programme - National University of Singapore

Soirée 2016
In Commemoration of
Mr Lee Kuan Yew
NUS Harmonica Orchestra
A member of NUS Centre For the Arts
25 March 2016, 7.30pm
Victoria Concert Hall
About NUS Centre For the Arts
Established in 1993, NUS Centre For the Arts (CFA) is a vibrant space for the
appreciation of the arts and nurturing of the creative and inquiring spirit. It supports
student engagement with the arts and the integration of the arts into the life of the
University.
NUS CFA encompasses the NUS Museum, NUS Baba House and a Talent and
Development arm that oversees 22 student arts excellence groups. Through its myriad
of programmes, practices, exhibitions, workshops and outreach, such as NUS Arts
Festival and the ExxonMobil Campus Concerts, the Centre enhances and augments
the university experience and contributes to the building of knowledge and transformation of students.
CFA also manages facilities such as the University Cultural Centre, with its 1600-seat
Hall and 450-seat Theatre, and rehearsal spaces in Runme Shaw CFA Studios and
University Town.
For more information, visit www.cfa.nus.edu.sg.
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A Commemorative Concert
Music is a powerful language that communicates sentiments, thoughts and emotions
beyond words. The month of March in 2016 marks the first anniversary of Mr Lee
Kuan Yew’s passing. It is most apt to dedicate Soirée 2016 to commemorate the
contributions of Mr Lee. As our nation’s leader and politician, he is also remembered
as a caring husband and father. There are many life lessons and values for all
Singaporeans, the young generation and future generations. We invite you to
contemplate how individual citizens can contribute to nation building, as we stand
on the shoulders of giants that are our pioneer generation.
Soirée 2016 is structured in 2 parts: the first half of the programme portrays Mr Lee’s
early life and his political career; the second half focuses on his passing and how the
spirit of Singapore rises anew after its painful loss.
From the vibrant SG50 Tribute Medley specially orchestrated for this concert to Arturo
Márquez’s fiery Danzón No. 2, we recount the story of Singapore, of the leader who
led the country to independence, and Singapore’s miraculous growth into a world
class economy. The legacy of Mr Lee lives on for all of us.
Thus, tonight’s concert ends on a note of optimism, in remembering Mr Lee Kuan
Yew, Singapore’s first Prime Minister.
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About NUS Harmonica Orchestra
Founded in 1981, NUS Harmonica Orchestra (NUSHO) began as an instrumental
ensemble – the NUS Harmonica Band (NUSHB). With the inauguration of NUS
Harmonica Orchestra in 2005, Ms Josephine Koh, who served as the group’s pianist
and lead music tutor, was appointed the Conductor and Music Director in 2006.
Working closely with harmonica tutors, music arrangers and Resident Lecturer Mr
Yasuo Watani, Ms Koh has since led NUSHO’s progress and developed it into a unique
orchestra that fully integrates with other orchestral instruments – cello, bass, guitar,
woodwinds, brasses, percussion and piano. The orchestra’s repertoire comprises a
wide spectrum of works, ranging from traditional tunes and folk music to large scale
classical symphonic works, opera, popular, jazz and film scores.
In the annual Soirée concerts of the recent years, NUSHO has been innovative in
featuring works transcribed and arranged by talented members of the group. Works
of professional composers, such as Dr Mui Kwong Chiu’s (Hong Kong) River of Clouds
天上雲河 and 黄金海岸的长堤 and Martin Bills’ (UK) arrangement of America have
also been performed. In more intimate settings, the annual Impressions concerts
provide undergraduates with a platform to nurture them as soloists; ensemble groups
would also showcase their playing skills. As part of the university’s outreach efforts,
members of NUSHO also perform regularly for various organizations in Singapore.
NUSHO offers a comprehensive and progressive musical education for its members,
regardless of their prior music background. With a structured training programme
and graded examination, there is always a place for every interested individual.
While new members are taught and equipped with a firm foundation in harmonica
techniques, senior members advance to develop higher performance skills, study
music theory and score arrangement. Outstanding and promising members are given
the opportunity to present themselves at recitals, masterclasses and competitions,
including the Asia Pacific Harmonica Festival and World Harmonica Festival.
Outstanding milestones and achievements:
• Performed in Japan, Germany, Italy, China and Malaysia
• Won CFA’s Group of the Year in Tan Eng Kiam Awards Ceremony 2011
• Won 19 medals at Asia Pacific Harmonica Festival 2012 including 7 for individuals
and ensembles and 2 Gold Medals in the Orchestral Category
• Won 11 gold medals at Asia Pacific Harmonica Festival 2014 in solo, ensemble, and
creative categories
For more information, visit their Facebook page:
https://fb.me/NUSHarmonicaOrchestra
or email them at: nusharmo@gmail.com
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Music Director and Resident Conductor
Ms. Josephine Koh is a Bösendorfer
concert artist, theorist, conductor and
music author. She received her professional training in piano performance
in Milan, Italy under world-renowned
adjudicator-pianist, Maestro Vincenzo
Balzani in the 1990s. In 2006 she took
up orchestral conducting under Denise
Ham of the Royal Academy of Music and
attended the Canford Summer School
of Orchestral Conducting led by the
late George Hurst. In 2011–2012, she
represented Singapore at the International Conductors Institute of USA to conduct
the Bacau Philharmonic Orchestra in Romania, under the mentorship of Ovidiu
Balan, Charles Gambetta and Robert Gutter.
A graduate in English and Professional Management from the UK Open University,
Ms Koh is the director and principal of Josephine Koh Music Studio. As an internationally renowned author for her Practice in Music Theory series, her latest works
published by Wells Music Publishers include Teachers’ Choice, Selected Repertory and
Studies (based on ABRSM piano exams syllabi) and Understanding Orchestration, the
Orchestra and its Instruments.
As the Music Director and Conductor for NUS Harmonica Orchestra since 2006,
she has actively guided the orchestra through its various stages of progress and
development. Under the CFA’s Talent Development Programme, she structures
effective courses and training programmes for NUSHO’s members. The most
innovative transformation for the orchestra is in its expanded repertoire of commissioned works and large-scale score arrangements. From concert hall settings to
multi-media and operatic productions, NUSHO’s performances in recent years have
taken the family of harmonica instruments far and beyond.
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Programme
SG50 Tribute Medley
Those Years 那些年
Kimura Mitsutoshi
“March”
from Suite for Variety Orchestra
Caprice No. 24 in A minor
Soloist: Ranjit Gulvady
Pianist: Joy Chua
Dmitri Shostakovich
Niccolò Paganini
Scheherazade, Op. 35 (abridged)
I. The Sea and Sinbad’s Ship
III. The Young Prince and Princess
IV. Festival at Baghdad The Sea
Intermission
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Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Viva La Vida
Lim Zikai, Budi Santoso, Young Jie Yu
Cellist: Liscoln Quah
Adagio for Strings
Coldplay
Samuel Barber
The Prayer
Soloists: Wang Jun, Luo Lingcheng
David Foster et al.
Rhapsody in Blue
Soloist: Liu Ziyan
Pianist: Elijah Chew
George Gershwin
Danzón No. 2
Arturo Márquez
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Programme Notes
SG50 Tribute Medley
Arranged by Ng Cheeyang & Debbie Tjong, orchestrated by Ng Ee Xien & Low Teng Yong
SG50 Tribute Medley was originally arranged by Ng Cheeyang and Debbie Tjong, who
were born and graduated from Singapore and now studying contemporary music in
Boston, USA. The Medley comprises popular National Day Parade songs among which
is the famous Home by Kit Chan. Through this work, the Orchestra celebrates the
success of Singapore’s nation building as a city-state that strives towards excellence
and the spirit of Singaporeans as “one”.
Those Years 那些年
Composed by Kimura Mitsutoshi, arranged by Luo Lingcheng & Qiang Xiang
Those Years is the original soundtrack from You are the Apple of my Eye, a wellreceived movie directed by Taiwanese director Giddens Ko. The piece is an
affectionate reflection of the life of teenagers in high school – their romance, friendship
and joy. In Soirée 2016, our screenplay traces Mr Lee’s early days and his love story
with Mdm Kwa Geok Choo. Through the clean and pure timbre of harmonicas, the
ensemble presents a sweet retrospection of the past.
March from Suite for Variety Orchestra
Composed by Dmitri Shostakovich, arranged by Lim Zi Kai
The Suite for Variety Orchestra comprises eight movements. Dmitri Shostakovich is
known for his wit and satire in his works. March, the first movement of the work
begins with a bright, lively tune. Military and comical elements are presented with
an exuberant spirit.
Caprice No. 24 in A minor
Composed by Niccolò Paganini, adapted for harmonica and piano
This is the final caprice of Niccolò Paganini’s famous 24 Caprices for Solo Violin.
With highly advanced techniques such as parallel octaves, extremely fast scales
and arpeggios, the piece is widely considered as one of the most difficult pieces
ever written for the solo violin. In Soirée 2016, this piece is specially adapted for solo
harmonica, performed by one of the Orchestra’s soloists Ranjit Gulvady who will
amaze the audience with the vast capabilities of this small instrument.
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Scheherazade, Op. 35 (abridged)
Composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, arranged by Koh Yung Hua
Scheherazade, Op. 35, is a symphonic poem composed by Russian composer Nikolai
Rimsky-Korsakov, inspired by the exquisite fantasies from the familiar tales One
Thousand and One Nights (sometimes known as the Arabian Nights). With its quiet
beauty and captivating modal melodies woven from the music, the first, third, and
fourth movements of the piece are arranged by Dr Koh Yung Hua, a senior arranger
of NUS Harmonica Orchestra. The tender, sensuous, winding solo melody, with fresh
orchestral colours, mild oriental flavour, and a rhythmic vitality create a magical
realm, signifying the stunning transformation of Singapore.
Viva La Vida
Composed by Coldplay, arranged by Lim Zi Kai
Inspired by an uplifting painting of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, who endured extreme
physical chronic pain throughout her life due to polio and a broken spine, Viva La
Vida was written by the famous British rock band Coldplay. The song was released
in 2008 as the second single in their fourth album “Death and All His Friends”. Since
then, it has become one of the trademarks for the British alternative rock band. The
name “Viva La Vida” is a Spanish phrase which carries the meaning of “Live the life”.
Over the years, the song has sent out messages to the world and has empowered
generations of people with courage and perseverance in life’s vicissitudes. In our
screenplay, this piece accompanies the various photos of Mr & Mrs Lee’s happy times
together in the later years.
Adagio for Strings
Composed by Samuel Barber, arranged by Ng Ee Xien
Adagio for Strings is arguably the best known work by American composer Samuel
Barber, arranged for string orchestra from the second movement of his String Quartet,
Op. 11. Alexander J. Morin, author of Classical Music: The Listener’s Companion, has
commented that this piece was “full of pathos and cathartic passion” and that it
“rarely leaves a dry eye.” Like a sigh which brings out a heavy, sombre mood, this
piece captures the emotion of listeners and evokes a sense of lament. However, with
the quiet ending, we also see glimpses of hope and a limit to delving in grief. On 29
March 2015, the piece was the opening piece for the state funeral of the late Mr Lee
Kuan Yew at University Cultural Centre, National University of Singapore.
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The Prayer
Composed by David Foster, Carole Bayer Sager, Alberto Testa, and Tony Renis, arranged
by Lim Zi Kai
A heartfelt duet premiered by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli. The song won the
Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song from the film Quest for Camelot (1998).
This piece is aptly played to signify sense of loss. The lyrics go:
I pray you’ll be our eyes
And watch us where we go
And help us to be wise
In times when we don’t know
Let this be our prayer
when we lose our way
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace
To a place where we’ll be safe
Rhapsody in Blue
Composed by George Gershwin, adapted for harmonica and piano
An impressive composition by the prodigious American composer George Gershwin,
Rhapsody in Blue was a revolutionary work that successfully combines elements of
classical music with jazz-influenced effects. The piece was premiered in an afternoon
concert in 1924 in New York City. The piece’s opening trill followed by a 17-note rising
diatonic scale has become one of the most famous melodic openings in American
music. The piece displays both rhythmic innovation and melodic inspiration with
themes that signify Singapore as a metropolitan city.
Danzón No. 2
Composed by Arturo Márquez, arranged by Low Teng Yong
Danzón No. 2 is of Cuban origin, developed from the Habanera rhythm that creates
a dichotomy of triplets in duple time. This work is built first on a beautiful, elegant
main theme. It soon develops and erupts into a more passionate and exciting dance
that is composed as a tribute to popular music. The sense of vibrancy and youthful
spirit reflect the assured future and spirit of Singaporeans.
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Music Arrangers
Low Teng Yong joined NUS Harmonica Band (the predecessor of NUS Harmonica
Orchestra) in the 1990s and studied music theory from Ms. Josephine Koh. He has
arranged music for the orchestra for almost 20 years ranging from classical genre
to contemporary movie soundtrack. He orchestrated Libertango (2013), transcribed
Theme from Schindler’s List (2014), and arranged 渔舟唱晚 (Notturno on the Fishing
Boat) into concerto for solo harmonica and orchestra (2015). Graduated from NUS
with B.Sc (Hons 1st Class) in Mathematics in 1992, he is currently a Senior Vice
President of Post Trade Services at Singapore Exchange Limited.
Lim Zi Kai joined NUS Harmonica Orchestra in 2006. A disciplined, passionate
and dedicated member, he served as the president for the orchestra in 2007. Since his
graduation, Zi Kai continues to be actively involved in the orchestra as a chromatic
tutor and resident arranger with ABRSM Grade 8 in piano and music theory. He
holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Education specializing in Primary level Music track,
and is a music educator with the Ministry of Education. His orchestral arrangements
include Spring Festival Overture (2015), Joyful Night (2015), Star Wars Theme (2014),
Overture & Humming Chorus from Madame Butterfly (2012), and Bolero (2013).
Koh Yung Hua joined NUSHO in 2004. Over the past twelve years, while studying
and eventually earned his doctorate degree in Pharmacology from NUS in 2012, he
has become proficient in playing the chromatic harmonica, bass harmonica and horn
harmonica. In recent years, Dr Koh has ventured into the field of musical arrangement
for the NUS Harmonica Orchestra. His works include Theme from Madame Butterfly
(2012), Finlandia (2013), Unfinished Symphony (2014), and Nutcracker Suite (2015). In
2014, Dr Koh also completed ABRSM Grade 8 in Music Theory under the guidance of
Ms Josephine Koh.
Ng Ee Xien is currently a third year Ph.D. student in NUS Biomedical Engineering.
He joined NUS Harmonica Orchestra in 2009 and has since performed regularly in the
Orchestra’s annual concerts. One of the lead chromatic soloists in the orchestra, Ee
Xien expanded his interest in music by learning music theory and music arrangement
under the orchestra’s music director and conductor Ms Josephine Koh. He started
his journey in music arrangement with ensemble pieces Chinese New Year Medley for
Soirée 2015 and Frozen: Let It Go for Impressions 2015. For Soirée 2016, Ee Xien took
the next step and arranged two orchestral pieces Adagio for Strings and SG50 Tribute
Medley.
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Soloists
Ranjit Gulvady is currently a final year PhD student
at the Mechanobiology Institute in NUS. Having grown
up in a musical family, he was inspired to pursue music
as a hobby. He learnt the harmonica for 2 years in India
before joining NUSHO in 2012. Since then, he has regularly
performed in the Orchestra’s annual concerts. In August
2014, Ranjit participated in the 10th Asia Pacific Harmonica
Festival and clinched 3 Gold awards in the Solo, Ensemble
and Creative categories. He also presented his awardwinning solo piece at A Harmonica Fantasy concert at the
Esplanade Recital studio.
Wang Jun is a final year student majoring in Chemical
Engineering in NUS. Having learnt the instrument in Raffles
Institution (Junior College), she became a member of NUS
Harmonica Orchestra (NUSHO) in 2012. A talented harmonica
soloist, Wang Jun proudly clinched 3 Gold Awards at the
2014 Asia Pacific Harmonica Festival. She also served as the
president for the orchestra in academic year 2013/14 and
continues to perform with the orchestra throughout the years.
Luo Lingcheng is currently an NUS Master student
in mathematics. He joined NUSHO in 2012 and played the
served as concert manager for Soirée 2013. With due diligence,
Lingcheng won the Gold Award in both the solo and ensemble
categories at the 10th Asia Pacific Harmonic Festival in 2014.
He also gave a solo performance at Esplanade Recital Studio.
In 2015, as part of the Kent Ridge ensemble, he premiered
Hong Kong composer Dr. Mui Kong Chiu’s masterpiece,
Embankment of Gold Coast (黄金海岸的长堤).
Liu Ziyan is currently a year 4 undergraduate majoring in
Physics and Materials Engineering. He learnt to play violin
during his childhood and picked up the harmonica in high
school. He joined NUSHO, served in Executive Committee and
soon rose to be an outstanding soloist. Under the guidance of
our musical director Ms. Josephine Koh and continued support
from the orchestra, Ziyan clinched Gold Awards in Solo and
Ensemble categories in 10th Asia Pacific Harmonica Festival.
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Performers
First Harmonica
Concertmaster
Jonathan Phoon Ngok Jun
Co-concertmaster
Ng Ee Xien
Assistant Concertmaster
Wang Jun
Fang Ruoming
Jonathan Irvin Gunawan
Qu Xiaojie
Ranjit Gulvady
Samuel Wirajaya
Steven Harta Prawira
Koh Yung Hua
Wang Wanli
Second Harmonica
Principal
Lim Zi Kai
Section Leader
Luo Lingcheng
C. Vignesh Subramaniam*
Charlotte Koh Tze Jia*
Hsu Myat Noe
Jeremiah Riker
Lang Man
Li Shuang
Li Yu
Matthias Lim Siong Gie*
Soong Yun Ting
Xu Shaoqing
Yu Caiyan
Tenor C
Principal
Liu Ziyan
Section Leader
Chua Boon Lee
Wang Wanli
Xu Shaoqing
Cheong Guang Jie
Dong Wei
Gabriel Pik Liang Marini
Jaclyn Mah Jia Jun
Shen Mingyang
Veenod S/O Sivan*
Young Jie Yu
Piccolo
Chord Harmonica
Qiang Xiang
Xiang Cihan
Koh Pek Song Andy*
Flute
David Tao Chen Ming*
Oboe
Chua Liang You*
Clarinet
Gerald Lim Chong Hwee*
Bassoon
Bass Harmonica
Principal
Budi Santoso
Lim Sze Ai*
Horn
Muhammad Afiq bin
Mohammad Akhtar*
Li Yu
Horn Harmonica
Trumpet
Budi Santoso
Le Ngoc Ha Nhu
Trombone
Principal
Koh Yung Hua
Piano
Evelyn Goh Yan Hua*
Elijah Chew Shaun Young*
Chua Yun Hui Joy*
Joshia Seam*
Percussion
Muhammad Matin bin
Maslan*
Muhammad Farhan bin
Jamaludin*
Tuba
Ho Law Wei*
Cello
Liscoln Quah*
Sandy Soh Hui Shian*
Principal
Siew Chi Yung
Harp
Feng Xiao
Lang Man
Luo Wanyue
Guitar
Charmaine Teo*
Jia Haolin*
Double Bass
Executive Committee
Song Jun Jie Edmund*
President
Xu Shaoqing
Concert Manager
Chua Boon Lee
Immediate Past President
Tan Zheng Hao
Vice President
Li Yu
Treasurer
Luo Wanyue
Secretary
Le Ngoc Ha Nhu
Score Administrator
Steven Harta Prawira
*Guest performers
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Credits
Music Director & Resident Conductor
Group Manager
Resident Harmonica Lecturer
Stage Managers
Josephine Koh
See Yanhong
Song Cheng Jun
Zhong Keyi
Yasuo Watani
Group Associate
Graphic Designer
Dr Chua Chee Yong
Samuel Wirajaya
Music Tutors
Screenplay Producer
Lim Zi Kai (Chromatic Harmonica)
Wong Swee Meng (Chromatic Harmonica)
Ngoh Kheng Seng (Percussion)
Budi Santoso (Bass and Horn Harmonica)
Chua Boon Lee
Screenplay Editor
Li Yu
Music Arrangers
Dr Koh Yung Hua
Lim Zi Kai
Low Teng Yong
Ng Ee Xien
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