The last time I participated in a performance was 3 years ago. I have been a cellist in this chinese orchestra since sec 3... Due to the heavy workload of my first job, i stopped my participation and focus on my career. At that point in time, i had decided not to go back anymore.
One fine day in April 07, a good friend of mine called and asked if i'm interested in this overseas performance. Coincidentally, it clashed with my reservist, and i replied if he is able to help me defer this reservist, i would be obliged to go. And again, it happened. All seems to be arranged..
After a few intensive practices, we were on our way to China. This orchestra is mainly made up of sec 2 to college students, a few music instructors and a few seniors (undergrads to working professions). All of us come from different areas of professions. Bankers, lawyer, teacher, professor, engineers etc. All of them, be it young or old, have one common passion, music..
After working for 3 years in the private sector, the demanding work life has left me quite drained and exhausted. Fortunately, after meeting this group of performers, i am once again motivated. I was deeply touched by their effort to come for practices every Sunday.This trip has rekindled my interest in music and, most importantly, to feel encouraged that there are many people who do things not just to get ahead in the rat race, but for a passion.
A little introduction about chinese orchestra music. Most people may not have gone to a Chinese Orchestra concert before cos it's not very popular. Singapore has a professional group, Singapore Chinese Orchestra which holds regular performances. I'm under Nanyang Academy Fine Arts City Chinese Orchestra (http://www.cityco.com.sg/english/default.asp) which also holds around 4 concerts a year.
Though I'm not an expert in Chinese Orchestra music, I find their music easier to appreciate than the western symphonies. Many of the Chinese Orchestra music are story based or object/character based which allows listeners to easily understand what the composer is trying to portray at each section of the music. Western symphonies requires more in depth understanding of the composer, the era in which the piece was composed hence more studying is required in order to appreciate.
Many people have asked why cello and double bass are used in Chinese Orchestra. There's a long story behind it but in short, there's no other better, effective instruments than cello and double bass to play the low pitch music. Hence, they are now being used in Chinese Orchestra.
The theme of our Beijing performance is Dream of the Red Chambers 紅樓夢. The pieces performed are actually the soundtrack of the show itself, re-written to be performed by Chinese Orchestra.
In this novel, the main character, Jia Baoyu, is the adolescent heir of the family, apparently the reincarnation of the Stone (the most reliable Jiaxu manuscript however has the Stone and Jia Baoyu as two separate, though related, entities). In that previous life he had a relationship with a flower, who is incarnated now as Baoyu's sickly cousin, the emotional Lin Daiyu. However, he is predestined in this life, despite his love for Daiyu, to marry another cousin, Xue Baochai. The novel follows this love triangle against the backdrop of the family's declining fortunes.
(wikipedia)
During this trip, i didn't take many photos but here's a few memorable ones...
On the next day, we went to the famous Chang Bai Shan at Chang Chun for sight seeing. Below is a lake (tian chi) formed on top of the mountain. Such a clear sighting is rare as it's usually foggy at the mountain top..
and subsequently, we travelled to Yan Ji on a 12 hours bus journey. From there, we took a 24 hours train ride to Beijing. Below are shots taken in the train.
Finally, the most important performance at Ren Ming University (中国人民大学). Concert falls on a Saturday and this concert hall (中国人民大学明德堂) is newly built.
a wide shot of the concert hall. (there are circle seats as well)
Below is my neighbouring instrumental group, tan bo yue.
My fellow cellists and bassist
The following 3 photos are from the courtesy of the University photographer. Scenes taken during the performance.
Finale...
Applause...............
