Three accomplished musicians show that you do not need to leave your day job in order to pursue the mastery of classical music.
Arguably China’s most famous piano concerto, the Yellow River Cantata was composed by the late Xian Xing Hai in 1939. Depicting the struggles of people during World War II, the eight-movement cantata is known to be one of “the first compositions to blend Chinese river songs with a western orchestral and choral format.”
Singaporean classical Chinese music fans, therefore, were treated to a grand show on Sep. 18 at the Esplanade Theatre where the Yellow River Cantata concert was performed. Organized by the Echo Philharmonic Society, it was conducted by China’s top national conductor, Cao Ding, and backed by the Braddell Heights Symphony Orchestra, with a 300-strong choir ensemble in tow.
Obviously, one’s involvement in a show of such scale and scope is telling of his mastery of classical music. City News catches up with three members from City Harvest Church who performed in it—Samuel Kwan, Leo Chee Keong and Lee Tat Haur, and chats with them about their inspirations, motivations and what keeps their passion going despite their busy schedules.
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| PHOTO COURTESY OF LEO YUN FEN |
THE INDUSTRY VETERAN
Samuel Kwan, 34, wears many hats. Besides being a full-time violin instructor at Yamaha, he is also the stage manager and violinist for the Braddell Heights Symphony Orchestra. Having been in the industry for more than 10 years, Kwan is also a pioneer of the recently founded Millennial Orchestra where he doubles up as its librarian.
What inspired your passion for the violin?
When I turned 12, my aunt, Esther Quah, an elder from a Presbyterian church, bought me a violin. I can vividly remember that it was a Larks branded violin, costing approximately S$40. As I begun to explore the sounds of a bow rubbing on strings, the instrument intrigued me even more.
Since then, I began learning music from a Chinese violin teacher, Sui Jin Jin. Barely a year later, I was introduced to another violin instructor, Yan Yin Wing, who is currently the music director and maestro of Braddell Heights Symphony Orchestra. It was he who introduced me to chamber music and led me to play with orchestral ensembles.
What keeps you so passionate about music?
During my secondary school days, I took up vocal classes at the Singapore Bible College under Samuel Cheong and he discovered that I possessed perfect pitch. With this, I gained more confidence in learning the violin and eventually accelerated to my first violin exam.
Due to financial constraints, I had to forgo a Grade 6 violin examination. However, I feel that everyone who desires to play an instrument deserves to learn, despite any disability or constraints they may face. I know many students who are academically challenged but very musically talented. Thus, I hope that one day I can be a music educator and provide talented violin players with international exposure without them having to migrate to the west or leave their homeland.
What are your other interests?
Apart from teaching music and performing, I have a keen interest in stage management. I used to work as a production manager at local children’s theatre company Act3 Theatrics and stage-managed performances, ranging from simple orchestra performances to the Singapore Arts Festival and the Chingay Parade.
THE WHITE COLLAR MUSICIAN
A senior business consultant who specializes in anti-fraud and anti-money laundering, Leo Chee Keong, 36, has been playing the trumpet for 15 years. As a practicing musician for the Braddell Heights Symphony Orchestra, the multi-talented Leo also plays the French horn, cornet, flute, guitar and the piano.
What inspired your passion for the trumpet?
My love for music began when I started playing the trumpet as a form of co-curricular activity at Bedok Boys’ School (the school has since ceased to exist), but it wasn’t until I joined CHC and served on the music team that a true passion for music was ignited within me.
How so?
Through praise and worship, I began to discover music’s ability to touch lives, to inspire hope and bring encouragement, among many others. This turning point came when I learned a new worship song titled, “Lord You Are Always Here With Me.”
Through the years, I gradually realized that music can be used to express so much more than mere words. It creates something inexplicably tangible, and is able to stir up so much more heart-felt emotions.
What are some of the difficulties in juggling your work, family and music?
The most important thing was to first win the understanding of my family, before I prioritized my commitments to performances.
My wife, Meow Ling, is the reason that I can continue to pursue my passion for music. She has a way of telling my two daughters why “daddy is always unavailable” on Sunday afternoons, due to the Braddell Heights Symphony Orchestra practices. She tells them, “Daddy is going ‘Honk, honk!” Like any 3 or 5-year-old, they just giggle in understanding.
What are your other interests?
In my free time, I like to play sports like badminton, table-tennis, basketball and swimming. Sometimes, I even join non-professional, competitive events.
MAESTRO OF TWO ARTS
A practicing architect who co-runs an architecture firm, Lee Tat Haur, 39, has been playing the violin for 32 years. Despite his family and work commitments, Lee manages to find time for the Braddell Heights Symphony Orchestra rehearsals. His passion for music is such that if he is unable to make it for rehearsals, he compensates by practicing hard at home.
What inspired your passion for the violin?
My passion for the violin started when I joined the Chinese High School orchestra, where I was a student, at age 13. As I started attending the Singapore Symphony Orchestra concerts, my interest for this genre of music grew.
How do you juggle your rehearsals with your family commitments?
By the grace of God, I have a very supportive wife, who encourages me to pursue my passion in music making. If I cannot attend rehearsals or practice as much as I want to, I try to keep myself abreast of the latest happenings in the classical music scene.
What keeps you so committed and motivated to continue practicing music?
It is my privilege to be able to serve God in this area, because it is He who gave me this passion for music, particularly for classical music. When I was much younger, I wanted to be a professional musician. But since I am not playing professionally now, I want to be a good amateur musician.
What are your other interests outside of classical music?
I have a passion for cooking, especially simple dishes with a Japanese twist!
For more information about the Braddell Heights Symphony Orchestra, visit www.bhso.org.
