KRONOS XXV Programme Booklet

KRONOS XXV Reverié

ACJC Faith Centre for Performing Arts Friday, 10 May 2024

About The ACJC String Ensemble The Anglo-Chinese Junior College String Ensemble (ACSE) was established in 1998.

Known for its musical excellence, ACSE has staged well-received concerts at prominent venues such as CHIJMES Hall, Drama Centre, Singapore Art Museum, The Esplanade and Victoria Concert Hall.

With a wide range of experience, ACSE seeks to build up the community of string players and reach out to the wider community. In 2017, the ensemble hosted and collaborated with our sister schools, Tezukayama High School (THS), Japan and Immanuel College, Australia in a joint concert, Celebrate!. In line with ACJC's 40th anniversary, the ensemble had the privilege to record and perform the newly arranged ACS anthem put together by ACJC's very own alumnus Mr Peter Gale, conducted by Mr Seow Yibin. In 2019, ACSE together with ACJC Choir travelled to Osaka, Japan, to engage in a cultural exchange with THS to celebrate 30 years of friendship between the two schools. In the last decade and most recently last year, the ensemble attained a Certificate of Distinction in the Singapore Youth Festival Arts Presentation for Instrumental Ensemble (Strings), sustaining our legacy of excellence.

ACSE has been a part of numerous local and international events and festivals through the years. Being actively involved in the local arts scene since its inception, the versatile ensemble has collaborated with the National Heritage Board, the Singapore Lyric Opera and the Chinese Theatre Circle to promote various arts programmes to the community. In 2016, ACSE had the honour to perform at the launch of Singapore General Hospital’s Campus Masterplan and in December 2022, the ensemble had the opportunity to share their love for music at Mount Elizabeth Hospital (Novena) to bless the staff and patients.

Besides giving voice to the ambitions of western classical music, ACSE aims to promote contemporary string repertoire. Under the direction of our conductor, Mr Yang Zhengyi, ACSE is committed to share the joy of music with the larger community. As an ensemble that continually strives to steward musical excellence, we can truly say To God be the Glory, the Best is Yet to Be!

Performers Violin 1 Chin Yen Been* Keng Ming Feng Xavier⁺ Colette Goh Duo En Javier Lim Jie Wei Alayna Lee Le-En** Ong Yi Lecia** Yeo See Kang^ Violin 2 Dharuman Bhavani Shivanisri*⁺ Tanio Kurea Clarissa Joy Lee Isabelle Tan Chai Shao Yang Chloe Cho Jia En Emily Ng Min Yee** Vallen Yap Wei-Ren** Tan Rui Jie Ryan** Annie Yong^^ Viola Janelle Leng Xuan Jie* Bernadette Chin Shek Ting⁺ Chloe Ang Min Xuan Kuah Ying Ching Claudia Khang Loo An** Erica Loh E-Wen** Lovy Ng^^ Mark Ng^^ Alumni conductor Tay Yong**

Cello Nicole Jean Tan*⁺ Lee Jing Shi Gabriel Sia Jia Hsii Wong Rae Hun Joen Lavinia Chu Ching Ying** Fong Tze Meng^ Double Bass Satoshi Magata** Li Jiaying^ Piano Gabriel Sia Jia Hsii Law Yick Yuan** Percussion Lau Zhan Li (Dylan)^ Ethan Lek Wing Kit^ Woodwinds Pathawi Woramaneejinda^ Chin Xuan Tien^ Noah Ngui Zhi Ren^ Liu Xuan Tong^ Rachel Ng Wei Ting^ Isaac Atticus Lee^ Brasses Keak Jing Yi^ Andrew Jonathan Lee^ ⁺Committee Member *Section Leader ^^ACJC teacher **Alumni ^Guest player

Programme Gustav Holst

St. Paul’s Suite, Op. 29 I. Jig IV. Finale (The Dargason)

Andrew Lloyd Webber, arr. Larry Moore

Selections from Phantom of the Opera

Justin Hurwitz, arr. Robert Longfield

Music from La La Land

Alan Menken, arr. John Moss

Aladdin Medley

Frédéric Chopin

Piano Concerto in E minor, Op.11 II. Romanze

~ Intermission ~ Christopher Wilson

Suite for String Orchestra I. Prelude IV. Bourrée

Benjamin Britten

Simple Symphony, Op.4 I. Boisterous Bourrée IV. Frolicsome Finale

Joe Hisaishi, arr. Edward Tan

Studio Ghibli Medley

Alan Menken, arr. Calvin Custer

Highlights from Beauty and the Beast

Coldplay, arr. Larry Moore

Viva La Vida

Our Conductor Mr. Yang Zhengyi Yang Zhengyi has served as the Associate Principal Bassist and Artistic Administrator on Chamber Music with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra since 2006.

He started learning double bass at the age nine under Cao Jian, and was later offered a full scholarship from the Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) to study double bass under Neil Tarlton and Enno Senft and Orchestral Conducting under Neil Thomson at the Royal College of Music in London, where he graduated with a First Class Honors degree and was selected as the finalist of the ‘RCM String Player of Year 2006’ leading to a concert in London’s Wigmore Hall.

Since 2002, Zhengyi has worked closely with the Philharmonia Orchestra (UK), winning its Martin Musical Fund Prize three times during his time in London as well as performing and touring around the world with the ensemble. He has appeared with the London Symphony Orchestra, Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, the Halle Orchestra, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra as well as the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. In addition, he has been invited to join the international tours of the orchestras of the UBS Verbier Music Festival in Switzerland, the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival in Germany, the Shanghai International Music Festival in China and the Pacific Music Festival in Japan. A prolific musician and conductor, Zhengyi seeks to share his love and passion for music with the younger generation through a variety of platforms and performances.

Soloist Bernadette Chin Bernadette began her piano studies at the age of three. A passionate musician since young, she is eager to share her passion for music with others. Bernadette went on to attain her Grade 8 (Distinction) and dipABRSM diploma certification in 2020 and 2023 respectively. In 2018, Bernadette was awarded 3rd prize in the Cristofori’s Got Talent Competition.

Besides solo performances, Bernadette actively collaborates with other musicians.

She has performed in piano duets and ensembles in the Asia Pacific Junior Original Concert (2014) and Singapore Junior Original Concert (2014 and 2016).

Recently, she performed in a trio setting alongside the saxophone and violin at the ACJC Music Elective Programme (MEP) annual concert, @rtikulation at the Esplanade Recital Studio. Over the years, Bernadette has participated in masterclasses with renowned musicians such as Professor Kenneth Hamilton, Dr Nellie Seng and Mr Seow Yibin.

Bernadette is currently enrolled in the ACJC MEP, offering ‘A’ level Music at the H2 and H3 levels. A Music Elective Scholar (MES), Bernadette is an advocate for the Arts and she strives to put into service her talents to serve the music community in Singapore. She and her fellow MES are planning an upcoming nation-wide MEP concert to share their love for music with young audiences. Bernadette is the Vice-President of the ACJC String Ensemble, and is currently enriching her musical journey by learning the viola.

Gustav Holst (1874-1934)

St. Paul’s Suite, Op.29 St. Paul’s Suite, Op. 29 is Holst’s most well-known and performed work for string orchestra. Completed in 1922, this suite is named after and written for the St. Paul’s Girls’ School in Hammersmith, London, where Holst served as a music master for nearly three decades.

I. Jig The Jig is a lively folk dance originating from the 16th century British Isles.

In this movement, Holst plays with our ears, alternating between duple and triple metre. The first folk melody depicts a scene of horse racing, filled with energy. The second folk melody is more lyrical in character, though still teasing hints of the first theme. The tempo steadily increases, building momentum until it reaches a thrilling climax, bursting with exuberance.

IV. Finale (The Dargason) This Finale, adapted from Holst’s Second Suite in F for Military Band, showcases his skillful arrangement for string orchestra. This movement begins quietly with the English folk tune, Dargason before gradually building in intensity to a middle section marked by a frantic frenzy. As the climax passes, the music gently subsides, juxtaposing with another folk tune, Greensleeves. Throughout the Finale, Holst masterfully intertwines thematic variations of two traditional English folk tunes, demonstrating a rich, inventive combination.

Andrew Lloyd Webber (1948-)

Selections from Phantom of the Opera Arr. Larry Moore (1946-)

The Phantom of the Opera tells us the tragic story of a soprano who becomes the obsession of a mysterious and masked musical genius living in the labyrinth beneath the Paris Opera House.

The arrangement brings us through the storyline of this famous musical, the introductory gentle fragment from The Music of the Night being interrupted by the grand organ mimicking chords from The Phantom of the Opera, setting the stage of shock by the Phantom. Next, we are introduced to the seducing tunes of All I Ask of You and The Music of the Night, where the male and female protagonists declare their love for each other.

This medley of music concisely encapsulates the feelings of love and tragedy as you spend a night at the opera.

Justin Hurwitz (1985-)

La La Land Medley Arr. Robert Longfield (1947-)

La La Land is a 2016 American drama by Damien Chazelle. It follows Sebastian, a jazz pianist, and Mia, an aspiring actress, who fall in love with each other whilst pursuing their passions.

This medley starts off with Mia and Sebastian’s Theme, where a tender melody played by solo violin is then joined in by the rest of the orchestra.

We are then introduced to Another Day of Sun, a jazz-like tune. Don’t be shy to dance to the jazzy rhythms and the walking bass in the lower strings!

We are now led to Audition (The Fools who Dream), a dreamy, intimate waltz. In City of Stars, its romantic character and lush harmonies are sure to tug on your heartstrings! We are finally back at Mia and Sebastian’s Theme, this time in the style of a Waltz. The music returns to a fast, lively tempo, before ending sweetly.

Alan Menken (1949-)

Aladdin Medley Arr. John Moss (1948-2010) Aladdin is a popular animated musical comedy film produced by Walt Disney, depicting the adventures of a charismatic street urchin who finds a magical lamp with a genie inside, using its powers to pursue the spirited Princess Jasmine while battling the nefarious sorcerer Jafar.

The medley begins with the enigmatic Arabian Nights, filling the atmosphere with suspense through its lush harmonies. It smoothly transitions to A Whole New World, a captivating ballad with a sweeping melody that takes us on an enchanting journey. Finally, the piece concludes with Friend Like Me, with an energetic jazz-like melody that is sure to get you on your feet!

Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849)

Piano Concerto in E minor, Op.11 II. Romanze Composed in 1830, Piano Concerto in E minor, Op.11 was the first of Chopin’s two piano concertos to be published, though it was written after the premiere of his Piano Concerto in F minor Op.21. This work was dedicated to Friedrich Kalkbrenner, a pianist whom Chopin admired.

Chopin described the second movement as “a Romance, calm and melancholy. It should give the impression of someone looking gently towards a spot that calls to mind a thousand happy memories. It is a kind of reverie in the moonlight on a beautiful spring evening.”

In the key of E major, there are three main sections to this movement. It opens with the strings, followed by a floating melody in the piano solo to create an ethereal effect. The middle section is full of anguish and sorrow, enhanced by the change to a minor key. The last section recalls the lyrical theme, and features a cadenza-like passage by the piano, depicting a scene of water ripples in the cold winter.

Christopher Wilson (1874-1919)

Suite for String Orchestra Christopher Wilson was a British composer and conductor best recognised for his theatre music. His Suite for String Orchestra was first published in 1899 and pays homage to the Baroque suites of the 17th century.

I. Prelude The prelude features two main themes: one exuding playfulness and merriment, while the other is delicate and expressive in contrast. These melodies intertwine throughout the piece, transitioning seamlessly until a final jubilant statement brings the prelude to a close.

IV. Bourrée The exuberance of the Prelude is carried into the frivolous Bourrée which opens with a short, playful melody. This is followed by a second theme that is slightly darker, with a mysterious character. It soon fades away and returns to the frolicsome melody, ending the dance section joyfully.

The contrasting Trio section is graceful and sonorous, with its pleading melodies and passionate harmonies creating a sense of tension that lasts through the entire trio. Listen out for the imitation of melodies as it is being passed between the different instruments!

Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)

Simple Symphony, Op.4 The Simple Symphony, Op.4, was written in 1933-34 for string orchestra and is derived from eight themes Britten had written during his childhood.

He dedicated the symphony to Audrey Alston, his viola teacher, one of his two major musical mentors.

I. Boisterous Bourrée The Bourrée is a fast paced dance of French origin stemming from the late 17th century. Features of this dance could be felt in this wild movement with its strong rhythm and sudden dynamic changes. Quiet, skittish sections are immediately juxtaposed by a pastoral folk song-like section, which in turn is contrasted by a triumphant, heroic variation of itself, before returning to the quiet first theme.

IV. Frolicsome Finale The finale is a fast-paced, blood-pumping movement, which opens up with a thunderous introduction. Listen out for the two contrasting themes played by the violins: the mysterious first theme, with its quiet and short motifs, and the more lively second theme, with its lyrical melody and mild syncopation. As the piece progresses, there is a change in character, from mystifying to triumphant, until it reaches the final section. Closing in a faster tempo, the upper and lower strings take turns to reiterate the opening theme, engaging in a musical dialogue and bringing a sense of unity to the movement.

Joe Hisaishi (1950-)

Studio Ghibli Medley Arr. Edward Tan (1986-)

Joe Hisaishi is one of the most well-known film composers of today, receiving countless awards for his musical achievements and contributions.

This medley comprises some of Hisaishi’s most popular tunes that will sweep you through many iconic scenes from a variety of Studio Ghibli’s animated films.

Starting with A Town With An Ocean View from “Kiki’s Delivery Service”, the music sweeps you on a journey to a faraway land filled with fantasy. Transiting to Merry-go-round of Life from “Howl’s Moving Castle”, one is greeted with a majestic waltz and a beautiful soaring melody. Next, in Reprise from “Spirited Away”, the beautiful, soaring melody depicts the scene where the film’s main characters, Chihiro and Haku the dragon, take us on a magical ride above the skies and reminisce about past memories. The piece closes with the familiar bubbly tune of Tonari no Totoro, which is sure to take you on a whimsical ride!

Alan Menken (1949-)

Beauty and the Beast Medley Arr. Calvin Custer (1939-1988) Beauty and the Beast is a 1991 animated film by Walt Disney which paints the relationship between Belle, a young provincial woman, and the Beast, a haughty prince cursed to be a monster unless he learnt to love and earned the love of others.

The medley begins with a short introduction that leads us into a short lively Belle theme, where the violins will serenade and immerse you into the world of Belle. Transitioning seamlessly, the iconic Beauty and the Beast theme emerges, its delicate cello solo stirring hearts with its beauty. As the theme gently fades, we are thrown into the humorous and enthusiastic theme from Be Our Guest, its lively waltz-like rhythm captivating and exhilarating! As the medley comes to a close, the instruments seemingly rush to the end before ending with a flourish.

Coldplay (1997-)

Viva La Vida Arr. Larry Moore (1946-)

Viva La Vida, a pensive and anthemic song is an award winning song recorded by Coldplay. The song explores themes of power, loss and redemption, drawing inspiration from the French revolution. Opening with a light-hearted melody played by the violins, over a steady rock beat, the song evolves into a grand and majestic theme, layered with harmonies that are sure to resonate deeply with you. Don’t be shy to dance to this pop special for strings, a grand finale of the concert!

Acknowledgements Dr Shirleen Chee Principal, Anglo-Chinese Junior College Ms Audrey Lim Vice-Principal (Education), Anglo-Chinese Junior College Mr Ang Yuan Peng Vice-Principal (Education), Anglo-Chinese Junior College Ms Callista Lim Vice-Principal (Administration), Anglo-Chinese Junior College Mr Yang Zhengyi Conductor Ms Neeta Singh & Ms Leong Siew Chun Teachers-in-charge ACJC Band & Guest players For their support and for performing with us ACJC String Ensemble Alumni For their guidance, continuous support and for performing with us Ang En (Amy) and Justin Htet Aung Emcees from ACSian Theatre and DEP ACJC Photography Society For the photography ACJC Pixel Labs For the videography Family, Friends, Supporters and Everyone Who have contributed to the success of this occasion And Most of All, Our God Almighty For His never-ending faithfulness, love and provision for the ACJC String Ensemble