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Singapore, January 21, 2025 – The Singapore Chinese Orchestra is proud to present the 2025 Chamber Charms Series, featuring two distinctly themed concerts in February and March at the SCO Concert Hall. Centered around plucked and bowed string instruments, these bespoke chamber performances embrace the rich traditions of Chinese chamber music while incorporating innovative cross-cultural and contemporary elements.
Chamber Charms: Vibrant Strings II
The first concert, “Vibrant Strings II”, gathers five outstanding plucked string musicians – Yu Jia, Huang Guifang, Qu Jianqing, Xu Hui, and Jing Po – to showcase the vibrant charm and versatility of plucked string instruments.
One of the concert highlights is SCO Pipa Principal Yu Jia’s bold venture into uncharted territory as she performs the Indian sitar for the very first time. In The Silent Strings, she collaborates with Indian percussionist Joe Jayaveeran in a cultural fusion that not only pushes artistic boundaries but also expands the expressive possibilities of Chinese orchestral music. In addition, the concert will feature beloved classics such as Mulan Joins the Army and Returning Boat from Wind and Rain. Adding a contemporary twist, pieces such as Tan-Tiao Rock and Reminiscing Through Moon-Gazing will feature elements of rock and vocal performances, bringing new dimensions to familiar works.
This diverse repertoire showcases the rich potential of plucked string instruments, promising audiences an unforgettable evening of innovation and artistry.
Chamber Charms: Night of Bowed Strings
Curated by SCO Concertmaster and Strings Section Leader Li Baoshun, “Night of Bowed Strings” features the SCO bowed string section in a showcase of emotional depth and musical brilliance.
The concert will feature several Singapore premieres, including Yellow River Capriccio, Mvt IV: Defending the Yellow River, Merriment in Kazakhstan, Playing the Flower Drum, Red Velvet, Through the Western Pass and Huai Song. Additionally, the orchestra’s cello and double bass musicians will present the world premiere of Desiring Intimacy. Among these, Defending the Yellow River delivers sweeping rhythms and stirring melodies to create a majestic musical landscape, while Merriment in Kazakhstan, adapted from pipa solo piece, captivates with its lively rhythms and exotic charm. The entire concert spans a spectrum of sound and emotion, from resonant low tones to bright, soaring highs, and from profound intensity to light-hearted rhythms, fully showcasing the boundless potential of bowed string instruments.
The two concerts not only showcase the exceptional artistry of the orchestra’s musicians but also explore the unique charm of Chinese music in the intimate format of chamber ensembles. All music enthusiasts are warmly invited to experience these extraordinary performances and immerse themselves in the profound emotions and distinctive beauty of chamber music!
