Come 3 December, a forgotten aspect of Singapore’s heritage – dragon kilns will be brought back to life on stage at the Esplanade Recital Studio.
Songs of the Dragon Kiln a multidisciplinary concert by Ding Yi Music Company (鼎艺团) will take its audience on a journey to explore the origin and development of the once vibrant trade – pottery making in Singapore.
Established in 2007, Ding Yi Music Company is Singapore’s most prodigious Chinese chamber music ensembles. The ensemble has captivated audiences with its distinctive approach to music making and dedication to showcasing a vast repertoire that ranges from traditional Chinese music to contemporary interpretations and cross genre works, and collaborated with prominent Chinese musicians including Min Huifen and Lu Chunling in many concerts, receiving accolades from critics and audiences alike.
Since emerging first at the National Chinese Music Competition organised by the National Arts Council (NAC), Singapore in 2008, Ding Yi continues to advocate and promote its unique Singapore sound Ding Yi Chinese chamber music locally and overseas, such as China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Philippines, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany,and Uzberkistan. Ding Yi is also a proud recipient of the NAC Major Company Scheme in 2016.
For this mesmerising concert, Ding Yi is pulling out all the stops from their end. The “Songs of the Dragon Kiln” will be directed and conducted by Quek Ling Kiong, with features music by National Arts Council Youth Artist award recipient and Singapore contemporary composer Dr Zecharia, Goh Toh Chai, which will be accompanied with a documentary screening by David Yap.
For this stirring performance, musicians from Ding Yi will be using ceramic pots and cups as instruments, which are specially made by Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle one of the oldest surviving brick rousing production that seamlessly and vividly combines Chinese chamber music, documentary film and ceramics to pay tribute to the fast fading art.
Songs of the Dragon Kiln is the fourth of Ding Yi’s Of Music Series which aims to present Chinese chamber music in a more intriguing and immersive manner, showcasing multi disciplinary art forms to evoke audience’s memories, emotions and appreciation of the music and art.
Wong De Li, Dedric, general manager of Ding Yi says, “Traditional Chinese music has the power to transport us to a different realm and foster a meaningful connection of culture in our lives. We hope this finale concert of Ding Yi’s 10 anniversary will deepen the audience’s appreciation for Chinese chamber music and experience its artistry and vastness.”
For more information, please visit www.dingyimusic.com.
