COVID-19 Phase 2: Lights on! Singapore Chinese Orchestra back to rehearsal after 91 days

Text: Lim Ka Min / Photo Curator: Jeremy Wong / Photo Editor: Shannen Ho

The COVID-19 pandemic took the world by storm, and almost brought the world to a halt. We are experiencing an unprecedented global crisis, probably the biggest of our time.

 Zhonghu Musician Wilson Neo practising on the stage of SCO Concert Hall.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE CHINESE ORCHESTRA/ JIN SHIYI (Suona/Guan Principal)

Performances, shows, exhibitions and other arts and cultural events which are the beating heart of the arts community and the nation’s cultural life, are being cancelled or deferred. This has dealt a crippling blow to our arts companies and artists.

COVID-19 has been unprecedented in how it has affected life here and around the world.

Cellist Huang Ting-Yu walking into Singapore Conference Hall.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE CHINESE ORCHESTRA/ JIN SHIYI (Suona/Guan Principal)

As the world contends and adapt with the new normalcy of daily temperature checks, home quarantines and travel restriction, artists find themselves troubled about putting bread on the table, coupled with an existential question of the meaning and value of arts in these times.

The Box office at Level 1 of Singapore Conference Hall is still closed.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE CHINESE ORCHESTRA/ SKINTONES (SCO staff)

Times like these can be profoundly unsettling. The arts offer a way to make sense of what we are going through.There has also been an awakening of sorts, as the arts communities find ways to band together, finding strength in solidarity.

Today, 91 days have passed since we closed our doors due to Circuit Breaker. Singapore Chinese Orchestra is back for rehearsals, restarting our engines slowly but surely. The circuit breaker was previously launched on April 7 2020.

13 SCO Huqin (Gaohu, Erhu and Zhonghu) musicians gather for sectionals on stage.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE CHINESE ORCHESTRA/ SKINTONES (SCO staff)

6 SCO Cello and Double Bass musicians gather for sectionals at the Sectionals Practice Hall.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE CHINESE ORCHESTRA/ JIN SHIYI (Suona/Guan Principal)

As Singapore emerges stronger from this Circuit Breaker, 19 musicians and SCO Music Director Tsung Yeh made their way back for their first rehearsals today, after multiple months away from their beloved concert hall.

“I am ecstatic that we are finally back at home in the SCO Concert Hall, after being away for three months! In the following weeks, the orchestra will be working hard to prepare for three upcoming concert programmes which will be broadcasted online. We cannot wait to bring you our new music through online platforms – prepare to let us soothe your soul and give you strength as we build a vibrant, healthy and happy Singapore!”

– Music Director Tsung Yeh

SCO Concertmaster Li Baoshun looking through scores at the Score Library.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE CHINESE ORCHESTRA/ SKINTONES (SCO staff)

They have been waiting, patiently. All excited and ready for this moment. In fact,  more than 80 of our musicians will be coming back to Singapore Conference Hall in small separate groups, to adhere to safe distancing measure guidelines for SCO, as we enter Phase 2 - Safe Transition of A Safe Singapore.

SCO Erhu musician Tan Manman walking on stage and getting ready for rehearsals.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE CHINESE ORCHESTRA/ SKINTONES (SCO staff)

Music provides happiness and relief, and lifts spirits in such tumultuous times. We are certainly necessary in bringing a smile to your faces. Many of us will naturally turn to the arts to spread messages of hope to the world. Despite this adversity, it does not stop musicians from creating music.

Technician Benson Tan getting geared up in the SCO Concert Hall control room.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE CHINESE ORCHESTRA/ JIN SHIYI (Suona/Guan Principal)

Given the changing situation globally, members of the arts community have been spreading messages of positivity online. Singapore Chinese Orchestra, too, first released digital concert series and innovative online content series, bringing our music to everyone, earlier in February 2020.

The public can watch free full-length digital SCO concerts under the #DabaoSCO series playlist; learn more about CO music through the #CO101 educational webisodes and relax at home with the newly released #RoomforMusic series, a stay-home music initiative led by SCO musicians.

SCO Double Bass Principal Zhang Hao (left) and Cello Principal Xu Zhong (right) all focused.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE CHINESE ORCHESTRA/ SKINTONES (SCO staff)

Singapore Chinese Orchestra musicians have been kept busy during this period of time. They learnt new skills, picked up new hobbies and spent time with their families. They indulged in the magnificence of music making and composing.

They practised really hard, to perform in front of their cameras and mobile phones, just to bring you hope - a ray of light in the cold darkness.

SCO Concert Master Li Baoshun (left) and SCO Gaohu musician Liu Zhiyue (right) during rehearsals.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE CHINESE ORCHESTRA/ SKINTONES (SCO staff)

On the various SCO social media platforms, there was something to look forward to everyday. While the arts has become  a part of everyday lives for some of us, but please do not take us for granted.

COVID-19 has changed a lot of things. Essentially, how people behave, communicate and travel, how we interact and how we function as a society. But ultimately, Singapore will continue to find a way.

All staff and musicians have to scan SafeEntry QR code and take temperature when they report for work.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE CHINESE ORCHESTRA/ SKINTONES (SCO staff)

And similarly, the Arts and arts group will continue to find a way, to bring our arts closer to everyone.

We will be patient and we will meet our audience face-to-face again, soon. And we will continue to find creative ways to create and present our music. We are thankful for all the bandwidth of support to get us through this difficult time.

Once checked in and registered, everyone will be given a sticker before entrance.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE CHINESE ORCHESTRA/ SKINTONES (SCO staff)

We seek comfort in discovering all the support everyone has been offering. We will be better, stronger and here to bring you more.

Our music strives to be the engine of togetherness and collective sense-making for everyone. We are all fighting hard to keep the arts alive.

Singapore Chinese Orchestra is back to work today and we will be bringing you more excitement and content. The arts are worth fighting for.

Senior Technician Paul Neo (left) and Senior Production Crew Lee Leng Hwee (right) in serious discussions.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE CHINESE ORCHESTRA/ SKINTONES (SCO staff)

 “Many arts groups and organisations release digital concert series and innovative online content series during this pandemic, to lift the spirits of Singaporeans. During this critical period, many artistes, arts groups and arts practitioners fought strong and hard, and they also took the time to reflect deeply, in pursuit of excellence and growth. I believe that we will definitely triumph and over overcome this pandemic. We will seize the opportunities that are available even after we emerge from the pandemic!”

- SCO Executive Director Terence Ho

Concert Production Executive Lee Kwang Kiat making arrangements for musicians.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE CHINESE ORCHESTRA/ JIN SHIYI (Suona/Guan Principal)

With sectional practices and rehearsals resuming from this week onwards, Singapore Chinese Orchestra is geared up to start preparations for our upcoming programmes in August and September 2020.

Conducted by SCO’s Music Director Tsung Yeh, Singapore Chinese Orchestra will be rolling out 2 digital chamber concerts on SISTIC LIVE, in August and September 2020. You can purchase an e-ticket soon on Sistic, and catch our digital concert in the comfort of your home.

Conducted by SCO’s Resident Conductor Quek Ling Kiong, the Singapore Chinese Orchestra will be performing many familiar National Day tunes, for the nation’s special 55^th birthday. This will be released digitally.

Also, we are delivering joy to various Tan Chin Tuan Foundation - supported beneficiaries all around Singapore! Conducted by SCO’s Assistant Conductor Moses Gay, Singapore Chinese Orchestra will be recording music videos for residents in homes, hospitals and hospices. The SCO Caring Series is supported by the Tan Chin Tuan Foundation.

Do keep a look out for more exciting programmes, more updates will be given closer to date.

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