NPCO Seasons of Life

Established in 1970, Ng Polytechnic Chinese O (NPCO) aims to prom Chinese orchestral music through performances. Contrary to popular belief, our orchestra not only focuses on traditional Chinese music but also many different genres such as Mandopop, English pop, and even soundtracks from games such as Genshin Impact. Through various performances such as our annual concerts, or even signficant school events such as Open House and Arts Fiesta, NPCO provides plenty of opportunities for our members to develop their musical abilities to the fullest.

MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS

Mr Zheng Kai Wen

Conductor | HuQin

Zheng started learning the Erhu when he was in Manjusri Secondary School at the age of thirteen under the tutelage of the late Mr Lee Hou Koon Kenneth, during which he was the Chairman and Concertmaster for 1997 and 1998 and led the School Orchestra to attain Gold Award in the Singapore Youth Festival Central Judging (SYF).

Zheng decided to turn his passion for the Chinese instrument into a professional career by taking a differing path from most of his peers through furthering his studies in Erhu at the Nanyang Academic of Fine Arts (NAFA). In 2011, he graduated with a Diploma in Music Performance (Chinese Instrumental Studies) where he was under the tutelage of Mr Li Bao Shun (Singapore Chinese Orchestra Concertmaster) and Mr Neo Yong Soon Wilson (Singapore Chinese Orchestra Zhonghu Musician).

In 2014, Zheng became the conductor of Singapore Foochow Association Chinese Orchestra, which has held multiple sell out concerts in the orchestra’s 《榕琴缘》 concert series. Singapore Foochow Association Chinese Orchestra’s members also grew exponentially from 8 to 70 (to date) and grew to love Chinese orchestral music through dedicated nurturing To improve his conducting and musical skills, Zheng is currently understudying Mr Lum Yan Sing. Zheng is presently the Conductor and Erhu instructor for various schools.

Mr Thomas Yao

Cello bass

Mr Tor Shyang Perng

Percussion

Ms Yan Yu Plucking

Mr Tong Wei Jie

Woodwinds

OUR SOLOIST

FU ZIYAO - SUONA

Hello, I'm Ziyao and I play the Suona in NPCO. I've been playing the Suona since secondary three, for roughly four years. I have participated in a number of concerts with an external community orchestra since the year 2019. I've never had a private instrumental lesson, but that won't stop my passion for playing the Suona. I am extremely appreciative that Zheng Lao Shi offered me this opportunity to perform as a student soloist with NPCO for the last time throughout my three years of poly life.

OUR STUDENT COMPOSERS

KASEY NEO - TANBO

Hello! I am Kasey and I have been playing the Guzheng for 11 years now! With opportunities in playing percussion back in secondary school, I’ve grown to appreciate music in a more wholesome way now. I chose to arrange 《⼤⻥》 as I really like the song and wanted to play with the dynamics of it in an orchestra. Arranging the piece was not easy because I lack knowledge in various sections. However, Tong Lao Shi gave me lots of help and encouragement. Very thankful!

OUR STUDENT COMPOSERS

TAN WEI WEI TANBO

Hello! My name is Wei Wei and I have been playing the Da Ruan for about 7 years now! In addition to the Da Ruan, I can play the Zhong Ruan too, with a Grade 4 Certification in Zhong Ruan. With recent interpretations by singers such as Uu and Rachel Liang, there has been a resurgence in the classic song 《那⼥孩对我说》 sung originally by Huang Yida. Rough around the edges yet filled with raw emotions, I chose the original to arrange over newer covers due to these qualities. Arranging for an orchestra was a daunting task. Under the guidance of Tong Lao Shi, I was able to refine the arrangement to the way it is today.

SEASONS OF LIFE 四季⼈⽣