Ding Yi Music Company has long been regarded as Singapore’s most prodigious Chinese chamber music ensemble. But distinguished reputation extends internationally as well. Recently, the acclaimed company made their return to the prestigious Taoyuan Traditional Music Festival in Taiwan, marking their 3rd participation in this renowned event.
Now in its 11th year, the festival features musicians and ensembles from Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, the United States, and more, serving as a vibrant platform for Chinese music exchange. This year’s theme, Endless Music, highlights continuous advancements in Chinese music professionalism, educational heritage, innovation, and international exchange.
Ding Yi played together with the Taoyuan Chinese Orchestra (TYCO) in a program that included 'Four Tone Poems on Fables', which was performed for the first time in Taiwan, by Phoon Yew Tien, a recipient of the Cultural Medallion award. Adding to the richness of this collaborative endeavour, Ding Yi’s concertmaster and huqin musician Fred Chan Hong Wei and percussion musician Low Yik Hang also contributed their exceptional artistry by adding depth and nuance to the musical tapestry of this exceptional work.
Wang Chenwei, a recipient of the Young Artist Award, is known for his innovative approach and deep understanding of traditional music. His work 'Aksara' - a fusion of traditional Nanyang and contemporary elements - was performed by the ensemble and also made its Taiwan debut. Meanwhile, TYCO’s pipa musician Hsu Miao-Yi and dizi musician Huang Yu-Chun, were respectively featured in their solo pieces, 'Touch of Whiteness' and 'Lin'.
“Our recent successful return from the Taoyuan Traditional Music Festival has affirmed Ding Yi's vision in forging international connections and expanding our audience base beyond Singapore. We're honoured to share Singapore’s unique musical heritage with such a receptive audience while also experiencing the rich cultural traditions of Taiwan. These international exchanges are vital in inspiring our artistry and creating lasting relationships with music communities around the world.“ - shared Elvia Goh, the General Manager of Ding Yi Music Company.
That sentiment was echoed by Lin Tzu-Yu, the General Director of Taoyuan Chinese Orchestra, who said, ""This concert featured compositions from both Taiwanese and Singaporean composers, each with its own distinctive style, and was well received by the audience. The musicians from both our ensembles brought such youthful energy and exceptional skill to the performance, leading to a successful and enjoyable collaboration. We're pleased that the concert has not only fostered international cultural exchange but also laid the foundation for lasting friendships and long-term collaboration."
