22 November 2024 8:00PM
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
On behalf of The Republic Cultural Centre (TRCC) and our student body, I bid you welcome. This theatre has been a safe space for students to artistically express themselves since 2007.
Tonight, we gather to witness yet another milestone — a grand cross-cultural orchestra. Over the years of watching the many productions by multiple performance groups, I grew an awareness of the magnitude of musical cultures in TRCC. In my capacity as trainer for Republic Polytechnic Chinese Ensemble, I got to work with and learn from the students from these different musical cultures. These collaborations allow my students and I to apply what we learnt, sometimes fusing cultures, but most often than not, finding a common musical language despite our differences.
Collaborations foster closeness, empathy, and understanding. Bringing these different performing groups together opens up new doors, allowing ideas to flow through, encouraging artistic autonomy, and creating a safe space for students to exercise their creativity and having their stamp of ownership over the art they make.
This year we have the honor of having our students co-devise a work on such a scale with local ethnic fusion band— Flame of the Forest. The process of music-making is unconventional, but enriching and rewarding. Not only do our students gain invaluable experience working with industry experts, they develop a deeper understanding on how they find their own space within a bigger community.
The theme of the concert unfolded effortlessly to me this year.
The theme of resilience is true to all cultures, and I find it especially important to our youths today. Many may experience hopelessness, feel defeated and jaded from the trials and challenges of life. Friends and family are with them, this we know. But in their darkest hour, do I think they will remember them? No. Will they reach down and save the helpless from the shadows? Not always.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Then where can hope be found?
Perhaps in songs.
When my students stand in the darkest pit, alone, without help nor light, I want them to know that they can turn to the humming in their hearts— songs that remind them right from wrong. When they feel that they are beyond rescue, they know to look up for a piece of sky. Whose voice do they hear? Who stands with them in the dark? That person is no other than oneself, and he or she will not be reaching down from above. They shall rise to meet the piece of sky, whispering “despite all, still… I rise.”
I hope our music speaks to your heart. I sincerely thank you for your support because it means the world for our students to have their music heard. Thank you for spending your night with us.
Gildon Choo Artistic Director Still • I Rise
MUSIC DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
First and foremost, my deepest gratitude goes to my family, mentors, and brothers for lending me their strength, love, and unwavering support.
As we come together tonight for Still • I Rise, on behalf of Flame of the Forest, I am grateful to share this space with each and every one of you.
Building on the themes we explored in our previous production, PUPA, this show moves from reflection to action. Still • I Rise embodies a journey through trials and triumphs, a reflection, a celebration. It’s the melodies of resilience, ringing louder with every challenge we overcome and growing stronger with each step forward, together.
Crafting this piece was no simple task. The students come from diverse musical backgrounds and varying levels of experience, with some only recently picking up their instruments. Yet, despite these challenges, their dedication and passion brought this work to life.
Throughout our process, we shared a commitment to communicate, support one another, and rise as one. Through our collective strength, we foster a culture of positivity and growth, enabling us to reach heights we never thought possible.
The music you will hear tonight is a collective effort, with each melody representing a story, a tradition, and a piece of our collective heart. Together, we’ve created a sound that reflects our many voices. Guided by our belief to educate, empower, and encourage, we bring you a performance that stands as a testament to the power of collective encouragement, crosscultural collaboration, and the belief that with the right support and guidance, everyone has the potential to rise.
MUSIC DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
To every person who has walked this journey with us, thank you. To the students who dared to dream, to the mentors who gave their all, and to you, our audience, for being a part of this vision tonight: Thank you.
Together, we’ll rise!
Govin Tan Music Director, Co-composer Flame of the Forest
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Gildon
Choo
Gildon Choo is an active Pipa performer, educator, and arts maker who believes in bridging communities by creating meaningful experiences for both artists and audiences. A visionary at heart, Gildon realises his dreams through his artistic endeavours, fostering an understanding between various cultural landscapes of Singapore.
Gildon is deeply attached to his roots in Chinese traditional music. Singing popular Cantonese operatic excerpts daily at a young age helped shape and define a part of what he is today: being connected to Chinese art forms and engaging in subsidiary performances with opera troupes as a pipa performer.
Driven by the passion to connect with musicians of different cultural backgrounds, Gildon founded the Open Score Project in 2018. Most recently, he led the ensemble in their collaboration with Red Dot Baroque, as well as Chingay Parade 2023 and upcoming 2024, in which the former received critical acclaim.
Aside from being a performer, Gildon also served as Artistic Director and Music Director to multiple productions. Such as “Palindrome” by Open Score Project, “Én” and “Euphony” by RP Chinese Ensemble, “Shiyun: Poetic Rhymes, Uplifting Qi 2020”, and others. He also served as Show Director for productions such as “A New Era” by DrumFeng, “Ainthinai”, “In Sanga’s Senses: Poetries of the Human Experience”, and “River of Life” by Brashmastra, as well as the showcase performance by international participants of the ASEAN Sunburst Youth Camp, among others.
Gildon also wrote and directed “Get in Touch”, a theatrical music concert dedicated to raising the awareness of one’s mental well-being, a commission by the Esplanade in 2022. And most recently in 2024, a commission for the Feed Your Imagination series by the Esplanade “A Sea of Stories”, where Gildon interwoven storytelling and traditional music into a production, introducing the sounds of Southeast Asia to our young audience.
Gildon had his hand in forming the Nam Hwa Teochew Music Ensemble at Nam Hwa Opera Limited. During the short period of its founding, he led and directed a few programs, namely a community arts and exhibition “The World of Teochew Music” with support of the National Arts Council and National Library Board. Gildon also held a community arts residency at SAFRA Punggol titled “Where have the Geese Gone?” with local music duo GTKAI.
In 2021, Gildon was a guest panellist for Arts YOUth: a forum on Arts and Education for Youths by Republic Polytechnic and multiple tertiary institutions. In 2024, Gildon was appointed the main trainer for MOE’s Sonic Excursion, where he taught and co-devised a piece with the students from the Enhanced Music Program and Music Elective Program, forming the very first Mixed Ensemble in their annual project.
Gildon is a graduate of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. His passion for performance has brought him onto international festivals in countries such as South Korea, China, Vietnam, Italy, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, India, and Uzbekistan.
Gildon currently coaches at National University of Singapore, Republic Polytechnic, and a number of secondary schools.
MUSIC DIRECTOR, CO-COMPOSER & MENTOR FOR INDIAN CULTURAL GROUP
Govin Tan
Govin Tan is a multi-ethnic percussionist/drummer with a keen interest in developing ethnic drumming in contemporary settings. Govin began his journey at 12, studying Indian Tabla. His breakthrough came at 14, winning 1st place in the National Arts Council Indian Music Competition in 2006 and 2008.
Since then, Govin has gained media coverage, including a 5-part documentary, Destination Arts (2012) by Channel News Asia, The President Star Charity (2017, 2020 & 2023), and most recently, as a featured artist and panelist for Masti Media (2024).
As a concerto soloist, Govin performed “Dialogue for Tabla and Orchestra” by Cultural Medallion recipient Mr. Eric James Watson on national and international stages. He also performed under the baton of Cultural Medallion recipient Maestro Yeh Tsung, with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (2012), Taipei Chinese Orchestra (2017), and his performance was featured in the album Eric Watson’s World of Chinese Music (2017).
Graduating with a BA (Hons) in Music—Jazz Performance from LASALLE in 2018, Govin has represented Singapore overseas in festivals, notably, OzAsia Festival (2017), World Dance & Music Festival Hakodate (2018), Delhi International Arts Festival (2018 & 2015), Padang Indian Ocean Music Festival (2018), ASEAN Week in Korea (2019), Sydney Festival (2020), Singapore International Festival of the Arts (2022) and the Rainforest World Music Festival (2022).
As an artist who connects with people, Govin spearheaded Where Have the Geese Gone? (2020), a Community Arts Residency by the National Arts Council and contributes through charity and voluntary work at hospices like Peace Haven Nursing Home, Vanguard Nursing Home, and Orange Valley Nursing Home. Diversifying his artistry, Govin danced, composed and co-led casts for the interdisciplinary work Windward Side of the Mountain (2022), collaborating with Nelson Chia – Nine Years Theatre, Kuik Swee Boon – T.H.E Dance Company, and Andy Chia – SAtheCollective. Govin’s compositions include works like “Remembrances” and “The Other Side” for Palindrome (2022) by Open Score Project, “In Every Color and Every Kind” for Ēn (2022) by Republic Poly Chinese Ensemble, and “In the Skies” for Convergences (2023) by Xin Yi Dance Company.
A highly sought-after artist, Govin collaborated with local brands like Chingay Parade 2023 as a co-contingent leader for Act 4 and in 2024 as a band leader for the main band. He served as a composer & performer for Patron of the Arts (2022), music director and performer for Culture Fest (2020), and music director and co-choreographer for Universal Studios Singapore “Rhythm Truck” (2023). His journey led him to become a producer, creative director, and leader. As the second-generation owner of ethnic-fusion band Flame of the Forest (2015), Govin steered the band to produce albums like Flame of the Forest (2015), Train to Euston (2018), Tree of Life (2019), and Shun Day (2020). Following which, he produced and creatively directed multi-disciplinary productions Our Dreams Whose Reality (2022) and PUPA (2024). Additionally, he founded Ethnoverse (2023) – celebrating cultural diversity through percussion.
Always a true student at heart, Govin continues to study various ethnic instruments with the aim to elevate Singapore’s culture on a global stage.
Germaine Goh
Germaine Goh is a Singaporean composer and arranger specializing in symphonic, orchestral, chamber music, jazz, big band, and pop. She graduated with first-class honours in Music Composition from LASALLE College of the Arts in 2018. Her works have been performed by various ensembles, including the Resound Chamber Orchestra and Ding Yi Music Company.
Aliff Azman
Mentor for Gamelan Naga Kencana
Instruments: Accordion and Kendhang Ciblon
A multi-instrumentalist and educator with a strong foundation in tradition, Aliff Azman has established himself as a Malay traditional musician and a performing arts practitioner since 2008. Aliff started his involvement with Malay Nusantara music playing the Angklung and Gamelan under the tutelage of the late Mr. Mohamed Khamis Selamat in his early years.
He went on to undertake formal music education at LASALLE College of The Arts (2018) and National Institituteof Education (2024). Aliff has been involved with numerous shows and concerts local and abroad with the Accordion as his main instrument in various orchestras, Malay traditional bands and also multi-ethnic ensembles.
Jacky Ng
Mentor for Chinese Ensemble
Instruments: Suona and Guan Zi
Jacky Ng is a distinguished suona and guan musician whose career has been marked by versatility and a passion for both traditional and contemporary music. He began his musical journey at the age of 13, studying the suona under the mentorship of Liu Jiang from the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. His dedication led him to become the principal suona and guan musician with the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra, where he performed internationally in cities like Beijing, Shanghai and many others. A graduate of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts with a Bachelor of Music (Honours), Ng has performed with numerous esteemed groups, including Ding Yi Music Company, Siong Leng Musical Association, Jazz Association (Singapore), Asian Cultural Symphony Orchestra, Singapore Chinese Orchestra, and various interdisciplinary ensembles. Recognized for his skill in cross-cultural collaborations, Ng also teaches Chinese music at schools and offers private lessons, inspiring the next generation of musicians.
MENTORS
Jonathan Shin
Mentor for String Ensemble
Instrument: Cello
Jonathan performs internationally as a soloist and chamber musician, he composes and improvises across multiple genres and styles and is known for his dynamic performances and genre-spanning creativity. A prize-winner in both Singaporean and international piano competitions, Jonathan made his concerto debut at just 16 with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and later became the youngest winner of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory’s concerto competition. A graduate of the Longy School of Music, Jonathan has won multiple competitions, including concerto and orchestral composition contests, and has been recognized with several awards, including the Emerging Artist Award from the St. Botolph Club. His music, ranging from solo and chamber works to large-scale symphonic compositions, has been performed internationally, with notable premieres such as his choral symphonyIlluminations with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. As a dedicated collaborator, Jonathan has worked with numerous ensembles, including choral, orchestral, and dramatic groups, to uplift the arts scene in Singapore. He holds a doctoral degree in classical composition with a focus on phenomenology and time perception in opera and is a founding member of the multi-
Redwan
Mentor for GEnRe (Guitar Ensemble)
Instrument: Oud and Electric Guitar
Redwan is a composer, singer/songwriter, musician and educator. Interfacing with different disciplines, he has composed for dance, theatre and film - works include Dock 65, Hypnagogia, Civil Twilight, Eudaimonia, In Parallel, Body History: III, Streams Where Deer Drink (Sigma Contemporary Dance), Our Happening (Boston Conservatory), Stolen Dance (Translucent Bodies) and Sunny (Viddsee). He has also performed in an improvisatory context for various shows, most recently Unsound Bodies and Weaving Worlds (Esplanade).
He writes and performs guitar with the likes of Sezairi, Tim De Cotta, Taufik Batisah, Imran Ajmain and Aeriqah, gracing stages such as ASEAN-IMF (India-Seher), Laneway, Baybeats, SingJazz etc. He also plays the oud through a composer’s lens, incorporating the use of technology to create unique textures in addition to the instrument’s natural tonal beauty. Currently a resident artist at National Gallery Singapore, his work blends synthetic and organic sounds in search of magic between familiarity and fantasy.
Xavier Lim
Mentor for Jammerz Arena Instrument: Keyboard
Xavier Lim is a pianist, saxophonist, arranger, composer, and educator from Singapore. His primary interests lie in learning the language of jazz, blues, R&B, funk, and soul.
An active and versatile performer, his musical ventures range from being involved in Omnitones, a four-piece band working on Dick Lee’s original music, to performing traditional swing music as part of Sinclair Ang’s Rhythmakers.
As musical director/arranger for Dick Lee, Xavier’s recent projects include the National Day 2024 Party @ Resorts World Sentosa, National Day @ Our Tampines Hub (2023), Dick Lee’s PopLore Concert, National Day @ Gardens By The Bay (2022), and ChrimasTime with Dick Lee (2021).
Xavier is also a passionate educator that believes in bridging the gap between the academic study of music theory and practical performance/improvisation.
who knew even a tree this old may crack yet in its scar hope hums softly
when all else fails look into the dark for you may find that hope blooms in stillness
I rise through shadows I rise against tides but even so, I may fall into the depth of night and in that void in my darkness in silence, in nothing, still still...
I
I
hear humming
feel the drumming and from above
a
piece of sky in the crack still, I rise
CHINESE ENSEMBLE
Republic Polytechnic’s Chinese Ensemble was founded in 2014 by a group of zealous students who had passion in Chinese Music. The interest group’s vision is to cultivate the students with artistic talents to perform with confidence and raise awareness to the communinty in appreciating Chinese cultural music. The group has been performing since Reflections 2017.
Republic Polytechnic’s Chinese Ensemble focuses on string instruments such as Guzheng, Pipa, Yangqin, Erhu and many more, striving to break new grounds by playing repertoires with a modern touch to it. Under the tutelage of Gildon Choo (Co-Founder of the Open Score Project), the group hopes to continue making great music and spread the love of Chinese Cultural music to the community.
CAST
Gu Zheng
Sun Jingyi
Loh Siew Yi
Sago Naomi
Lau Jie Wei
Chen Siyi
Lim Jia Xuan Clara
Chinese Percussions
(Hua Peng Gu, Pai Gu)
Nurina Syakirah Binte Sabari
(Da Tang Gu)
Shermin Chia
Erhu & Gaohu
Da Ruan
Ooi Wei Xuan
Zhong Ruan
Tan Yun Xuan
Ethan Wijaya
Kayshin Chong Jie Xuan
Natasha Koh Hui En*
Yang Qin
Boh Duang Zen
Loong Ying Hui Shirley
Dizi
Karrie Lor Khai Mun
Tan Yu Wei Menfred
Erhu
Lim Yong Jun
Charlotte Sha Yingwang
Jesslyn Tay Qian Xun
Tien Qi En
Liu Qin
Chen Siting Ang Wan Qi
*alumni
Zhonghu
Tan Ding Quan*
Pipa
Muhammad Faiz Bin Mohd Fuad
Charmaine Deborah Poh Cheng Yin
GAMELAN NAGA KENCANA
Gamelan Naga Kencana (GNK) which means ‘golden dragon’ is a dedicated gamelan ensemble based in Republic Polytechnic (RP), Singapore. Under the tutelage of Mr Amran Ahmad Sowyan, an experienced gamelan instructor and a pioneer member of Gamelan Asmaradana since it’s inception in 2007, GNK has explored the intricate rhythms and melodies of traditional gamelan music, celebrating its culture significance and and beauty.
As the only gamelan ensemble among tertiary institutions in Singapore, GNK is committed to persevering and showcasing traditional gamelan practices through a variety of performances, workshops, and collaborations, both RP and beyond.
CAST
Bonang Barung
Nur Amirra Binte Azrin
Bonang Penerus
Putri Nur Shazlin Binte Ali
Slenthem
Muhammad Dary Wishal Bin Azman
Kendhang Ciblon
Damia Amirah Binte Aminor Rasyid
Demung Nur Atashah Binti Amir
Saron
Zahidah Binte Zakaria
Athirah Fatihah Binte Samiun
Peking, Kecerek
Darwisyah Binte Abdul Halim
Gong Set
Putri Nor Adiiirah Is Nabihaq Ibnah Raden Ramli
GEnRe (GUITAR ENSEMBLE)
GEnRe, Republic Polytechnic’s own Niborii guitar ensemble, was established in 2003 to create a community where people of diverse backgrounds can come together to enjoy playing music through guitar. The ensemble includes a variety of guitars, from sopranos and altos to prime, bass, contrabass, and guitarron. This range allows GEnRe to explore many genres and tackle more complex pieces, with parts that can be distributed across different types of guitars.
GEnRe has performed at numerous events, including Republic Polytechnic’s Open House, the Woodlands Regional Library’s 10th Anniversary Celebrations, the International Symposium on Advances in Technology Education (ISATE), Reflections Arts Festival 2015, RP Graduates Night, and, most recently, the 16th Guitar Ensemble Festival hosted by Music Impact Global.
Currently, the ensemble is under the tutelage of Terence Matthew Choo from Music Impact Global, continuing to refine both its technical skills and creative expression. GEnRe remains committed to promoting the appreciation of guitar ensemble music.
CAST
Guitar
Gyselle Chua Xin Tong
Lim Guan Ji
Lim Jun Yi Gavin
Lye Ying Ying Chloe
Tan Hui En Tracy
Zay Yatu
INDIAN CULTURAL GROUP
Republic Polytechnic’s Indian Cultural Group (ICG) is a dynamic community that celebrates the rich diversity of Indian culture through dance, drama, and community outreach.
Established as a platform for students passionate about preserving and promoting Indian heritage, ICG brings together members with a shared love for traditional and modern expressions of Indian culture. Through performances at events like their signature show Nakshatra, the group offers a stage for students to shine in both classical and contemporary dance forms and dramatic arts.
ICG is not only about performances but also emphasises community outreach, participating in cultural festivals and collaborating with various local organisations. The group strives to foster cultural appreciation within Republic Polytechnic and the larger community, aiming to make Indian traditions accessible and engaging for all. With a supportive environment, ICG allows members to hone their artistic talents while building lifelong connections.
CAST
Dancers
Angela Ann Augustine
Ann Maria Philip
Rishita Priya D/O Saravanan
Sharman Raj S/O Kumar*
Swetha Balaji
Vanchinathan Mahathi
JAMMERZ ARENA
Jammerz Arena is made out of passionate individuals who share an interest in various music genres such as Blues, Rock and many more. Apart from developing music talents, Jammerz Arena has an active media and technical production wing.
Since its re-establishment in 2009, the interest group has produced and staged many shows on campus such as ‘Jam and Hop’ for Republic Polytechnic’s Orientation Programme, IGNITE! Music Festival, Reflections Arts Festival and many more. Jammerz Arena has also engaged in external events such as Esplanade’s In Youthful Company and Beatles: Reimagined.
The interest group has also yielded alumni bands such as Bear Culture and Tell Lie Vision that have performed at Baybeats and other music stages in Singapore.
Under the mentorship of dedicated alumni members, Jammerz Arena hopes to continue to captivate their audience with their charismatic personality and infectious energy for their performances.
CAST
STRING ENSEMBLE
Established in 2004, Republic Polytechnic’s String Ensemble comprises of students with a passion for string instruments. Since inception, String Ensemble has been providing students with an avenue to discover stringed instruments and hone their skills and abilities through various opportunities regardless of their level of experience.
Unlike traditional string ensembles, Republic Polytechnic’s String Ensemble expands their repertoire to other various genres ranging from Hollywood to theatre and billboard hits.
Under the baton of Dr Yeo Jan Wea, String Ensemble has been constantly pushing and performing in various events such as Reflections Arts Festival, IGNITE! Tribute VII, and recently at Methodist Welfare Services Nursing Home, opening for the Thomson East Coast Line, and Republic Polytechnic’s Open House.
CAST
Violin
Lim Yih Xuan Krystal Sydney Siow
Viola Wang Wenrui
Cello Lee Ying Xin Kesrie
Double Bass
Nurul Qistina Bte Hassanal
SHOW COMMITTEE
CREATIVE
TEAM
Artistic Director
Gildon Choo
Music Director Govin Tan
Show Producer Debra Chua
Alumni Producer Jenelle Yap
Student Producer Ethan Wijaya
Costume Stylist
Juffri Jeffri
Marketing Team
Ooi Wei Xuan
Sun Jingyi
Sarah Binte Mohamed Pheyroz Khan
Documentary Team
Arnando Jovanel Pakpahan
Edmund Lau
Ooi Wei Xuan
Sun Jingyi
Photo Republic
SHOW COMMITTEE
TECHNICAL
TEAM
Production Manager
Debra Chua
Nurina Syakirah Binte Sabari
Production Coordinator
Keith Tan
Lighting Designer
Onion Low
Lighting Technician
Fazree Azharie
Firdaus Zaini
Syaziq Abdullah
Mohammed Hassan
Audio Engineer
Mohammed Firdaus Bin Juma’at
Monitor Engineer
Daniel Hglel
Stage Manager
Mohamad Danial Afiq Bin Mohamad Yusof
Assistant Stage Managers
Arvin John Villarmino Alegre
Raman Janani
Stage Crew
Lee Xuan
Megan Lorelai Lee Ming En
Pierce Sim Wei Shan
Sarina Abdul Aziz
Staging Technician
Ridwan Ramli
Zikry Izzkhairin
Multimedia Operator
Mohamad Danial Afiq Bin Mohamad Yusof
SHOW COMMITTEE
Emcee
How Jing Yi
Front-of-House Managers
Adila Mohamed
Shannon Lee
Assistant Front-of-House Manager
Kim Louis Mark Esden
Front-of-House Team
Angeliez Anne Almarinez Bartolome
Chee Hann Lyang
Correya Immanuel Neflin
Goh Jia Yi
Lim Xin Hui Venus
Nang Mo Phong
Sri Yuliani Binte Salim
Sarah Wong Jing En
Shereen Catane Gandarosa
Tham Yan Kei Jamie
Official Videography
Poco Productions
Photography & Videography
Photo Republic
Arnando Jovanel Pakpahan
Ashley Teo Yu Xuan
Callie Low Xuan Yu
Celine Tham
Edmund Lau
Justin Wong Chung Sum
Kaushikahree Tamilko
Lee Zhen Hui
Lim Zi Xuan Eriko
Louis Hong Rui Feng
Nils Ivar Sagsagat Niklasson
Seah Wei Zhe
Sim Ye Xuan
Syahirah Binti Md Asan (Giselle)
Tan Wen Qi
Tiffany Gan Jia Hui
Yeoh Ee Shuen
Shawn Lee Yang Fu* *alumni
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Flame of the Forest and the Republic Polytechnic wishes to convey their appreciation and thanks to the following for their gracious presence, guidance and support for Still • I Rise.
Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth (MCCY)
Principal/CEO of Republic Polytechnic
Ms Jeanne Liew
Management of Republic Polytechnic RP Office of Corporate Communications
All who have contributed to make this evening’s performance a success.
And you, the audience, for your presence and support here with us tonight.
Organised by:
Supported by:
