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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

Expand to read full bio

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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