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Singapore, 2 April, 2025 – The Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) will present two captivating, nature-inspired concerts on April 5 at 6:00 PM and May 10 at 7:30 PM, under the baton of internationally acclaimed conductor Darrell Ang. These concerts, Music Oasis: Songs of Ancient Birds and A Bug’s Life, offer audiences uniquely themed musical journeys featuring birdsong and insects respectively. Speaking about the upcoming nature-themed concerts, Darrell Ang shared, “As an artist I strive to enable music to raise awareness for nature and the environment. I want music to inspire us to love and care for nature. In order for us to continue living our lives, we need to realise that caring for nature and letting it thrive is key to humanity’s future happiness. I hope my nature series with the SCO will inspire listeners to think more about their relationship with nature”. Since 2017, Ang served as the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Sichuan Symphony Orchestra, earning international recognition for his visionary musical interpretations. He assumed the role of SCO Principal Guest Conductor with effect from 1 December 2024 for the Seamless concert season 24/25, bringing fresh artistic perspectives and setting the stage for creative performances.
A Bug’s Life: Butterfly lovers, a Fusion of Cello and Chinese Orchestra, a Classic reinvented
One big highlight of A Bug’s Life is the fresh interpretation of Butterfly Lovers by South Korean cellist Cho Hang Oh, the principal cellist of the Sichuan Symphony Orchestra. This beloved contemporary Chinese classic, composed by Chen Gang and He Zhanhao, will be brought to life with Cho’s unique artistry. Notably, this is also the first time SCO is performing the cello version of Butterfly Lovers, and more than 5 years since we last performed this repertoire.
Additionally, Butterfly Overture, a tribute by American-based composer Ge Gan-Ru to his mentor Chen Gang, will make its debut in a Chinese orchestral arrangement. The concert also features The Insect World, a renowned piece by composer Doming Lam, which vividly illustrates the vibrant microcosm of insects through diverse musical textures. Adding to the excitement, Darrell Ang will present the world premiere of his original composition, A Bug’s Life – Paraphrase on a Theme by Alexander Scriabin, promising an unforgettable experience for the audience.
Music Oasis Outreach concert: Songs of Ancient Birds
As a people’s orchestra, the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) is dedicated to bringing Chinese orchestral music to the community, performing in parks, neighbourhoods, and heartlands.
On 5 April, Darrell Ang will lead the SCO in a special open-air concert at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, as part of the Music Oasis series. Titled Songs of Ancient Birds, this free performance offers audiences a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the harmony of music and nature.
The program features iconic Chinese orchestral works such as Dancing Phoenix and Hundreds of Birds Adoring a Phoenix, alongside the Singapore premiere of the Chinese orchestral version of acclaimed composer Tan Dun’s Passacaglia: Secret of Wind and Birds. A fascinating highlight of this piece is the involvement of mobile phones in the performance in a unique way. Curious about how this works? Don’t miss this extraordinary musical experience!
As the Principal Guest Conductor of the SCO, Darrell Ang remains committed to expanding the horizons of Chinese orchestral music, delivering fresh and captivating performances. By merging international influences with traditional Chinese music and embracing diverse musical styles, he continues to breathe new life into the art form.
