper second-class honour at NAFA in July 2011.
A multi-award winner, Min Hui was the only Gold Award winner representing Singapore in the 2010 Inaugural International Ruan Competition (professional youth category) organised by the China Nationalities Orchestra Society in Beijing. In 2008, she was the first person in history of the National Arts Council National Chinese Music Competition (now known as Singapore Chinese Music Competition) to clinch the First prize in the Zhongruan Open Category.
Ngeow Si Ming Jonathan
Jonathan Ngeow is one of the most sought after Ruan musicians of his generation. His ability to captivate audiences with his intrinsic musicianship and dynamic presence, coupled with his passion for advocating Chinese music through his media presence redefines what it means to be a Chinese instrumentalist, making him one of the leading Ruan musicians of today.
A multi-award winner, Jonathan clinched the first prize (Zhongruan Open Category) at the National Chinese Music Competition 2010 in Singapore and performed his winning concerto with the SCO at the Prize Winners’ Concert. He was also awarded the silver prize at the inaugural Zhongruan competition organised by the China Nationalities Orchestra Society the same year in Beijing.
In 2017 he was invited to stage a recital at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and performed Zhongruan concerto (Reminiscences of Yunnan) accompanied by the Symphonic Winds. In 2018 Jonathan held a recital (Onwards) in the Esplanade recital studio as part of their Chinese Chamber Series and in that very year he recorded the music for Disney’s live action movie “Mulan”. In 2019 he debuts his solo recital at the National Theatre and Concert Hall in Taipei. In the midst of the Pandemic in 2020, Jonathan recorded the music for the Hollywood movie “Songbird”.
Jonathan is a versatile musician who is comfortable playing in an orchestra, chamber ensemble and as a soloist. Apart from being in the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, he is also the founding member of DingYi Music Company, Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble. Jonathan prides in teaching and inspiring the next generation of ruan musicians and hopes he can impart his knowledge to them.
Zhongruan
Ngeow Si Ming Jonathan
Jonathan Ngeow is one of the most sought after Ruan musicians of his generation. His ability to captivate audiences with his intrinsic musicianship and dynamic presence, coupled with his passion for advocating Chinese music through his media presence redefines what it means to be a Chinese instrumentalist, making him one of the leading Ruan musicians of today.
A multi-award winner, Jonathan clinched the first prize (Zhongruan Open Category) at the National Chinese Music Competition 2010 in Singapore and performed his winning concerto with the SCO at the Prize Winners’ Concert. He was also awarded the silver prize at the inaugural Zhongruan competition organised by the China Nationalities Orchestra Society the same year in Beijing.
In 2017 he was invited to stage a recital at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and performed Zhongruan concerto (Reminiscences of Yunnan) accompanied by the Symphonic Winds. In 2018 Jonathan held a recital (Onwards) in the Esplanade recital studio as part of their Chinese Chamber Series and in that very year he recorded the music for Disney’s live action movie “Mulan”. In 2019 he debuts his solo recital at the National Theatre and Concert Hall in Taipei. In the midst of the Pandemic in 2020, Jonathan recorded the music for the Hollywood movie “Songbird”.
Jonathan is a versatile musician who is comfortable playing in an orchestra, chamber ensemble and as a soloist. Apart from being in the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, he is also the founding member of DingYi Music Company, Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble. Jonathan prides in teaching and inspiring the next generation of ruan musicians and hopes he can impart his knowledge to them.
Chan Jing Wen Kenny
Kenny Chan, Singapore’s home grown ruan artist graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in partnership with the Royal College of Music (London) and the Central Conservatory of Music (Beijing). Kenny joined Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) as daruan musician in 2023. He was under the tutelage of SCO Ruan Principal Zhang Ronghui and Jing Po, he also did a minor in sanxian performance under the tutelage of SCO Pluck Strings Sectional Leader Huang Guifang and renowned sanxian musician Zhang Nianbing.
Kenny is the founding member of Ding Yi Music Company, Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble. Kenny presented a double Ruan concerto composed by local composer Jean. Y Foo with Ding Yi music company, and was conducted by Maestro Lim Yau. In 2008, Kenny won the Silver award at the 28th Shanghai Spring International Music Festival and first prize under the folk ensemble category at the 2009 National Eisteddfod of Wales (Llangollen) with Art-Sphere ensemble (now known as Ding Yi Music Company). In 2010, Kenny was awarded with the first runner-up for Ruan Solo Competition (Open Category) in the National Chinese Music Competition (now known as Singapore Chinese Music Competition). In the same year, he was appointed as Pluck Strings Principal in Ding Yi Music Company.
In 2018, Chan joined the Suzhou Chinese Orchestra (SUCO) and was with SUCO on the well-received tour around Europe. He was awarded the Austrian Music Theatre Prize 2021 with SUCO. Apart from playing in the orchestral and chamber ensemble setting, Kenny has a strong calling in educating the next generation of ruan musician, hoping to impart his knowledge and experiences to them.
Daruan
Chan Jing Wen Kenny
Kenny Chan, Singapore’s home grown ruan artist graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in partnership with the Royal College of Music (London) and the Central Conservatory of Music (Beijing). Kenny joined Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) as daruan musician in 2023. He was under the tutelage of SCO Ruan Principal Zhang Ronghui and Jing Po, he also did a minor in sanxian performance under the tutelage of SCO Pluck Strings Sectional Leader Huang Guifang and renowned sanxian musician Zhang Nianbing.
Kenny is the founding member of Ding Yi Music Company, Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble. Kenny presented a double Ruan concerto composed by local composer Jean. Y Foo with Ding Yi music company, and was conducted by Maestro Lim Yau. In 2008, Kenny won the Silver award at the 28th Shanghai Spring International Music Festival and first prize under the folk ensemble category at the 2009 National Eisteddfod of Wales (Llangollen) with Art-Sphere ensemble (now known as Ding Yi Music Company). In 2010, Kenny was awarded with the first runner-up for Ruan Solo Competition (Open Category) in the National Chinese Music Competition (now known as Singapore Chinese Music Competition). In the same year, he was appointed as Pluck Strings Principal in Ding Yi Music Company.
In 2018, Chan joined the Suzhou Chinese Orchestra (SUCO) and was with SUCO on the well-received tour around Europe. He was awarded the Austrian Music Theatre Prize 2021 with SUCO. Apart from playing in the orchestral and chamber ensemble setting, Kenny has a strong calling in educating the next generation of ruan musician, hoping to impart his knowledge and experiences to them.
Koh Wen Jun Derek
Hailed by The Straits Times as a leading voice of his generation, percussionist Derek Koh has performed extensively across the United States, Europe, and Asia. His multifaceted career spans orchestral and chamber performance, composing, producing, and ensemble leadership.
Since 2022, he has served as Section Percussion with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO). He has been featured as a soloist with SCO, including a Tianjin appearance on the China Tour 2024 and the SCO Fundraising Dinner 2024. He performed with ZeMu! Ensemble Berlin at the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) 2022 and has appeared with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Sichuan Symphony Orchestra, and has collaborated with musicians of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. In 2019, he held a fellowship with the Grammy Award-winning Orpheus Chamber Orchestra in New York.
Derek’s practice extends into multidisciplinary work between stage and screen. Highlights include recording for Disney’s live-action Mulan, performing in Esplanade’s 24-show PLAYtime! production The Noisy Forest, and appearing as percussionist in T.I.M.E: I Ching, a Traditional Arts Residency under the National Arts Council (Singapore).
As Creative Director of Morse Percussion, he champions contemporary percussion and Singaporean repertoire through commissions and platforms including SIFA 2021 and YST Performers’ Present 2023. In 2025, Morse Percussion was invited as artists to PASIC 50, the convention’s jubilee year, becoming the first Singaporean percussion collective to perform at PASIC.
Derek teaches at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts as Adjunct Faculty and Assistant Director of the Percussion Ensemble. He serves as Vice Secretary-General of the Singapore Chinese Music Federation, Chairman of its Youth Chapter, and Secretary-General of the Percussion Association of Singapore. He holds a Bachelor of Music from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, conferred by the Royal College of Music, and a Master of Music from the Mannes School of Music in New York. He is a Freer Percussion Artist.
Percussion
Koh Wen Jun Derek
Hailed by The Straits Times as a leading voice of his generation, percussionist Derek Koh has performed extensively across the United States, Europe, and Asia. His multifaceted career spans orchestral and chamber performance, composing, producing, and ensemble leadership.
Since 2022, he has served as Section Percussion with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO). He has been featured as a soloist with SCO, including a Tianjin appearance on the China Tour 2024 and the SCO Fundraising Dinner 2024. He performed with ZeMu! Ensemble Berlin at the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) 2022 and has appeared with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Sichuan Symphony Orchestra, and has collaborated with musicians of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. In 2019, he held a fellowship with the Grammy Award-winning Orpheus Chamber Orchestra in New York.
Derek’s practice extends into multidisciplinary work between stage and screen. Highlights include recording for Disney’s live-action Mulan, performing in Esplanade’s 24-show PLAYtime! production The Noisy Forest, and appearing as percussionist in T.I.M.E: I Ching, a Traditional Arts Residency under the National Arts Council (Singapore).
As Creative Director of Morse Percussion, he champions contemporary percussion and Singaporean repertoire through commissions and platforms including SIFA 2021 and YST Performers’ Present 2023. In 2025, Morse Percussion was invited as artists to PASIC 50, the convention’s jubilee year, becoming the first Singaporean percussion collective to perform at PASIC.
Derek teaches at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts as Adjunct Faculty and Assistant Director of the Percussion Ensemble. He serves as Vice Secretary-General of the Singapore Chinese Music Federation, Chairman of its Youth Chapter, and Secretary-General of the Percussion Association of Singapore. He holds a Bachelor of Music from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, conferred by the Royal College of Music, and a Master of Music from the Mannes School of Music in New York. He is a Freer Percussion Artist.
- Liuqin: Liang Ming-Huei
- Pipa: Wang Siyuan
- Yangqin: Ma Huan
- Zhongruan: Cheng Tzu-Ting, Koh Min Hui, Ngeow Si Ming, Jonathan
- Daruan: Chan Jing Wen, Kenny
- Dagu: Koh Wen Jun, Derek
- Liuqin: Liang Ming-Huei
- Pipa: Wang Siyuan
- Yangqin: Ma Huan
- Zhongruan: Cheng Tzu-Ting, Koh Min Hui
- Daruan: Chan Jing Wen, Kenny, Ngeow Si Ming, Jonathan
Composed by Wang Chenwei
Childhood
Composed by Wang Chenwei
In childhood, we laugh and play. We learn, we grow. The spirited fast section sparkles with carefree exuberance, while the lyrical slow section contemplates the journey towards maturity. The fast section returns, culminating in a whimsical ending. The interplay of Chinese pentatonic scales and Western chromatic scales brings a fresh vibrancy to traditional instruments.
Wang Chenwei composed Childhood in 2005 at age 16 for the Singapore Ruan Ensemble, later arranging it for Western string ensemble as well as multiple chamber ensemble and sheng ensemble configurations. This 2025 arrangement for plucked string septet was commissioned and premiered by the Singapore Chinese Orchestra.
Wang Chenwei
Wang Chenwei is the Singapore Chinese Orchestra’s Composer-in-Residence, adjunct faculty at the National Institute of Education and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, and Vice Secretary-General of the Singapore Chinese Music Federation. As The TENG Company’s Head of Research and Education, he is the main co-author of The TENG Guide to the Chinese Orchestra, a 624-page book on instrumentation and orchestration. Chenwei graduated with distinction and an Honorary Award from the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, where he studied composition and audio engineering under a scholarship from Singapore’s Media Development Authority. He has been regularly commissioned to compose for professional orchestras in Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao, including several set pieces for Western classical and Chinese music competitions. His accolades include the national Young Artist Award, the Young Outstanding Singaporeans award from Junior Chamber International and the Top Local Classical Music award from the Composers and Authors Society of Singapore (COMPASS).
Wang Chenwei
Wang Chenwei is the Singapore Chinese Orchestra’s Composer-in-Residence, adjunct faculty at the National Institute of Education and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, and Vice Secretary-General of the Singapore Chinese Music Federation. As The TENG Company’s Head of Research and Education, he is the main co-author of The TENG Guide to the Chinese Orchestra, a 624-page book on instrumentation and orchestration. Chenwei graduated with distinction and an Honorary Award from the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, where he studied composition and audio engineering under a scholarship from Singapore’s Media Development Authority. He has been regularly commissioned to compose for professional orchestras in Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao, including several set pieces for Western classical and Chinese music competitions. His accolades include the national Young Artist Award, the Young Outstanding Singaporeans award from Junior Chamber International and the Top Local Classical Music award from the Composers and Authors Society of Singapore (COMPASS).
Featuring
Liang Ming-Huei
Liang Ming-Huei was born in Taoyuan, Taiwan. She began learning the piano and the liuqin at age five and seven respectively. She performed on stage for the first time when she was 10 and started playing the zhongruan at the age of 13. Liang Ming-Huei obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2021 and Master of Arts degree in 2023 from the Department of Chinese Music, National Taiwan University of Arts. She studied under the tutelage of Assistant Professor Chen Chung-Ching, a liuqin and zhongruan performer and educator. She joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra in 2023 as a zhongruan musician. Liang Ming-Huei graduated from the music class of the Affiliated Zhongli Senior High School of National Central University in 2017. During her time in the school, she was a student of Yang Chieh-Ju, to whom she owes her musical inspiration, and was also mentored by Chen Zi-Han.
As a student, Liang was already actively involved in various events both on and off campus. She was a regular performer at the annual concert series held at Taiwan’s National Concert Hall (NCH) and has been invited to perform as a lead musician at NCH despite being a newcomer to the scene. She has also been invited to join various school orchestras including the Little Giant Chinese Chamber Orchestra and professional orchestras as an adjunct musician. Her performances have taken her all over Taiwan, Mainland China, and Mexico.
Liang's talents have not gone unnoticed, evident from the myriad of awards, concerts, and recorded works under her belt. These include clinching double Gold Awards in the Senior High Category at the Taiwan National Student Competition of Music in both 2017 and 2019 for her outstanding performance on the liuqin and zhongruan. In September 2023, Liang participated in the Taoyuan City Chinese Instrumental Music Competition for ruan and guzheng as a zhongruan performer and won the Audience's Choice Award. In April 2023, she got into the semifinals of the Rising Star of Zhongruan – NCO Music Competition 2023. In 2019, Liang performed a concerto Die Loreley at a pluck string showcase held at the National Taiwan University of Arts. She also joined the Taipei Chinese Orchestra in the studio recording for both of Lo Leung-Fai’s The Four Seasons albums, released in 2022 and 2023 respectively. In 2021 and 2023, she held solo graduation concerts to mark the end of her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts journeys at the National Taiwan University of Arts. She debuted Danza Spagnola for the liuqin, zhongruan, and piano to great acclaim. On top of being a full-time performer, Liang also teaches piano, zhongruan, liuqin and foundational music courses such as sight singing, dictation and music theory.
Zhongruan
Liang Ming-Huei
Liang Ming-Huei was born in Taoyuan, Taiwan. She began learning the piano and the liuqin at age five and seven respectively. She performed on stage for the first time when she was 10 and started playing the zhongruan at the age of 13. Liang Ming-Huei obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2021 and Master of Arts degree in 2023 from the Department of Chinese Music, National Taiwan University of Arts. She studied under the tutelage of Assistant Professor Chen Chung-Ching, a liuqin and zhongruan performer and educator. She joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra in 2023 as a zhongruan musician. Liang Ming-Huei graduated from the music class of the Affiliated Zhongli Senior High School of National Central University in 2017. During her time in the school, she was a student of Yang Chieh-Ju, to whom she owes her musical inspiration, and was also mentored by Chen Zi-Han.
As a student, Liang was already actively involved in various events both on and off campus. She was a regular performer at the annual concert series held at Taiwan’s National Concert Hall (NCH) and has been invited to perform as a lead musician at NCH despite being a newcomer to the scene. She has also been invited to join various school orchestras including the Little Giant Chinese Chamber Orchestra and professional orchestras as an adjunct musician. Her performances have taken her all over Taiwan, Mainland China, and Mexico.
Liang's talents have not gone unnoticed, evident from the myriad of awards, concerts, and recorded works under her belt. These include clinching double Gold Awards in the Senior High Category at the Taiwan National Student Competition of Music in both 2017 and 2019 for her outstanding performance on the liuqin and zhongruan. In September 2023, Liang participated in the Taoyuan City Chinese Instrumental Music Competition for ruan and guzheng as a zhongruan performer and won the Audience's Choice Award. In April 2023, she got into the semifinals of the Rising Star of Zhongruan – NCO Music Competition 2023. In 2019, Liang performed a concerto Die Loreley at a pluck string showcase held at the National Taiwan University of Arts. She also joined the Taipei Chinese Orchestra in the studio recording for both of Lo Leung-Fai’s The Four Seasons albums, released in 2022 and 2023 respectively. In 2021 and 2023, she held solo graduation concerts to mark the end of her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts journeys at the National Taiwan University of Arts. She debuted Danza Spagnola for the liuqin, zhongruan, and piano to great acclaim. On top of being a full-time performer, Liang also teaches piano, zhongruan, liuqin and foundational music courses such as sight singing, dictation and music theory.
Wang Siyuan
Wang Siyuan was accepted into the Central Conservatory of Music Affiliated Middle School in 2008, where she studied under the tutelage of Professor Fan Wei. After her graduation, she moved to Singapore to continue her music studies in the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in 2015, where she studied under SCO Pipa Principal Yu Jia. In November 2015, Siyuan successfully auditioned and joined the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra. She joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a pipa musician in September 2023.
Siyuan matured as a Pipa player in NAFA, and she took participated actively in school performances and exchange programs. She had also performed on many occasions NAFA hosted visitors from China. Siyuan represented NAFA in the 2016 National Chinese Music Competition, and she came in Second in the Open Category. She was also one of NAFA’s representatives in the Ensemble Category, in which the group won the First prize.
In 2017, Siyuan won both the NAFA-RAVE Chinese Concerto Competition as well as the Nanyang International Music Competition (Pipa, Open Category), on top of being part of a NAFA concerto group that clinched the champion title in the Concerto (Professional) Category. In 2018, she won the Pipa Open Category in the Singapore National Chinese Music Competition, and was selected for the Winner's Concert, performing Apsaras on the Silk Road (丝路飞天) with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. In 2019, she won the Rave Concerto Competition. In March 2019, she was selected as the soloist for "Dauntless Spirit", an annual concert put up by the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, and performed the Pipa concerto The Sword and the Scroll (文武双全). Her performances were very well received and highly acclaimed by the audience. During her studies in Pipa performance, Siyuan started learning the Zhongruan, and in 2019, Siyuan participated in the 2nd Nanyang International Music Competition Zhongruan Youth Professional Category, which she was awarded second place. In 2020, Siyuan started studying Bachelor's Degree in Zhongruan under the tutelage of Yu Jia. In the same year, Siyuan participated in the Singapore Chinese Music Competition Zhongruan Open Category, where she won 1st prize. In 2021, Siyuan took part in the 3rd Nanyang International Music Competition Zhongruan Open Professional Category, winning the top prize of the category. In 2023, Siyuan continued her studies in a master course at NAFA.
Pipa
Wang Siyuan
Wang Siyuan was accepted into the Central Conservatory of Music Affiliated Middle School in 2008, where she studied under the tutelage of Professor Fan Wei. After her graduation, she moved to Singapore to continue her music studies in the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in 2015, where she studied under SCO Pipa Principal Yu Jia. In November 2015, Siyuan successfully auditioned and joined the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra. She joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a pipa musician in September 2023.
Siyuan matured as a Pipa player in NAFA, and she took participated actively in school performances and exchange programs. She had also performed on many occasions NAFA hosted visitors from China. Siyuan represented NAFA in the 2016 National Chinese Music Competition, and she came in Second in the Open Category. She was also one of NAFA’s representatives in the Ensemble Category, in which the group won the First prize.
In 2017, Siyuan won both the NAFA-RAVE Chinese Concerto Competition as well as the Nanyang International Music Competition (Pipa, Open Category), on top of being part of a NAFA concerto group that clinched the champion title in the Concerto (Professional) Category. In 2018, she won the Pipa Open Category in the Singapore National Chinese Music Competition, and was selected for the Winner's Concert, performing Apsaras on the Silk Road (丝路飞天) with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. In 2019, she won the Rave Concerto Competition. In March 2019, she was selected as the soloist for "Dauntless Spirit", an annual concert put up by the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, and performed the Pipa concerto The Sword and the Scroll (文武双全). Her performances were very well received and highly acclaimed by the audience. During her studies in Pipa performance, Siyuan started learning the Zhongruan, and in 2019, Siyuan participated in the 2nd Nanyang International Music Competition Zhongruan Youth Professional Category, which she was awarded second place. In 2020, Siyuan started studying Bachelor's Degree in Zhongruan under the tutelage of Yu Jia. In the same year, Siyuan participated in the Singapore Chinese Music Competition Zhongruan Open Category, where she won 1st prize. In 2021, Siyuan took part in the 3rd Nanyang International Music Competition Zhongruan Open Professional Category, winning the top prize of the category. In 2023, Siyuan continued her studies in a master course at NAFA.
Ma Huan
Ma Huan began learning Yangqin at 4 under the tuteledge of Professor Wei Yanming. She was admitted to the China Conservatory of Music in 2002 and become the protégé of renowned Yangqin educator Xiang Zuhua. Furthermore, she learned the Hungarian dulcimer from Ms. Viktoria Herencsar and studied percussion under Professor Wang Yidong. After graduating in 2008 with a Master degree, Ma Huan was employed as an instructor by the Chinese Opera Institute. In 2010, she joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a Yangqin musician. After which, she learned about composing from the famed Singapore local musician Law Wai Lun and music conducting from local famed conductor Dr. Tay Teow Kiat. She is currently the Vice Chairperson of Singapore Yangqin Association.
In 2002, Ma Huan won the Young Professional Group Performance Award and set up a String Chamber Orchestra which won a group gold medal in the International Youth Instrumental Competition in Macau in 2003. During her years in college, she participated in the CCTV “Teochew Music Festival special” performance, the Seventh Beijing International Music Festival, Sino French Music Festival, and Hungarian Music Festival. She successfully held a series of “Yangqin Works of Xiang Zuhua Teacher Student” concerts and performed in the first public performance of the double Yanqin piece The Butterfly Lovers. • Butterfly Qin Tunes, after which she participated in recording the Best of Xiang Zuhua Yangqin Collection II CD.
In January 2013, she held a concert named Silken Expressions at Esplanade Singapore Theatres on the Bay. In 2015, she was invited as the judge of NAFA music contest. Her students have won numerous awards at the Singapore National Music Instrumental Competition. As a composer, her works include Lost, school song of Pei Qun Primary School, Let it go, Dream chaser and Fantasia twinkle twinkle little star. She also produced a orchestra piece with distinctive Singaporean characteristics, titled A Ditty of Nyonya.
Yangqin
Ma Huan
Ma Huan began learning Yangqin at 4 under the tuteledge of Professor Wei Yanming. She was admitted to the China Conservatory of Music in 2002 and become the protégé of renowned Yangqin educator Xiang Zuhua. Furthermore, she learned the Hungarian dulcimer from Ms. Viktoria Herencsar and studied percussion under Professor Wang Yidong. After graduating in 2008 with a Master degree, Ma Huan was employed as an instructor by the Chinese Opera Institute. In 2010, she joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a Yangqin musician. After which, she learned about composing from the famed Singapore local musician Law Wai Lun and music conducting from local famed conductor Dr. Tay Teow Kiat. She is currently the Vice Chairperson of Singapore Yangqin Association.
In 2002, Ma Huan won the Young Professional Group Performance Award and set up a String Chamber Orchestra which won a group gold medal in the International Youth Instrumental Competition in Macau in 2003. During her years in college, she participated in the CCTV “Teochew Music Festival special” performance, the Seventh Beijing International Music Festival, Sino French Music Festival, and Hungarian Music Festival. She successfully held a series of “Yangqin Works of Xiang Zuhua Teacher Student” concerts and performed in the first public performance of the double Yanqin piece The Butterfly Lovers. • Butterfly Qin Tunes, after which she participated in recording the Best of Xiang Zuhua Yangqin Collection II CD.
In January 2013, she held a concert named Silken Expressions at Esplanade Singapore Theatres on the Bay. In 2015, she was invited as the judge of NAFA music contest. Her students have won numerous awards at the Singapore National Music Instrumental Competition. As a composer, her works include Lost, school song of Pei Qun Primary School, Let it go, Dream chaser and Fantasia twinkle twinkle little star. She also produced a orchestra piece with distinctive Singaporean characteristics, titled A Ditty of Nyonya.
Cheng Tzu-Ting
Cheng Tzu-Ting was born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and is currently a Zhongruan musician with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. She graduated from the Tainan National University of the Arts (TNUA) in 2008, with a major in Ruan (under the tutelage of Chen Yi-Chien) and minors in Sanxian and composition. In the course of her studies, she has been mentored by renowned teachers like Ho Li-Hsiang, Yu Hui-Lan, Ts'ui Chun-Miao, T'ang Liang-Hsing and Feng Shao-Hsien.
An active performer since her student days, Cheng took part in many school concerts, in addition to her personal recitals. She performed in her graduation recital in 2008, a joint recital with Ping Hsiao-Chieh in 2007, and a promotion recital “Concealed Fluency” in collaboration with Liu Hsin-Lin in 2004. She won the top prize in the Ruan (varsity) category in the Wei Wu Ying National Music Competition held at the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts in 2008.
She is heavily involved in the local music scene after moving to Singapore, having performed as a soloist for many concerts, while maintaining a strong presence in Taiwan. Concerts held in Singapore include the Cheng San Chinese Orchestra Gala Concert – Ode to Sun in 2018, where she was the soloist in the Singapore premiere of the Ruan concerto Song of Dawn and Dusk, a joint recital: “Soulmates: A Pipa and Ruan Recital” in 2015, “Ruan Harmonies” in 2014, where she was the soloist in the piece Autumn, a joint recital “Heart Strings” in 2013, “Asian Waves: The Changing Face of Asia” in 2012 where she was a soloist in the premiere of Autumn Blues for Ruan and Erhu, and “Happy Ruan Family” in 2010, where she was the soloist in the piece “Self-Admiration”. Events in Taiwan include the “Liuqin and Ruan Interpretation and Education Forum” and the “Overseas and Local Faculty/Student Joint Concert” in 2014, where she was the soloist in the piece Childhood, and “Flight of the Bumblebee – Outstanding Alumni and the TNUA Plucked Strings Ensemble Joint Concert” in 2009, where she was the soloist in Capricho árabe.
On top of her busy performing career, she is highly committed to music education in Singapore, instructing Chinese Orchestras in various primary and secondary schools, and has received numerous awards from the Ministry of Education in recognition of her contribution.
Zhongruan
Cheng Tzu-Ting
Cheng Tzu-Ting was born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and is currently a Zhongruan musician with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. She graduated from the Tainan National University of the Arts (TNUA) in 2008, with a major in Ruan (under the tutelage of Chen Yi-Chien) and minors in Sanxian and composition. In the course of her studies, she has been mentored by renowned teachers like Ho Li-Hsiang, Yu Hui-Lan, Ts'ui Chun-Miao, T'ang Liang-Hsing and Feng Shao-Hsien.
An active performer since her student days, Cheng took part in many school concerts, in addition to her personal recitals. She performed in her graduation recital in 2008, a joint recital with Ping Hsiao-Chieh in 2007, and a promotion recital “Concealed Fluency” in collaboration with Liu Hsin-Lin in 2004. She won the top prize in the Ruan (varsity) category in the Wei Wu Ying National Music Competition held at the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts in 2008.
She is heavily involved in the local music scene after moving to Singapore, having performed as a soloist for many concerts, while maintaining a strong presence in Taiwan. Concerts held in Singapore include the Cheng San Chinese Orchestra Gala Concert – Ode to Sun in 2018, where she was the soloist in the Singapore premiere of the Ruan concerto Song of Dawn and Dusk, a joint recital: “Soulmates: A Pipa and Ruan Recital” in 2015, “Ruan Harmonies” in 2014, where she was the soloist in the piece Autumn, a joint recital “Heart Strings” in 2013, “Asian Waves: The Changing Face of Asia” in 2012 where she was a soloist in the premiere of Autumn Blues for Ruan and Erhu, and “Happy Ruan Family” in 2010, where she was the soloist in the piece “Self-Admiration”. Events in Taiwan include the “Liuqin and Ruan Interpretation and Education Forum” and the “Overseas and Local Faculty/Student Joint Concert” in 2014, where she was the soloist in the piece Childhood, and “Flight of the Bumblebee – Outstanding Alumni and the TNUA Plucked Strings Ensemble Joint Concert” in 2009, where she was the soloist in Capricho árabe.
On top of her busy performing career, she is highly committed to music education in Singapore, instructing Chinese Orchestras in various primary and secondary schools, and has received numerous awards from the Ministry of Education in recognition of her contribution.
Koh Min Hui
Koh Min Hui joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a zhongruan musician at the age of 21, right before graduating from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) with a music degree in 2011. Back then, she was the youngest musician in the orchestra.
Min Hui is no stranger to the music industry. Currently, she is the Zhongruan Principal of the Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble and committee member of the Ruanxian Association of Singapore. Min Hui is professionally trained to teach autistic children ruan and has been teaching in Pathlight School since 2014. She is also the newly appointed ruan instructor for the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra (SNYCO) since January 2020.
Growing up in the music scene, Min Hui started learning zhongruan at the age of 8 under the guidance of Ms. Xu Yi Ping. She later gained admission to the School of Young Talents at NAFA, where she obtained the Zhongruan Diploma awarded by the Central Conservatory of China in 2005. Since 2006, Min Hui has been under the tutelage of Mdm. Zhang Ronghui, Ruan Principal in the SCO. A recipient of the Ngee Ann Kongsi merit award for degree studies in 2010; Min Hui graduated from her BA (Hons) Music, majoring in Ruan, with an upper second-class honour at NAFA in July 2011.
A multi-award winner, Min Hui was the only Gold Award winner representing Singapore in the 2010 Inaugural International Ruan Competition (professional youth category) organised by the China Nationalities Orchestra Society in Beijing. In 2008, she was the first person in history of the National Arts Council National Chinese Music Competition (now known as Singapore Chinese Music Competition) to clinch the First prize in the Zhongruan Open Category.
Zhongruan
Koh Min Hui
Koh Min Hui joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a zhongruan musician at the age of 21, right before graduating from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) with a music degree in 2011. Back then, she was the youngest musician in the orchestra.
Min Hui is no stranger to the music industry. Currently, she is the Zhongruan Principal of the Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble and committee member of the Ruanxian Association of Singapore. Min Hui is professionally trained to teach autistic children ruan and has been teaching in Pathlight School since 2014. She is also the newly appointed ruan instructor for the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra (SNYCO) since January 2020.
Growing up in the music scene, Min Hui started learning zhongruan at the age of 8 under the guidance of Ms. Xu Yi Ping. She later gained admission to the School of Young Talents at NAFA, where she obtained the Zhongruan Diploma awarded by the Central Conservatory of China in 2005. Since 2006, Min Hui has been under the tutelage of Mdm. Zhang Ronghui, Ruan Principal in the SCO. A recipient of the Ngee Ann Kongsi merit award for degree studies in 2010; Min Hui graduated from her BA (Hons) Music, majoring in Ruan, with an upper second-class honour at NAFA in July 2011.
A multi-award winner, Min Hui was the only Gold Award winner representing Singapore in the 2010 Inaugural International Ruan Competition (professional youth category) organised by the China Nationalities Orchestra Society in Beijing. In 2008, she was the first person in history of the National Arts Council National Chinese Music Competition (now known as Singapore Chinese Music Competition) to clinch the First prize in the Zhongruan Open Category.
Chan Jing Wen Kenny
Kenny Chan, Singapore’s home grown ruan artist graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in partnership with the Royal College of Music (London) and the Central Conservatory of Music (Beijing). Kenny joined Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) as daruan musician in 2023. He was under the tutelage of SCO Ruan Principal Zhang Ronghui and Jing Po, he also did a minor in sanxian performance under the tutelage of SCO Pluck Strings Sectional Leader Huang Guifang and renowned sanxian musician Zhang Nianbing.
Kenny is the founding member of Ding Yi Music Company, Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble. Kenny presented a double Ruan concerto composed by local composer Jean. Y Foo with Ding Yi music company, and was conducted by Maestro Lim Yau. In 2008, Kenny won the Silver award at the 28th Shanghai Spring International Music Festival and first prize under the folk ensemble category at the 2009 National Eisteddfod of Wales (Llangollen) with Art-Sphere ensemble (now known as Ding Yi Music Company). In 2010, Kenny was awarded with the first runner-up for Ruan Solo Competition (Open Category) in the National Chinese Music Competition (now known as Singapore Chinese Music Competition). In the same year, he was appointed as Pluck Strings Principal in Ding Yi Music Company.
In 2018, Chan joined the Suzhou Chinese Orchestra (SUCO) and was with SUCO on the well-received tour around Europe. He was awarded the Austrian Music Theatre Prize 2021 with SUCO. Apart from playing in the orchestral and chamber ensemble setting, Kenny has a strong calling in educating the next generation of ruan musician, hoping to impart his knowledge and experiences to them.
Daruan
Chan Jing Wen Kenny
Kenny Chan, Singapore’s home grown ruan artist graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in partnership with the Royal College of Music (London) and the Central Conservatory of Music (Beijing). Kenny joined Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) as daruan musician in 2023. He was under the tutelage of SCO Ruan Principal Zhang Ronghui and Jing Po, he also did a minor in sanxian performance under the tutelage of SCO Pluck Strings Sectional Leader Huang Guifang and renowned sanxian musician Zhang Nianbing.
Kenny is the founding member of Ding Yi Music Company, Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble. Kenny presented a double Ruan concerto composed by local composer Jean. Y Foo with Ding Yi music company, and was conducted by Maestro Lim Yau. In 2008, Kenny won the Silver award at the 28th Shanghai Spring International Music Festival and first prize under the folk ensemble category at the 2009 National Eisteddfod of Wales (Llangollen) with Art-Sphere ensemble (now known as Ding Yi Music Company). In 2010, Kenny was awarded with the first runner-up for Ruan Solo Competition (Open Category) in the National Chinese Music Competition (now known as Singapore Chinese Music Competition). In the same year, he was appointed as Pluck Strings Principal in Ding Yi Music Company.
In 2018, Chan joined the Suzhou Chinese Orchestra (SUCO) and was with SUCO on the well-received tour around Europe. He was awarded the Austrian Music Theatre Prize 2021 with SUCO. Apart from playing in the orchestral and chamber ensemble setting, Kenny has a strong calling in educating the next generation of ruan musician, hoping to impart his knowledge and experiences to them.
Ngeow Si Ming Jonathan
Jonathan Ngeow is one of the most sought after Ruan musicians of his generation. His ability to captivate audiences with his intrinsic musicianship and dynamic presence, coupled with his passion for advocating Chinese music through his media presence redefines what it means to be a Chinese instrumentalist, making him one of the leading Ruan musicians of today.
A multi-award winner, Jonathan clinched the first prize (Zhongruan Open Category) at the National Chinese Music Competition 2010 in Singapore and performed his winning concerto with the SCO at the Prize Winners’ Concert. He was also awarded the silver prize at the inaugural Zhongruan competition organised by the China Nationalities Orchestra Society the same year in Beijing.
In 2017 he was invited to stage a recital at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and performed Zhongruan concerto (Reminiscences of Yunnan) accompanied by the Symphonic Winds. In 2018 Jonathan held a recital (Onwards) in the Esplanade recital studio as part of their Chinese Chamber Series and in that very year he recorded the music for Disney’s live action movie “Mulan”. In 2019 he debuts his solo recital at the National Theatre and Concert Hall in Taipei. In the midst of the Pandemic in 2020, Jonathan recorded the music for the Hollywood movie “Songbird”.
Jonathan is a versatile musician who is comfortable playing in an orchestra, chamber ensemble and as a soloist. Apart from being in the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, he is also the founding member of DingYi Music Company, Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble. Jonathan prides in teaching and inspiring the next generation of ruan musicians and hopes he can impart his knowledge to them.
Zhongruan
Ngeow Si Ming Jonathan
Jonathan Ngeow is one of the most sought after Ruan musicians of his generation. His ability to captivate audiences with his intrinsic musicianship and dynamic presence, coupled with his passion for advocating Chinese music through his media presence redefines what it means to be a Chinese instrumentalist, making him one of the leading Ruan musicians of today.
A multi-award winner, Jonathan clinched the first prize (Zhongruan Open Category) at the National Chinese Music Competition 2010 in Singapore and performed his winning concerto with the SCO at the Prize Winners’ Concert. He was also awarded the silver prize at the inaugural Zhongruan competition organised by the China Nationalities Orchestra Society the same year in Beijing.
In 2017 he was invited to stage a recital at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and performed Zhongruan concerto (Reminiscences of Yunnan) accompanied by the Symphonic Winds. In 2018 Jonathan held a recital (Onwards) in the Esplanade recital studio as part of their Chinese Chamber Series and in that very year he recorded the music for Disney’s live action movie “Mulan”. In 2019 he debuts his solo recital at the National Theatre and Concert Hall in Taipei. In the midst of the Pandemic in 2020, Jonathan recorded the music for the Hollywood movie “Songbird”.
Jonathan is a versatile musician who is comfortable playing in an orchestra, chamber ensemble and as a soloist. Apart from being in the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, he is also the founding member of DingYi Music Company, Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble. Jonathan prides in teaching and inspiring the next generation of ruan musicians and hopes he can impart his knowledge to them.
- Liuqin: Liang Ming-Huei
- Pipa: Wang Siyuan
- Yangqin: Ma Huan
- Zhongruan: Cheng Tzu-Ting, Koh Min Hui
- Daruan: Chan Jing Wen, Kenny, Ngeow Si Ming, Jonathan
- Erhu: Zhou Ruoyu
- Pipa: Wang Siyuan
- Yangqin: Ma Huan
- Zhongruan: Koh Min Hui
- Harp: Liang Guoting, Fontane
- Dizi: Ng Wei Xuan
- Gaoyin Sheng: Yang Sin-Yu
- Percussion: Koh Wen Jun, Derek
Composed by Jiang Ying
Dunhuang
Composed by Jiang Ying
Dunhuang, a land of mystery and history, shines like the brightest jewel on the age-old Silk Road, where its rich and vast heritage and innumerable historical sites and artwork bear witness to the confluence of Eastern and Western civilizations, and is a living testament to the ancient cultures that once flourished here. This piece deftly utilizes the characteristics of Chinese instruments in combining the tonalities of Western Chinese music with the Ragas of Indian music, symbolizing Dunhuang’s unique position as the only meeting point of the four ancient civilizations and its diverse and legendary nature. The music is divided into two main sections: the first section evokes the desolate and boundless Gobi Desert that envelopes the ancient garrison of Dunhuang, and the second section expresses the prosperity and vitality of the modern city it is today. The work opens with a low refrain from the guzheng, before the xindi, erhu, pipa and ruan enter in quick succession, in turns joyous and rousing, in turns lyrical and melancholic. The listener is transported back into the 4000 years of Dunhuang’s history, where power changed hands multiple times and the city experienced extreme fortunes. Famous scenes like “the post station on the weathered path” that show the vibrant city at the height of its glory come to mind, along with the emblematic “Flying Deities” and “Reverse Pipa-Playing Pose” that stand out among the multitude of artwork depicting music and dance in the legendary frescoes in the Mogao Caves. The second section replaces the xindi with the qudi, characterized by its higher register, luscious and clear tone, enlivening the piece. To further enhance the rhythmic drive, the performers tap the “sound boxes” of the erhu, pipa and zhongruan, emulating sounds of drums and galloping horses. In essence, this piece is an example of the wide-ranging expressive capabilities of traditional Chinese instruments, and seamlessly connects the legacy of Chinese folk music with its future creative possibilities.
Jiang Ying
Jiang Ying graduated from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music in 2010 with a master’s degree. She was appointed composer-in-residence of the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra and she was subsequently invited in 2013 to take up the same position with the China National Orchestra. Her representative works include Silk Road, Dragon Totem, Taiji, Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains Capriccioso, Impressions of Chinese Music. Her works have also won numerous prizes in domestic and international competitions and have been performed in many different countries and regions. In 2013, she collaborated with renowned director Wang Chao Ge to compose the music for the large-scale theatre work Impressions of Chinese Music, which won her the Young Composer Award by the Ministry of Culture.
Jiang Ying
Jiang Ying graduated from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music in 2010 with a master’s degree. She was appointed composer-in-residence of the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra and she was subsequently invited in 2013 to take up the same position with the China National Orchestra. Her representative works include Silk Road, Dragon Totem, Taiji, Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains Capriccioso, Impressions of Chinese Music. Her works have also won numerous prizes in domestic and international competitions and have been performed in many different countries and regions. In 2013, she collaborated with renowned director Wang Chao Ge to compose the music for the large-scale theatre work Impressions of Chinese Music, which won her the Young Composer Award by the Ministry of Culture.
Featuring
Zhou Ruoyu
Zhou Ruoyu was born in Jiangsu, Nanjing, and started learning erhu under the tutelage of Professor Qi Jianda at the age of seven. In 1996, she successfully enrolled into the Middle School affiliated to the China Conservatory of Music and continued her practice under the tutelage of Professor Duan Yongqiang. Zhou Ruoyu won the “Liu Mingyuan” Scholarship in 2000. Next year, she was awarded the first prize at the 4th “Tianhua Cup” National Erhu Competition.
In 2002, Zhou Ruoyu graduated as a top student and was awarded with the first class scholarship to enter the China Conservatory of Music Instrumental Department, under the tutelage of Professor Zhang Zunlian. She was awarded the honour of “Three Model Students” of Beijing during her academic years. Zhou Ruoyu is a frequent winner at erhu competitions. In 2003, she was awarded the Bronze Award in the 3rd Erhu Competition at the Chinese “Golden Bell Award” for Music. In 2005, she was also awarded the second prize at the “Zhonglu Cup” International Erhu Competition. Zhou Ruoyu was admitted to study for a master’s degree at the same year.
Gaohu
Zhou Ruoyu
Zhou Ruoyu was born in Jiangsu, Nanjing, and started learning erhu under the tutelage of Professor Qi Jianda at the age of seven. In 1996, she successfully enrolled into the Middle School affiliated to the China Conservatory of Music and continued her practice under the tutelage of Professor Duan Yongqiang. Zhou Ruoyu won the “Liu Mingyuan” Scholarship in 2000. Next year, she was awarded the first prize at the 4th “Tianhua Cup” National Erhu Competition.
In 2002, Zhou Ruoyu graduated as a top student and was awarded with the first class scholarship to enter the China Conservatory of Music Instrumental Department, under the tutelage of Professor Zhang Zunlian. She was awarded the honour of “Three Model Students” of Beijing during her academic years. Zhou Ruoyu is a frequent winner at erhu competitions. In 2003, she was awarded the Bronze Award in the 3rd Erhu Competition at the Chinese “Golden Bell Award” for Music. In 2005, she was also awarded the second prize at the “Zhonglu Cup” International Erhu Competition. Zhou Ruoyu was admitted to study for a master’s degree at the same year.
Wang Siyuan
Wang Siyuan was accepted into the Central Conservatory of Music Affiliated Middle School in 2008, where she studied under the tutelage of Professor Fan Wei. After her graduation, she moved to Singapore to continue her music studies in the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in 2015, where she studied under SCO Pipa Principal Yu Jia. In November 2015, Siyuan successfully auditioned and joined the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra. She joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a pipa musician in September 2023.
Siyuan matured as a Pipa player in NAFA, and she took participated actively in school performances and exchange programs. She had also performed on many occasions NAFA hosted visitors from China. Siyuan represented NAFA in the 2016 National Chinese Music Competition, and she came in Second in the Open Category. She was also one of NAFA’s representatives in the Ensemble Category, in which the group won the First prize.
In 2017, Siyuan won both the NAFA-RAVE Chinese Concerto Competition as well as the Nanyang International Music Competition (Pipa, Open Category), on top of being part of a NAFA concerto group that clinched the champion title in the Concerto (Professional) Category. In 2018, she won the Pipa Open Category in the Singapore National Chinese Music Competition, and was selected for the Winner's Concert, performing Apsaras on the Silk Road (丝路飞天) with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. In 2019, she won the Rave Concerto Competition. In March 2019, she was selected as the soloist for "Dauntless Spirit", an annual concert put up by the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, and performed the Pipa concerto The Sword and the Scroll (文武双全). Her performances were very well received and highly acclaimed by the audience. During her studies in Pipa performance, Siyuan started learning the Zhongruan, and in 2019, Siyuan participated in the 2nd Nanyang International Music Competition Zhongruan Youth Professional Category, which she was awarded second place. In 2020, Siyuan started studying Bachelor's Degree in Zhongruan under the tutelage of Yu Jia. In the same year, Siyuan participated in the Singapore Chinese Music Competition Zhongruan Open Category, where she won 1st prize. In 2021, Siyuan took part in the 3rd Nanyang International Music Competition Zhongruan Open Professional Category, winning the top prize of the category. In 2023, Siyuan continued her studies in a master course at NAFA.
Pipa
Wang Siyuan
Wang Siyuan was accepted into the Central Conservatory of Music Affiliated Middle School in 2008, where she studied under the tutelage of Professor Fan Wei. After her graduation, she moved to Singapore to continue her music studies in the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in 2015, where she studied under SCO Pipa Principal Yu Jia. In November 2015, Siyuan successfully auditioned and joined the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra. She joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a pipa musician in September 2023.
Siyuan matured as a Pipa player in NAFA, and she took participated actively in school performances and exchange programs. She had also performed on many occasions NAFA hosted visitors from China. Siyuan represented NAFA in the 2016 National Chinese Music Competition, and she came in Second in the Open Category. She was also one of NAFA’s representatives in the Ensemble Category, in which the group won the First prize.
In 2017, Siyuan won both the NAFA-RAVE Chinese Concerto Competition as well as the Nanyang International Music Competition (Pipa, Open Category), on top of being part of a NAFA concerto group that clinched the champion title in the Concerto (Professional) Category. In 2018, she won the Pipa Open Category in the Singapore National Chinese Music Competition, and was selected for the Winner's Concert, performing Apsaras on the Silk Road (丝路飞天) with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. In 2019, she won the Rave Concerto Competition. In March 2019, she was selected as the soloist for "Dauntless Spirit", an annual concert put up by the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra and the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, and performed the Pipa concerto The Sword and the Scroll (文武双全). Her performances were very well received and highly acclaimed by the audience. During her studies in Pipa performance, Siyuan started learning the Zhongruan, and in 2019, Siyuan participated in the 2nd Nanyang International Music Competition Zhongruan Youth Professional Category, which she was awarded second place. In 2020, Siyuan started studying Bachelor's Degree in Zhongruan under the tutelage of Yu Jia. In the same year, Siyuan participated in the Singapore Chinese Music Competition Zhongruan Open Category, where she won 1st prize. In 2021, Siyuan took part in the 3rd Nanyang International Music Competition Zhongruan Open Professional Category, winning the top prize of the category. In 2023, Siyuan continued her studies in a master course at NAFA.
Ma Huan
Ma Huan began learning Yangqin at 4 under the tuteledge of Professor Wei Yanming. She was admitted to the China Conservatory of Music in 2002 and become the protégé of renowned Yangqin educator Xiang Zuhua. Furthermore, she learned the Hungarian dulcimer from Ms. Viktoria Herencsar and studied percussion under Professor Wang Yidong. After graduating in 2008 with a Master degree, Ma Huan was employed as an instructor by the Chinese Opera Institute. In 2010, she joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a Yangqin musician. After which, she learned about composing from the famed Singapore local musician Law Wai Lun and music conducting from local famed conductor Dr. Tay Teow Kiat. She is currently the Vice Chairperson of Singapore Yangqin Association.
In 2002, Ma Huan won the Young Professional Group Performance Award and set up a String Chamber Orchestra which won a group gold medal in the International Youth Instrumental Competition in Macau in 2003. During her years in college, she participated in the CCTV “Teochew Music Festival special” performance, the Seventh Beijing International Music Festival, Sino French Music Festival, and Hungarian Music Festival. She successfully held a series of “Yangqin Works of Xiang Zuhua Teacher Student” concerts and performed in the first public performance of the double Yanqin piece The Butterfly Lovers. • Butterfly Qin Tunes, after which she participated in recording the Best of Xiang Zuhua Yangqin Collection II CD.
In January 2013, she held a concert named Silken Expressions at Esplanade Singapore Theatres on the Bay. In 2015, she was invited as the judge of NAFA music contest. Her students have won numerous awards at the Singapore National Music Instrumental Competition. As a composer, her works include Lost, school song of Pei Qun Primary School, Let it go, Dream chaser and Fantasia twinkle twinkle little star. She also produced a orchestra piece with distinctive Singaporean characteristics, titled A Ditty of Nyonya.
Yangqin
Ma Huan
Ma Huan began learning Yangqin at 4 under the tuteledge of Professor Wei Yanming. She was admitted to the China Conservatory of Music in 2002 and become the protégé of renowned Yangqin educator Xiang Zuhua. Furthermore, she learned the Hungarian dulcimer from Ms. Viktoria Herencsar and studied percussion under Professor Wang Yidong. After graduating in 2008 with a Master degree, Ma Huan was employed as an instructor by the Chinese Opera Institute. In 2010, she joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a Yangqin musician. After which, she learned about composing from the famed Singapore local musician Law Wai Lun and music conducting from local famed conductor Dr. Tay Teow Kiat. She is currently the Vice Chairperson of Singapore Yangqin Association.
In 2002, Ma Huan won the Young Professional Group Performance Award and set up a String Chamber Orchestra which won a group gold medal in the International Youth Instrumental Competition in Macau in 2003. During her years in college, she participated in the CCTV “Teochew Music Festival special” performance, the Seventh Beijing International Music Festival, Sino French Music Festival, and Hungarian Music Festival. She successfully held a series of “Yangqin Works of Xiang Zuhua Teacher Student” concerts and performed in the first public performance of the double Yanqin piece The Butterfly Lovers. • Butterfly Qin Tunes, after which she participated in recording the Best of Xiang Zuhua Yangqin Collection II CD.
In January 2013, she held a concert named Silken Expressions at Esplanade Singapore Theatres on the Bay. In 2015, she was invited as the judge of NAFA music contest. Her students have won numerous awards at the Singapore National Music Instrumental Competition. As a composer, her works include Lost, school song of Pei Qun Primary School, Let it go, Dream chaser and Fantasia twinkle twinkle little star. She also produced a orchestra piece with distinctive Singaporean characteristics, titled A Ditty of Nyonya.
Koh Min Hui
Koh Min Hui joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a zhongruan musician at the age of 21, right before graduating from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) with a music degree in 2011. Back then, she was the youngest musician in the orchestra.
Min Hui is no stranger to the music industry. Currently, she is the Zhongruan Principal of the Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble and committee member of the Ruanxian Association of Singapore. Min Hui is professionally trained to teach autistic children ruan and has been teaching in Pathlight School since 2014. She is also the newly appointed ruan instructor for the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra (SNYCO) since January 2020.
Growing up in the music scene, Min Hui started learning zhongruan at the age of 8 under the guidance of Ms. Xu Yi Ping. She later gained admission to the School of Young Talents at NAFA, where she obtained the Zhongruan Diploma awarded by the Central Conservatory of China in 2005. Since 2006, Min Hui has been under the tutelage of Mdm. Zhang Ronghui, Ruan Principal in the SCO. A recipient of the Ngee Ann Kongsi merit award for degree studies in 2010; Min Hui graduated from her BA (Hons) Music, majoring in Ruan, with an upper second-class honour at NAFA in July 2011.
A multi-award winner, Min Hui was the only Gold Award winner representing Singapore in the 2010 Inaugural International Ruan Competition (professional youth category) organised by the China Nationalities Orchestra Society in Beijing. In 2008, she was the first person in history of the National Arts Council National Chinese Music Competition (now known as Singapore Chinese Music Competition) to clinch the First prize in the Zhongruan Open Category.
Zhongruan
Koh Min Hui
Koh Min Hui joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a zhongruan musician at the age of 21, right before graduating from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) with a music degree in 2011. Back then, she was the youngest musician in the orchestra.
Min Hui is no stranger to the music industry. Currently, she is the Zhongruan Principal of the Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble and committee member of the Ruanxian Association of Singapore. Min Hui is professionally trained to teach autistic children ruan and has been teaching in Pathlight School since 2014. She is also the newly appointed ruan instructor for the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra (SNYCO) since January 2020.
Growing up in the music scene, Min Hui started learning zhongruan at the age of 8 under the guidance of Ms. Xu Yi Ping. She later gained admission to the School of Young Talents at NAFA, where she obtained the Zhongruan Diploma awarded by the Central Conservatory of China in 2005. Since 2006, Min Hui has been under the tutelage of Mdm. Zhang Ronghui, Ruan Principal in the SCO. A recipient of the Ngee Ann Kongsi merit award for degree studies in 2010; Min Hui graduated from her BA (Hons) Music, majoring in Ruan, with an upper second-class honour at NAFA in July 2011.
A multi-award winner, Min Hui was the only Gold Award winner representing Singapore in the 2010 Inaugural International Ruan Competition (professional youth category) organised by the China Nationalities Orchestra Society in Beijing. In 2008, she was the first person in history of the National Arts Council National Chinese Music Competition (now known as Singapore Chinese Music Competition) to clinch the First prize in the Zhongruan Open Category.
Liang Guoting Fontane
Fontane Liang, currently harpist of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, is the first Singaporean harpist to win a permanent position with one of the country’s professional orchestras.
A graduate of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London (UK), Fontane’s studies were generously supported by the Singapore National Arts Council, the Leverhulme Trust and D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust. She also obtained her Master’s in Music Therapy and held a Fellowship at GSMD from 2011-2012.
She has garnered international accolades including winning a place on the London Sinfonietta Academy, Pacific Music Festival and in the 2009 Franz Josef Reinl Competition. She was also a recipient of the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Sir Barbirolli Memorial Foundation Award. International performances have taken her from Tokyo’s Suntory Hall to London’s Royal Albert Hall and Royal Opera House.
In demand as a chamber and orchestral musician, Fontane splits her time between Asia and Europe. She is principal harpist of the highly acclaimed contemporary music group Octandre Ensemble (UK), appearing on BBC Radio 3. Fontane has trialled for Principal harpist with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and performed with London Sinfonietta, LSO Chamber Ensemble, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Southbank Sinfonia, Berkeley Ensemble, Riot Ensemble, Hermes Experiment and Germany’s MusikFabrik.
Fontane’s ability to engage the masses across a variety of styles makes her unique as a solo artist. Her most recent concerto appearance was at the Hanoi Opera House in 2018. Fontane performs regularly for recital series Play with Mozart (Singapore) and Bach to Baby (London). She is an alumnus of UK recital platforms Live Music Now and Concordia Foundation.
Harp
Liang Guoting Fontane
Fontane Liang, currently harpist of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, is the first Singaporean harpist to win a permanent position with one of the country’s professional orchestras.
A graduate of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London (UK), Fontane’s studies were generously supported by the Singapore National Arts Council, the Leverhulme Trust and D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust. She also obtained her Master’s in Music Therapy and held a Fellowship at GSMD from 2011-2012.
She has garnered international accolades including winning a place on the London Sinfonietta Academy, Pacific Music Festival and in the 2009 Franz Josef Reinl Competition. She was also a recipient of the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Sir Barbirolli Memorial Foundation Award. International performances have taken her from Tokyo’s Suntory Hall to London’s Royal Albert Hall and Royal Opera House.
In demand as a chamber and orchestral musician, Fontane splits her time between Asia and Europe. She is principal harpist of the highly acclaimed contemporary music group Octandre Ensemble (UK), appearing on BBC Radio 3. Fontane has trialled for Principal harpist with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and performed with London Sinfonietta, LSO Chamber Ensemble, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Southbank Sinfonia, Berkeley Ensemble, Riot Ensemble, Hermes Experiment and Germany’s MusikFabrik.
Fontane’s ability to engage the masses across a variety of styles makes her unique as a solo artist. Her most recent concerto appearance was at the Hanoi Opera House in 2018. Fontane performs regularly for recital series Play with Mozart (Singapore) and Bach to Baby (London). She is an alumnus of UK recital platforms Live Music Now and Concordia Foundation.
Ng Wei Xuan
Wei Xuan pushes the boundaries of the Dizi as he hopes to uncover untapped avenues of musical expression. With a unique approach, the traditional instrument transforms into a poetic body that seeks for a story in sound.
He reflects fondly upon his participation in Path. 9, art and sound installation by multidisciplinary artist Boedi Widjaja, captivating audiences during Singapore Art Week 2018. In 2019, he recorded for the local short film Bodhi, an original composition by local composer Sulwyn Lok, winning the Singapore National Youth Film Awards 2019 - Best Original Music Award. In 2021, Wei Xuan premiered Dizi concerto 'From Afar, the Moonlight', composed by Sulwyn Lok, commissioned by the local Chinese Wind Percussion ensemble, Reverberance. In 2023, he premiered chamber work 'The Absence of', graphic score by local composer Rebecca Tan at Royal College of Music in London. In the same year, he worked with visual artist Hong Shu-ying, co-producing the music for her artwork ‘found on paper, made in minds’, premiering at The Substation’s Re-Connect/Centre/Converge: The Arts Festival and later featured at the Angkor Photo Festival & Workshops in Cambodia in 2024.
Wei Xuan was the first runner-up for the Dizi Open category in the National Chinese Music Competition 2018. With a deep-seated passion for Chinese chamber music, Wei Xuan won the first prize for the Ensemble category in Singapore Chinese Music Competition 2020, alongside Reverberance. He also clinched the top spot for the same category in Singapore Chinese Music Competition 2022 with NAFA Chinese Ensemble, a testament to his unwavering commitment and passion for his craft.
Wei Xuan graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor in Music (Honours) from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, in partnership with the esteemed Royal College of Music (London) and Central Conservatory of Music (Beijing), under the tutelage of Yin Zhiyang, Section Leader (Winds and Percussion) and Dizi Principal of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra.
Wei Xuan joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a Dizi musician in May 2023.
Dadi/Xindi
Dizi
Ng Wei Xuan
Wei Xuan pushes the boundaries of the Dizi as he hopes to uncover untapped avenues of musical expression. With a unique approach, the traditional instrument transforms into a poetic body that seeks for a story in sound.
He reflects fondly upon his participation in Path. 9, art and sound installation by multidisciplinary artist Boedi Widjaja, captivating audiences during Singapore Art Week 2018. In 2019, he recorded for the local short film Bodhi, an original composition by local composer Sulwyn Lok, winning the Singapore National Youth Film Awards 2019 - Best Original Music Award. In 2021, Wei Xuan premiered Dizi concerto 'From Afar, the Moonlight', composed by Sulwyn Lok, commissioned by the local Chinese Wind Percussion ensemble, Reverberance. In 2023, he premiered chamber work 'The Absence of', graphic score by local composer Rebecca Tan at Royal College of Music in London. In the same year, he worked with visual artist Hong Shu-ying, co-producing the music for her artwork ‘found on paper, made in minds’, premiering at The Substation’s Re-Connect/Centre/Converge: The Arts Festival and later featured at the Angkor Photo Festival & Workshops in Cambodia in 2024.
Wei Xuan was the first runner-up for the Dizi Open category in the National Chinese Music Competition 2018. With a deep-seated passion for Chinese chamber music, Wei Xuan won the first prize for the Ensemble category in Singapore Chinese Music Competition 2020, alongside Reverberance. He also clinched the top spot for the same category in Singapore Chinese Music Competition 2022 with NAFA Chinese Ensemble, a testament to his unwavering commitment and passion for his craft.
Wei Xuan graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor in Music (Honours) from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, in partnership with the esteemed Royal College of Music (London) and Central Conservatory of Music (Beijing), under the tutelage of Yin Zhiyang, Section Leader (Winds and Percussion) and Dizi Principal of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra.
Wei Xuan joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a Dizi musician in May 2023.
Yang Sin-Yu
Yang Sin-Yu, a young sheng virtuoso from Taiwan, was the former Assistant Sheng Principal of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO) before joining the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a zhongyin sheng musician in 2021. She is also working as a sheng/suona instructor in various schools.
Yang's interest in the sheng was evident since her childhood days, during which she decided that her lifelong aspiration is to be a sheng musician. Later on, Yang studied the instrument under Huang Lung-Yi in Taiwan. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the classical sheng repertoire, Yang, with the strong support of her parents, travelled all over China to seek guidance from virtually every renowned sheng maestro and even became one of the few Taiwanese musicians that learnt directly from the famous Hu Tianquan. When Yang was in high school, she was already a regular winner in several major competitions in Taiwan, including the All Taiwan Regional Competition for Students, the Chinese Music Association of the Republic of China Competition - Sheng Solo category, and the Bronze Bell Awards. To further hone her sheng performance techniques, Yang enrolled in the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing and studied under Professor Yang Shoucheng. During her time as an undergraduate student, she was twice awarded scholarships from the Conservatory. In 2006, Yang was invited as one of the performing artists for the album Famous Sheng Musicians -- The Fine Art Series, produced by the China Nationalities Orchestra Society (CNOS). In the album, Yang performed a Lusheng solo piece titled New Songs Sung by Yao Children. In 2008, Yang won the Silver Award in the first Sheng Performance Competition in Beijing organized by CNOS and the Bronze Award in lusheng solo for Exotic Instruments of the Ethnic Minorities presented by the Wenhua Arts Institutes Awards. In 2014, Yang won the First Prize and Best Stage Presence Award at a sheng competition presented by the National Chinese Orchestra of Taiwan (NCO). In 2015 and 2016, Yang performed the sheng solo Sound of the Shengs with HKCO twice as the sheng solo and lead performer. In 2015, she was invited to perform the sheng concerto Rainbow at the World of Sheng concert with NCO. During the concert, she also debuted Reed, a sheng and organ concerto. In 2018, Yang was invited to perform the sheng concerto Peacock with HKCO and Guan Naizhong. In the same year, she was also invited to perform Reed at the National Chinese Orchestra Xing Ju Dian Concert. Over the years, Yang has worked with numerous orchestras, including Beijing Radio Chinese Orchestra, China National Orchestra, Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, and Macao Chinese Orchestra. Yang has demonstrated her versatility and skill in a wide range of musical genres as well as her mastery of ethnic instruments such as the lusheng, hulusheng, and bawusheng. In 2022, Yang worked with Chen Yi-Wei to compose the sheng solo Between the Perimeters, published by the Taipei Chinese Orchestra.
Zhongyin Sheng
Sheng
Yang Sin-Yu
Yang Sin-Yu, a young sheng virtuoso from Taiwan, was the former Assistant Sheng Principal of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO) before joining the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a zhongyin sheng musician in 2021. She is also working as a sheng/suona instructor in various schools.
Yang's interest in the sheng was evident since her childhood days, during which she decided that her lifelong aspiration is to be a sheng musician. Later on, Yang studied the instrument under Huang Lung-Yi in Taiwan. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the classical sheng repertoire, Yang, with the strong support of her parents, travelled all over China to seek guidance from virtually every renowned sheng maestro and even became one of the few Taiwanese musicians that learnt directly from the famous Hu Tianquan. When Yang was in high school, she was already a regular winner in several major competitions in Taiwan, including the All Taiwan Regional Competition for Students, the Chinese Music Association of the Republic of China Competition - Sheng Solo category, and the Bronze Bell Awards. To further hone her sheng performance techniques, Yang enrolled in the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing and studied under Professor Yang Shoucheng. During her time as an undergraduate student, she was twice awarded scholarships from the Conservatory. In 2006, Yang was invited as one of the performing artists for the album Famous Sheng Musicians -- The Fine Art Series, produced by the China Nationalities Orchestra Society (CNOS). In the album, Yang performed a Lusheng solo piece titled New Songs Sung by Yao Children. In 2008, Yang won the Silver Award in the first Sheng Performance Competition in Beijing organized by CNOS and the Bronze Award in lusheng solo for Exotic Instruments of the Ethnic Minorities presented by the Wenhua Arts Institutes Awards. In 2014, Yang won the First Prize and Best Stage Presence Award at a sheng competition presented by the National Chinese Orchestra of Taiwan (NCO). In 2015 and 2016, Yang performed the sheng solo Sound of the Shengs with HKCO twice as the sheng solo and lead performer. In 2015, she was invited to perform the sheng concerto Rainbow at the World of Sheng concert with NCO. During the concert, she also debuted Reed, a sheng and organ concerto. In 2018, Yang was invited to perform the sheng concerto Peacock with HKCO and Guan Naizhong. In the same year, she was also invited to perform Reed at the National Chinese Orchestra Xing Ju Dian Concert. Over the years, Yang has worked with numerous orchestras, including Beijing Radio Chinese Orchestra, China National Orchestra, Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, and Macao Chinese Orchestra. Yang has demonstrated her versatility and skill in a wide range of musical genres as well as her mastery of ethnic instruments such as the lusheng, hulusheng, and bawusheng. In 2022, Yang worked with Chen Yi-Wei to compose the sheng solo Between the Perimeters, published by the Taipei Chinese Orchestra.
Koh Wen Jun Derek
Hailed by The Straits Times as a leading voice of his generation, percussionist Derek Koh has performed extensively across the United States, Europe, and Asia. His multifaceted career spans orchestral and chamber performance, composing, producing, and ensemble leadership.
Since 2022, he has served as Section Percussion with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO). He has been featured as a soloist with SCO, including a Tianjin appearance on the China Tour 2024 and the SCO Fundraising Dinner 2024. He performed with ZeMu! Ensemble Berlin at the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) 2022 and has appeared with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Sichuan Symphony Orchestra, and has collaborated with musicians of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. In 2019, he held a fellowship with the Grammy Award-winning Orpheus Chamber Orchestra in New York.
Derek’s practice extends into multidisciplinary work between stage and screen. Highlights include recording for Disney’s live-action Mulan, performing in Esplanade’s 24-show PLAYtime! production The Noisy Forest, and appearing as percussionist in T.I.M.E: I Ching, a Traditional Arts Residency under the National Arts Council (Singapore).
As Creative Director of Morse Percussion, he champions contemporary percussion and Singaporean repertoire through commissions and platforms including SIFA 2021 and YST Performers’ Present 2023. In 2025, Morse Percussion was invited as artists to PASIC 50, the convention’s jubilee year, becoming the first Singaporean percussion collective to perform at PASIC.
Derek teaches at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts as Adjunct Faculty and Assistant Director of the Percussion Ensemble. He serves as Vice Secretary-General of the Singapore Chinese Music Federation, Chairman of its Youth Chapter, and Secretary-General of the Percussion Association of Singapore. He holds a Bachelor of Music from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, conferred by the Royal College of Music, and a Master of Music from the Mannes School of Music in New York. He is a Freer Percussion Artist.
Percussion
Koh Wen Jun Derek
Hailed by The Straits Times as a leading voice of his generation, percussionist Derek Koh has performed extensively across the United States, Europe, and Asia. His multifaceted career spans orchestral and chamber performance, composing, producing, and ensemble leadership.
Since 2022, he has served as Section Percussion with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO). He has been featured as a soloist with SCO, including a Tianjin appearance on the China Tour 2024 and the SCO Fundraising Dinner 2024. He performed with ZeMu! Ensemble Berlin at the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) 2022 and has appeared with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Sichuan Symphony Orchestra, and has collaborated with musicians of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. In 2019, he held a fellowship with the Grammy Award-winning Orpheus Chamber Orchestra in New York.
Derek’s practice extends into multidisciplinary work between stage and screen. Highlights include recording for Disney’s live-action Mulan, performing in Esplanade’s 24-show PLAYtime! production The Noisy Forest, and appearing as percussionist in T.I.M.E: I Ching, a Traditional Arts Residency under the National Arts Council (Singapore).
As Creative Director of Morse Percussion, he champions contemporary percussion and Singaporean repertoire through commissions and platforms including SIFA 2021 and YST Performers’ Present 2023. In 2025, Morse Percussion was invited as artists to PASIC 50, the convention’s jubilee year, becoming the first Singaporean percussion collective to perform at PASIC.
Derek teaches at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts as Adjunct Faculty and Assistant Director of the Percussion Ensemble. He serves as Vice Secretary-General of the Singapore Chinese Music Federation, Chairman of its Youth Chapter, and Secretary-General of the Percussion Association of Singapore. He holds a Bachelor of Music from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, conferred by the Royal College of Music, and a Master of Music from the Mannes School of Music in New York. He is a Freer Percussion Artist.
- Erhu: Zhou Ruoyu
- Pipa: Wang Siyuan
- Yangqin: Ma Huan
- Zhongruan: Koh Min Hui
- Harp: Liang Guoting, Fontane
- Dizi: Ng Wei Xuan
- Gaoyin Sheng: Yang Sin-Yu
- Percussion: Koh Wen Jun, Derek
Huang Guifang, Plucked String Section Leader/Sanxian Principal, Qu Jianqing, Yangqin Principal and Yu Jia, Pipa Principal
Quek Ling Kiong, Principal Conductor
Tai Zi Feng
Programme Notes
By Koh Cheng Jin
Chamber Charms: Pizzicato invites audiences through an awe-inspiring journey across ever-changing time and landscape.
Antiphonal Flower Song for pipa and yangqin composed by Zhang Xiaofeng takes inspiration from a Chinese folk song that conveys a spirited dialogue between a pair of lovers or good friends on the traits of flowers that bloom each season. The characteristic spontaneity and merriness are conveyed through spacious phrasing, seamless exchanges and role playing between both idiosyncratic instruments. It is stimulating to hear how the two voices alternate between harmonization, unison and counterpoint, occasionally emulating the sound of an accompanying drum as well.
Next, the ruan family takes center stage in composer Liu Xing’s seminal work for the instrument, Mountain Song. Shan’ge (“mountain song”) is a genre of Chinese folk song usually associated with high and penetrating timbre, expansive melodies, or relatively free rhythms. In contrast, Mountain Song appears to be more stylistically similar to country rock guitar music, where soloistic, guitar-inspired undulating runs and syncopated beats imbue it with a timelessly fashionable and impressive flair. Chen Zhe’s arrangement for ruan ensemble enhances all the above traits and creates new harmonies, further foregrounding the depth and resonance of this remarkable instrument.
Also deeply rooted in folk life, the third piece Three Six is well-known composer Gu Guanren’s 1961 plucked string arrangement of one of the eight great pieces of the Jiangnan Sizhu (silk and bamboo) tradition. This elegant musical genre appeared around the Ming Dynasty and primarily prevailed in parts of Jiangsu province, Zhejiang province and Shanghai. Implied by its name, Jiangnan Sizhu is reflective of picturesque Jiangnan with its elegant and harmonious playing style. The ensemble consists of stringed and wind instruments, comprehensive and colorful in sound. The main feature of the tradition is the collective ornamentation of one main melody, which can reveal the dynamics, cohesion and chemistry between musicians. Born in Jiangsu province, Gu Guanren’s lifelong passion in exploring and disseminating cultural traditions through his music has led him to create some of his most iconic works. Three Six, which highlights the crystalline radiance of plucked strings, has since been cherished as a representative work and enjoyed great popularity worldwide.
With the mystical worlds of celestial beings in mind, Heavenly Fragrance of Gandharva by composer Chen Xinruo distinguishes itself from the above lineup. In Indian religions, gandharvas refer to divine musicians that abstain from alcohol and meat, continuously emanating fragrance. According to early Buddhist texts such as the Dīrgha Āgama and Avadanasataka, gandharvas sing praises of gods while accompanying themselves with lapis lazuli lutes high above the clouds. The sheer magic of this imagination is brought to life through a “lute-full” ensemble of pipa, ruan, as well as yangqin in this work, which also reminisces aspects of Indian classical music such as melodic fluctuations, pitch-bending and strong rhythmic groove.
Transporting the audience back earthside to the warmth breath of the living, Narati spotlights the plucked strings in a different context. Located in Xinjiang, home to many ethnic groups, Narati grassland is one of the most beautiful grasslands in China for its mountainous scenery. In Narati,composer Liu Chang draws musical influences from Kazakh and Tajik cultures that morph into stirring melodies and dance-like grooves. The emphasis on performance dexterity immediately recalls timbres of lutes associated with Central Asia and commonly played by the Tajiks, Kazakhs, Uzbeks such as the rubab, dombra and tanbur etc., coalescing diverse traditions in a musical melting pot.
For tonight’s concert, SCO Composer-in-Residence Wang Chenwei has specially rearranged his work Childhood, which was written at the age of 16. The sense of nostalgia—longing for a simpler, happier past, and bittersweet experiences transitioning to adulthood drift gently through animated motifs, songful lyricism and blossoming, romantic harmonies in the music. Such sincerity in expression is retained in Chenwei’s subsequent, beloved works that are now staples of Chinese orchestral repertoire, such as The Sisters’ Islands and Confluence, even if these works are more known for their explorations of cultural identities in and around Singapore.
What better way to conclude the concert than with composer Jiang Ying’s Dunhuang, which celebrates thousands of years of musical heritage on the Silk Road with the invitation of bowed, wind and percussion instruments? Some of these Chinese instruments (such as pipa, bili, dizi, and drums, etc.) were thought to have evolved as part of cultural exchanges along the Silk Road, which connected the Central Plains of China to the Western Regions, Central Asia, the Middle East and beyond. Dunhuang, an ancient city that served as a cultural and commercial hub on the Silk Road, springs back to its brilliant, bustling life through the piece inflected with tonalities of the Western Regions. May the yearning and aspiration for the precious and beautiful through each piece of Chamber Charms: Pizzicato be continually etched in the hearts of the audience.
SCO In Focus
Quek Ling Kiong
Quek Ling Kiong is the first Principal Conductor of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) to have been born and bred in Singapore. Widely hailed as
About The Orchestra
Singapore Chinese Orchestra
Founded in 1996, the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) is Singapore’s only full-time professional Chinese orchestra. With more than 1.5 million music lovers every year who attend its concerts or tune in to its digital streams, it is renowned for its excellence in traditional Chinese music as well as its unique Singapore flavour. More than 80 musicians comprise the SCO, which is located at the Singapore Conference Hall in downtown Singapore. It is helmed by Principal Conductor Quek Ling Kiong, who took over the baton in 2023 from Music Director Tsung Yeh (2002-2022; named Conductor Emeritus in 2023).
SCO has impressed a broadening audience with its blockbuster presentations and is fast establishing itself around the world.Over the years, the SCO has toured major cities in Asia and Europe, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and London. Notable appearances include critically acclaimed concerts in 2007, 2018, and 2023 at the China Shanghai International Arts Festival, a 2019 performance in Gwangju, South Korea, as well as a European concert tour that year to Berlin, Prague, Forli (Italy), and Loannina (Greece). In 2022, its musicians travelled to Germany to perform with the Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra at Klassik Open Air, playing to more than 75,000 people.
In the spirit of cross-cultural collaboration, the SCO recorded Butterfly Lovers with Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell in 2018. The recording broke into the United Kingdom’s Official Specialist Classical Chart Top 20 when it was released in 2023 – a first for a Chinese orchestra.
Besides being a National Arts flagship company, the orchestra draws on a wide range of musical influences from Singapore, Southeast Asia and beyond. MEPAAN, a production staged in conjunction with Sarawak-based creative agency The Tuyang Initiative for the 2022 Singapore International Festival of Arts, combined stirring orchestral strains with haunting indigenous melodies. The orchestra also continues to commission original compositions, as well as arrangements of works from different genres, such as pop, jazz, Western classical music, and folk tunes of other ethnic groups.
In keeping with its standing as a “People’s Orchestra”, the SCO is committed to fostering a love for traditional Chinese music among the wider public. Through extensive education and outreach programmes, including community concerts, workshops, and competitions, it nurtures the next generation of musicians and listeners. The Caring Series, launched in 2007, has brought the healing power of music to people in hospitals, hospices, and elderly homes. The orchestra’s musicians also perform regularly at schools, and work closely with the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra (SNYCO).
The SCO has published several books on its history and outstanding musicians. The People’s Orchestra (2016) looks back on the ensemble’s first two decades as a professional orchestra, and SCO Hidden Gems was released in 2021 to mark its 25th anniversary. That same year, the orchestra launched a Digital Archival Portal, a repository of house programmes, music scores, recordings and more, which will support academic research.
Through these efforts, the SCO continues to further its mission as a top Chinese orchestra that will inspire and inform generations of music lovers for decades to come.
Quek Ling Kiong
Quek Ling Kiong is the first Principal Conductor of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) to have been born and bred in Singapore. Widely hailed as the "People's Conductor", he has more than 25 years of professional musical experience under his belt. He assumed the role of Principal Conductor in 2023, after a decade as its Resident Conductor.
He began his journey with the SCO in 1997 as its Percussion Principal after graduating from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. A rising star, Quek went on to earn the Singapore National Arts Council's (NAC) prestigious Young Artist Award in 2002. As his focus shifted to conducting, he became SCO's first Conducting Assistant in 2003, before heading to the Zurich University of the Arts where he obtained a diploma in advanced studies in 2008. He took up the baton as the SCO's Associate Conductor upon returning. Quek curated three concert seasons since he took over musical leadership as Principal Conductor, and has led the SCO to successful concert tours and international arts festivals, such as the China Shanghai International Arts Festival in 2023 and the China Tour in 2024.
Quek is active in the international music scene, with a robust reputation beyond Singapore's shores. He has guest-conducted esteemed Chinese orchestras such as the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra, Guangdong Chinese Orchestra, Jilin Chinese Orchestra, Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, Taipei Chinese Orchestra and Kaohsiung Chinese Orchestra. He also conducted symphony orchestras in the Czech Republic during a residency in Europe. Well-versed in the musical cultures of East and West, he counts maestros Tay Teow Kiat, Xia Feiyun, Tsung Yeh, Johannes Schlaefli, Marc Kissoczy, Kirk Trevor, Jorma Panula and Kurt Masur and Kirk Trevor among his diverse mentors.
Besides helming one of the world's leading Chinese orchestras, Quek is also passionate about education. He is the Music Director of the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra (SNYCO) and has conducted it since 2004, taking it on tours to Chinese cities of Shanghai, Beijing, Suzhou and Guangzhou, Eastern Malaysian cities of Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. Quek has also led the SNYCO to international arts festivals such as the Tainan International Arts Festival, Hsinchu Chinese Music Festival and East Malaysia Chinese Music Festival. As Principal Guest Conductor of Singapore's Ding Yi Music Company (2016-2022), he also conceptualised the Ding Yi Chinese Chamber Music Festival and the composition festival Composium.
Quek is known for his bold, charismatic approach to conducting and bringing Chinese orchestral music to the masses through innovative programmes and storytelling. He led the SCO ensemble in sold-out and acclaimed shows such as the Young Children's Concert, Young People's Concert, Mother's Day Concert, and Concert-In-Progress. In line with his desire to bring music to all, he became the Artistic Director of Singapore and Hong Kong's largest inclusive orchestras – The Purple Symphony and True Colors Symphony – in 2015 and 2019 respectively.
His achievements have garnered him accolades such as the NAC Cultural Fellowship (2013) , the Meritorious Award by the Composers and Authors Society of Singapore (2016), and the Singapore Chinese Cultural Contribution Award in the individual category (2025). The Quek Ling Kiong Arts and Culture Scholarship was also established at the Singapore Management University in 2019 in honour of his contributions to the arts.
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