Legend of Badang 《巴当传奇》for Chinese ensemble (2020) 6.35’
Commissioned, recorded and premiered by Ding Yi Music Company 鼎藝團, conducted by Lingkiong Quek
Subsequently performed by Central Conservatory of Music Chinese ensemble, and arranged for Chinese orchestra for Singapore National Chinese Youth Orchestra (SNYCO) 2023 East Malaysian Tour
“[The] symphonic poem Legend of Badang qualifies as an excellent example of Nanyang music. Its subject was the Herculian strong man of the Sejarah Melayu (Malay annals) and his heroic feats. The slow mystical opening brought the mellow guanzi (played by Jacky Ng) representing Badang into focus. The Indonesian influence would come in the fast martial section with furious Javanese drumming, culminating with Badang hurling an enormous boulder (later to be christened the Singapore stone) into the mouth of the Singapore River. A stirring work for certain, and premiered with the vehemence it deserved.” - The Straits Times, Singapore
“[The work] encapsulates powerful storytelling of the traditional Singapore story through music, and skillful conductorship. Adding a traditional kompang to the lineup of instruments, the Malay drum contributed to the overarching beat of the piece, and encapsulates the idea of cross-cultural collaboration at its best. The diverse musicians were in sync, all with their own instruments, and all working together in tandem to bring together this concert and make the music come alive. One can imagine Badang’s feats of strength represented through the music, and the sheer marvel an audience must have felt at having witnessed it, and what it means to showcase an intercultural work, where every instrument is given its chance to shine.” - Bakchormeeboy (online review)
The Entertainers 《獨角戲》for suona, gaohu, erhu, yangqin, 2 guzheng, percussion (2018) 3.47’
Written for School of the Arts (SOTA) Singapore Alumni Concert
Premiered by SOTA Alumni tudents Bennett Bay, Kengyang Kwek, Likie Low, myself, Pingyu Sun, Yulin Wang and Yuru Lee, conducted by Tengku Irfan