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Pizzicato
Chamber Charms:
Pizzicato
Performers: SCO Plucked String Section
Details
Date:
01 Aug 2025 | 7:30 PM
Duration:
1 hr (no intermission)
Venue:
Tickets:
Programmes
Antiphonal Flower Song
- Pipa: Wang Siyuan
- Yangqin: Ma Huan
Composed by Zhang Xiaofeng
Antiphonal Flower Song
Composed by Zhang Xiaofeng
The title Matching Flowers 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.
Composer
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.
Mountain Song
- 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
Composer
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.
Three Six
- Pipa: Wang Siyuan
- Yangqin: Ma Huan
- Gaoyin Ruan: Liang Ming-Huei
- Zhongruan: Cheng Tzu-Ting, Koh Min Hui, Ngeow Si Ming, Jonathan
- Daruan: 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.
Composer
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.
Heavenly Fragrance of Gandharva
- 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
Composer
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.
Narati
- 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
Composer
Liu Chang
Liu Chang
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
Touted as one of the most promising musicians of his generation, (The Straits Time, Singapore), percussionist Derek Koh’s sensitive musical voice and varied musical ventures have afforded him the opportunity to perform extensively in the United States, Europe and Asia. His burgeoning rise as a dynamic and flexible musician has led him to work with art forms of all genres and mediums, from western and Chinese classical music to theatre and dance. Derek joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) as percussion musician in 2022.
A graduate of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts School of Young Talents, he continued his undergraduate studies at the institution where he received his Bachelor of Music conferred by the Royal College of Music. Derek then headed to New York to receive his Master of Music at the Mannes School of Music with a full Mannes Dean’s Scholarship.
Derek most recently performed with the Berlin Philharmonic new music ensemble ZeMU Ensemble at the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) 2022, and is a regular substitute with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. He has also been invited as guest percussionist for the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, Szechuan Symphony Orchestra and was a fellow at the Grammy-award winning Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. Derek is creative director of acclaimed contemporary percussion collective Morse Percussion, chairman at the Singapore Chinese Music Federation Youth Chapter, secretary-general at the Percussion Association of Singapore and adjunct faculty at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and the Singapore Armed Forces Band. Derek is a Freer Percussion Artist and plays exclusively on Freer Percussion mallets.
Percussion
Koh Wen Jun Derek
Touted as one of the most promising musicians of his generation, (The Straits Time, Singapore), percussionist Derek Koh’s sensitive musical voice and varied musical ventures have afforded him the opportunity to perform extensively in the United States, Europe and Asia. His burgeoning rise as a dynamic and flexible musician has led him to work with art forms of all genres and mediums, from western and Chinese classical music to theatre and dance. Derek joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) as percussion musician in 2022.
A graduate of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts School of Young Talents, he continued his undergraduate studies at the institution where he received his Bachelor of Music conferred by the Royal College of Music. Derek then headed to New York to receive his Master of Music at the Mannes School of Music with a full Mannes Dean’s Scholarship.
Derek most recently performed with the Berlin Philharmonic new music ensemble ZeMU Ensemble at the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) 2022, and is a regular substitute with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. He has also been invited as guest percussionist for the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, Szechuan Symphony Orchestra and was a fellow at the Grammy-award winning Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. Derek is creative director of acclaimed contemporary percussion collective Morse Percussion, chairman at the Singapore Chinese Music Federation Youth Chapter, secretary-general at the Percussion Association of Singapore and adjunct faculty at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and the Singapore Armed Forces Band. Derek is a Freer Percussion Artist and plays exclusively on Freer Percussion mallets.
Childhood
- 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
Plucked string septet
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.
Composer
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.
Dunhuang
- Erhu: Zhou Ruoyu
- Pipa: Wang Siyuan
- Yangqin: Ma Huan
- Guzheng: Fwa Shao Xuan Lyon
- Dizi: Ng Wei Xuan
- 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.
Composer
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.
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.
Bangdi
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
Touted as one of the most promising musicians of his generation, (The Straits Time, Singapore), percussionist Derek Koh’s sensitive musical voice and varied musical ventures have afforded him the opportunity to perform extensively in the United States, Europe and Asia. His burgeoning rise as a dynamic and flexible musician has led him to work with art forms of all genres and mediums, from western and Chinese classical music to theatre and dance. Derek joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) as percussion musician in 2022.
A graduate of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts School of Young Talents, he continued his undergraduate studies at the institution where he received his Bachelor of Music conferred by the Royal College of Music. Derek then headed to New York to receive his Master of Music at the Mannes School of Music with a full Mannes Dean’s Scholarship.
Derek most recently performed with the Berlin Philharmonic new music ensemble ZeMU Ensemble at the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) 2022, and is a regular substitute with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. He has also been invited as guest percussionist for the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, Szechuan Symphony Orchestra and was a fellow at the Grammy-award winning Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. Derek is creative director of acclaimed contemporary percussion collective Morse Percussion, chairman at the Singapore Chinese Music Federation Youth Chapter, secretary-general at the Percussion Association of Singapore and adjunct faculty at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and the Singapore Armed Forces Band. Derek is a Freer Percussion Artist and plays exclusively on Freer Percussion mallets.
Percussion
Koh Wen Jun Derek
Touted as one of the most promising musicians of his generation, (The Straits Time, Singapore), percussionist Derek Koh’s sensitive musical voice and varied musical ventures have afforded him the opportunity to perform extensively in the United States, Europe and Asia. His burgeoning rise as a dynamic and flexible musician has led him to work with art forms of all genres and mediums, from western and Chinese classical music to theatre and dance. Derek joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) as percussion musician in 2022.
A graduate of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts School of Young Talents, he continued his undergraduate studies at the institution where he received his Bachelor of Music conferred by the Royal College of Music. Derek then headed to New York to receive his Master of Music at the Mannes School of Music with a full Mannes Dean’s Scholarship.
Derek most recently performed with the Berlin Philharmonic new music ensemble ZeMU Ensemble at the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) 2022, and is a regular substitute with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. He has also been invited as guest percussionist for the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, Szechuan Symphony Orchestra and was a fellow at the Grammy-award winning Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. Derek is creative director of acclaimed contemporary percussion collective Morse Percussion, chairman at the Singapore Chinese Music Federation Youth Chapter, secretary-general at the Percussion Association of Singapore and adjunct faculty at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and the Singapore Armed Forces Band. Derek is a Freer Percussion Artist and plays exclusively on Freer Percussion mallets.
Post-Concert Chat
Huang Guifang, Plucked String Section Leader/Sanxian Principal, Qu Jianqing, Yangqin Principal and Yu Jia, Pipa Principal
Quek Ling Kiong, Principal Conductor
Orchestra
Orchestra
- Gaohu:
- Li Baoshun
- Zhou Ruoyu
- Hu Chung-Chin
- Li Yuan
- Liu Zhiyue
- She Ling
- Xu Wenjing
- Zhao Li
- Erhu:
- Zhao Jianhua
- Zhu Lin
- Ling Hock Siang
- Li Yulong
- Ann Hong Mui
- Chen Shu Hua
- Cheng Chung Hsien
- Hsieh I-Chieh
- Qin Zijing
- Shen Qin
- Siok Li Chin, Deborah
- Tan Manman
- Tao Kaili
- Yan Yan
- Zhang Bin
- Zhonghu:
- Lin Gao
- Chia Wan Hua
- Goh Cher Yen
- Goh Hock Jun, Shunta
- Neo Yong Soon, Wilson
- Wang Yi-Jen
- Wong Qin Kai
- Cello:
- Xu Zhong
- Tang Jia
- Chen Ying Guang, Helen
- Huang Ting-Yu
- Ji Huiming
- Poh Yee Luh
- Sim Lian Kiat, Eddie
- Xu Xuena
- Double Bass:
- Zhang Hao
- Lee Khiang
- Qu Feng
- Wang Luyao
Programme Notes
This concert marks the debut of Singaporean conductor Darrell Ang as the Principal Guest Conductor of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. Winner of the prestigious 50th Besançon International Competition for Young Conductors in France, he is currently the Artistic Director of the Sichuan Symphony Orchestra in China, and one of the most prominent Chinese conductors active on the international stage today. Known for his refined musical sensibility, Ang is also admired for his curatorial vision that bridges cultures and transcends genres.
Titled A Bug’s Life, the concert explores the wondrous diversity of insects as imagined by composers, through a vibrant blend of classical, folk, and contemporary musical languages. As both conductor and curator, Ang contributes his own original work — A Bug’s Life (Paraphrase on a theme by Alexander Scriabin) and infuses the programme with his personal reflections on the natural world based on a long-standing fascination with the lives of insects. The concert opens with Butterfly Overture by Ge Gan-Ru. Originally written for symphony orchestra, the work is anchored by a soaring solo violin line that evokes the delicate flutter of a butterfly, set against a dreamlike, sweeping orchestral backdrop. Ge, who was trained as a violinist before switching to composition in his third year of study, brings a string player’s intuition to his writing—merging expressive lyricism with structural clarity and emotional resonance.
According to the composer, Butterfly Overture is a heartfelt tribute to his mentor Chen Gang, one of China’s most celebrated composers and pedagogues. Chen championed the primacy of emotion in music and encouraged his students to develop their own unique artistic voices. The butterfly, a recurring motif in Chen’s work, symbolises beauty, love, freedom, and above all, the poetic defiance of death. This performance marks the world premiere of the Chinese orchestral version, specially commissioned by SCO and adapted by Chinese composer Luo Maishuo.
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