8 APRIL 2023 , 7.30 PM
YST CONCERT HALL
YST ORCHESTRAL INSTITUTE
YST VOICE DEPARTMENT
YST CHAMBER SINGERS WITH
JASON LAI , CONDUCTOR
JEONG DAEGYUN , BARITONE
ZACHARY SINGSON DOMINGUEZ , TENOR
TAN SEE HUEY , SOPRANO
KIRA LIM , SOPRANO
JASON SURYAATMAJA , BARITONE
CHONG WAI LUN , CHORUS MASTER
FRANZ JOSEPH HAYDN
DIE SCHÖPFUNG (THE CREATION), HOB. XXI:2
PART I
– Intermission (20 minutes) –
PART II
PART III
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (YST), National University of Singapore on its 20th anniversary. Since its inception, YST has
produced talented performers, composers and producers who have gone on to achieve national and international success. Beyond the stage, Conservatory graduates are making a difference as leaders of arts organisations, innovators and community engagers. Further, YST creates rich musical avenues for the community through its youth outreach platforms, continuing education programmes and public concerts, to nurture practitioners and enthusiasts.
I am heartened to see the Conservatory’s multi-faceted contributions to Singapore’s cultural ecosystem, working alongside other arts institutions to co-create a vibrant city for the arts.
I wish YST every success in the years ahead as the Conservatory keeps on inspiring and enriching the lives of many through the power of music.
Message from Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam
This year marks 20 years since the founding of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory (YST). How set up the Conservatory as then-Minister for Education.
YST has grown from strength to strength and established itself as a dynamic institution with a reputation for excellence. It has nurtured a pipeline of outstanding musicians who are developing the Singapore artistic landscape through their passion and talent. Its students and graduates bring the vibrancy of music to Singapore’s top stages as well as community settings. Its faculty are active as educators, leading artists and researchers. Through its wide musical and cultural traditions.
These achievements are testament to the hard work of YST’s leadership, faculty and staff. My heartiest congratulations on YST’s 20th anniversary, and I look forward to more exciting developments to come.
to the Conservatory’s 20th anniversary celebrations! We are delighted to be celebrating YST’s big 2-0 with friends and showcasing the rich talents of YST musicians in tonight’s Chamber Singers.
In the 20 years since its founding, the Conservatory has had a remarkable journey characterised by continued growth and evolution. Beginning as an undergraduate-focused institution, it has since broadened its reach, nurturing musical passions and talents of youths and adults, and offering new learning and development opportunities for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Its educational offerings prepare students to excel not only onstage, but as well-rounded leaders who will set new standards for the industry.
As we mark this milestone, we express our sincere gratitude to benefactors of YST, who enable the Conservatory to advance its artistic and educational mission through their generosity, and to all of you for celebrating this milestone with us tonight.
As the Conservatory moves ahead in its exciting trajectory, excellence and innovation will continue to be key drivers in its work, and we look forward to your continued support of YST in the years ahead.
In terms of its status as a conservatory, YST is relatively new, but it has charted a distinctive and impactful journey of growth and development, and established a unique identity as a vibrant centre of musical excellence and exploration at the heart of
while also remaining deeply engaged with the local community, through its many outreach and engagement programmes and activities.
YST is also pioneering new pathways in musical education, with the launch of lifelong education programmes for working professionals. Looking ahead, we are excited that the Conservatory is boldly pushing new frontiers in health and well-being through the newlylaunched Centre for Music and Health, and strengthening its leading role as a driving force for talent cultivation and musical appreciation across the NUS community.
As YST’s journey continues to unfold, the University wishes it every success in the years musical resonance in all its endeavours.
My heartiest congratulations to the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (YST) on its 20th Message from Prof Tan Eng Chye President, National University of SingaporeA warm welcome to YST’s 20th anniversary gala concert - thank you for being here with us this evening!
Since its founding, YST has built an extensive presence in the Singapore ecosystem and deepest gratitude goes to all who have enabled the Conservatory to come to where it is today – our donors, partners, leaders past and present, faculty and staff, students and alumni. Looking back on our journey thus far, it truly takes a village, and we are grateful for all the support and faith we have received, that has enabled us to continually advance our mission.
At the same time, 20 is a young age for a Conservatory, and we are boldly moving forward. There is much that we want to achieve, and we are well-positioned to amplify our impact across our academic offerings, community outreach, research, and wider partnerships in music and education.
Just as we are excited to share this evening’s concert with you, we are eager to share our developments with you through our programmes and initiatives across this year and beyond. We look forward to staying connected and wish you an enjoyable evening ahead.
Music (YST) at the National University of Singapore. Centred in one of the world’s most dynamic countries, the Conservatory is uniquely placed to offer a distinct and powerful contemporary Asian voice.
Founded in 2003, YST quickly established a reputation as Asia’s most exciting international conservatory by bringing together a world-class faculty and facility to develop excellence in instrumental performance and composition. Building on this strong foundation, the Conservatory has evolved over the past decade to become one of the world’s most distinctive music schools through diversifying its offerings and connecting more authentically with its
students from Singapore, the Conservatory community is internationally diverse, with
Keenly focused on nurturing identity as a driver for excellence, YST’s Bachelor of Music programme originally formed its core focus. The Conservatory’s continuum of offerings has since expanded substantially to include the Master of Music and Master of Music Leadership courses for adult learners, and a Young Artist programme, with the ambition to reach further into the University to establish linkages with other performing and creative arts. More broadly, the Conservatory’s extensive concerts and events calendar welcomes the wider public to engage in music.
for all its undergraduate students. Educational opportunities made possible by other donors
eminent musicians such as Nobuko Imai, Paul Lewis, Shlomo Mintz, Jorma Panula, András students can access funding to forge their own distinctive pathways through participating in international festivals, competitions and projects.
Beyond Singapore, YST holds many bilateral relationships with music schools around the world. It is active in numerous international music education alliances including the ConNext Network,
Conservatoires (AEC). Alongside extensive student exchange partnerships, these relationships further enhance our work and energise our continued growth.
As part of one of the world’s most highly-ranked research-intensive universities, YST is also steadily building its presence in research. Faculty are engaged internationally as performers and composers as well as in a range of research and research-equivalent activity. The Conservatory has hosted several international symposia including Performers(‘) Present and Mathemusical platform for Conservatory and international scholars alike.
With excellence, inclusion, community, agency and identity as key drivers, the Conservatory seeks to nurture aspirant professional musicians while giving greater musical resonance in the broader ecosystem. Holding “Listen in New Light” as a core guiding principle connecting its past, present and future endeavours, YST is well-positioned to lead change in music and higher unique trajectory.
a global approach to education, research and entrepreneurship, with a focus on Asian
enables us to work closely with industry, governments and academia to address crucial and complex issues relevant to Asia and the world. Researchers in our faculties, research centres of excellence, corporate labs and more than 30 university-level research institutes focus on themes that include energy; environmental and urban sustainability; treatment and prevention
science, operations research and cybersecurity.
As the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music enters our next 20 years, our vision is ambitious and seeks to reimagine what a 21st-century conservatory can be and contribute in the world.
YST will continue to be recognised as a leader in higher music education, nurturing accomplished musicians who are known for their exceptional skills and artistic expression.
At the Conservatory, students are challenged to grow as artists and individuals, supported in exploring new frontiers, and given platforms to showcase their talents to the world.
Well-positioned within the dynamic and ever-evolving world of music, YST will continue to equip students with the capacities they need to succeed in the industry.
YST will be at the forefront of innovation in music and music education, exploring new technologies and approaches. We seek to push the boundaries of what is possible, and partner other institutions within and beyond NUS to develop exciting new initiatives.
The Conservatory will continue to expand its offerings, nurturing music enthusiasts and professionals through our courses across pre-college, undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing education.
YST will continue to be a vital and active part of the local ecosystem, offering a wide range of concerts and educational programmes that are accessible to all members of the community.
The Conservatory will work closely with schools, healthcare institutions and other community partners to provide targeted music education and immersion opportunities for people of all ages.
We will also continue to harness music in promoting physical, mental, and emotional welland wellness activities.
Jason Lai is the Principal Conductor at the Yong Siew Toh of the Swan, and former Associate Conductor of the internationally giving masterclasses in Europe and China. He has also guest conducted the Adelaide Symphony
Sinfonietta, and Hong Kong Philharmonic.
Intent on broadening the appeal of classical music to audiences who would not normally think of going into a concert hall, Jason has built a unique reputation as a communicator with mass appeal through his television appearances in both the UK and Asia. He has appeared on the BBC as a judge in both the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition and the classical talent show Classical Star. He was also a conducting mentor in the series Maestro and won the competition with his celebrity protégé.
Since settling in Singapore he has continued with his television work and was presenter and conductor for Project Symphony, an eight part series which followed him in his quest to set Heart of Asia exploring the contemporary arts and culture scene in Thailand, Indonesia, Korea and the Philippines, and Tales from Modern China, a voyage through contemporary China. Most recently in Singing to Remember for Channel News Asia, Jason set out to test the theory that regular group singing in choirs helps slow down the damaging effects of dementia.
Jason’s roots lie in Hong Kong but he was born in the UK and was a pupil at the prestigious specialist music school in Manchester, Chetham’s, where he studied the cello.
in the BBC Young Composers Award, Jason gravitated increasingly towards conducting after he won the BBC Young Conductors Workshop in 2002. This led to his appointment as Assistant Conductor to the BBC Philharmonic with whom he made his BBC Proms début in 2003. Following his work with various British orchestras, he was appointed Artist Associate to the Hong Kong Sinfonietta and became their Associate Conductor in 2009. Jason most
Education is an important part of Jason’s work in Singapore. At the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory he trains the next generation of conductors, many of whom have had many
and outreach programme, helping the orchestra reach new audiences notably through his Discovering Music and children’s concerts.
Lyric baritone Daegyun Jeong (Raphael ) studied singing at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory
on opera and concert under Prof. Mario Hoff and Prof. Johannes Martin Kränzle. He has The Cunning Little Vixen in Così fan tutte Lohengrin), La Bohème), Messenger (Stravinky’s Oedipus Rex), Samuel (Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance La Traviata). He embodied Marullo (Rigoletto) at the Aalto-Theater Essen and Yamadori ( ) at the Musiktheater im Revier
Così fan tutte
Papageno ( ), Chou En lai (Nixon in China), Marcello (La Boheme) and Albert (La Juive).
Tan See Huey (Gabriel), a Malaysian-born soprano, is a graduate of the YST Conservatory of Music where she studied voice with Prof. Alan Bennett. While at the conservatory she musicians such as Masaaki Suzuki, Miah Persson, Paul Weigold, Jonas Nordberg, and Allen Henderson.
She recently made her opera debut in February 2023 as Belinda in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas
Saint-Saëns’ Christmas Oratorio Airs Chantés
Johannes Passion 2022).
She was also soprano soloist in Bruhns’ Muß nicht der Mensch auf dieser Erden Messiah
department.
Zachary Singson Dominguez (Uriel)
(bestowed to one student of the graduating cohort, who demonstrates both academic and artistic excellence). A third year student at YST he currently he is a student of Prof. Alan Bennett. He has also participated in various masterclasses in Europe with professors
Kira Lim (Eve) is a second year undergraduate student in the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory
has participated in some notable singing performances including: Hansel and Gretel Mass of The Children and New York Sounds of Summer, Carnegie Hall (Soloist, Carmina Burana (Soloist, Der Zwerg
In Our Manner of Speaking performing Come, Ye Sons of Art, Away! CabaRED
(Soloist, 2023) and most recently as Luisa in The Fantasticks
Jason Suryaatmaja (Adam)
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory. Jason’s passion for music began when he joined the Sinlui
Jason has performed numerous times.
Welcome to our gala performance this evening, and thank you for joining us in celebrating YST’s very own creation with Franz Joseph Haydn’s masterwork of the same name! As we explore this wonderful oratorio, we will look at the many threads which came together at just the right time to make a reality. Likewise, tonight is also about recognising the many threads that came together to bring this conservatory into existence, and encouraging those here now, and who will come later, to contribute their own unique threads as we move forward.
masterpiece, turned to larger-scale religious works such as masses and oratorios late in life. Within a few years of premiering, it became the most celebrated and performed oratorio in Europe, and Haydn himself considered it to be his highest achievement in vocal music. ‘Papa Haydn’ (b.
of the Baroque period, was teacher to Beethoven, friend to Mozart, and lived through nearly Enlightenment. His deep understanding of Baroque music, choral traditions, symphonic style, chamber music and opera are all apparent in the music we have before us tonight.
certainly true of the genesis of . After spending many years at the Esterházy celebrated in the musical life of the city, mingled among society’s elite, attended and performed at concerts, and was exposed to all things English. This included the remarkable oratorio tradition as represented by Handel and his immensely popular Messiah. Performances of this work were typically grand spectacles with hundreds of performers held in secular venues such as theatres and schools. These performances made a deep impression on Haydn, who expressed his language.
intended more as ‘theatrical’ works and usually presented in periods of the church year (Lent Handel’s more famous oratorios (his arrangement of “All we like sheep” from Handel’s Messiah is a real treat to the ears with its humorous use of bassoons and clarinets imitating sheep
bringing with him the original English libretto of that had been presented to him by his friend and key to London society, Johann Peter Salomon.
The author of this libretto remains unknown, but what we do know is that the work was compiled from Milton’s Paradise Lost and had been offered to Handel as a subject for Haydn also hoped to present a convincing English version so as to gain recognition in the
Swieten began work in earnest to underlay the English text for publication. But achieving a smooth setting of both languages was not an easy task, and the efforts did not yield a ‘happy pair’. Many ‘improved’ English versions of this work have since appeared in publication, but
represents the absence of everything (including light and dark) and eludes tonality, form and
Indeed, the overall tonal plan of the work is very carefully crafted. Heavenly texts such as Die Himmel erzählen (The Heavens are telling) and Mit Würd’ und Hoheit (In native worth, which announces the creation of man in a ‘divine image’) are delivered in C major, while pastoral texts such as Nun beut die Flur das frische Grün ground’ in Bb major. In playful contrast, the creation of birds in Auf starkem Fittige wings) soars above the earth in F major, and the variety of key and structure continues with all of the creatures and wonders.
alongside the chorus, give voice to the six days of creation. Uriel remains in Part 3 to extol the wonders of the garden, introduce the happy pair, and admonish them in the end to do as they are told and not to ‘wish for things they do not have, nor long for knowledge they should not know’. However, this is conveyed in a humorously exaggerated upbeat recitative which condenses this warning into something so brief and perfunctory that it could almost go unnoticed. Haydn was required to offer the warning, but he evidently did not feel the need to browbeat and spoil the mood!
has been recognised as an acknowledged masterwork. The many threads which came together at the right time to make it possible are fascinating to ponder: Haydn’s visits to London and exposure to Handel
oratorio in Austria; Salomon’s gift of a libretto which had direct links to Handel; Baron van Swieten’s eagerness and skills as a translator; and Haydn himself who, at the height of his skill, was eager to explore new challenges and to open new possibilities for his craft at home and abroad.
Eagerness to explore new challenges and to open new possibilities for our craft in Singapore and abroad are ideals that we at the YST Conservatory embrace as well. We have come a long
you, our supporters and friends. Thank you for sharing your evening with us and we hope that
Programme notes by Prof Alan Bennett, Head of Vocal Studies
Soprano
Ang Jody Hong Ying
Tenor
Alan Bennett
Benjamin Harris
Ted Ngoo
Kira Lim
Leanne Reese Tavita
Alice Putri
Alison Wong
Alto
Samiksha Argal
Chen Ching-Yu
Shim Fine
Cindy Honanta
Zoe Hong
Kim Min
Kuah Hui Min
Stephanie Joshvin
Sandhya Ramachandran
Rehearsal Pianist
Koh Kai Jie
Park Minjun
Teo Hsin Yeong
Bass
Harris Ang
Bennett Clement
Chong Wai Lun
Shin Cong Zhe
Jason Suryaatmaja
First Violin concertmaster
Chan Wai Mun Joanne
Zou Zhang
Shim Fine
Chien Chin
Second Violin
Komila Izatulloyeva, principal
Zou Meng
Foo Yue Ning
Kuo Fang-Chen
Bakhodir Rakhimov
Viola
Hsu Min Joelle, principal
Martin Peh Renyu
Zeng Ziyan
Liu Le
Cello
Cao Huiying, principal
Ho Chien-Yu
Saran Charoennit
Sherzod Bakhtiyorov
Double Bass
Khee Yu Hang, principal
Shohei Yoshihara
Flute
Weng Yi-Chian, principal
Lee Minjin
Piccolo
Lee Minjin
Oboe
Soniya Rakhmatullina, principal
Clarinet
Lee Pin-Yi, principal
Chen Yan-Rung
Bassoon
Shi Jiaao, principal
Contrabassoon
Xu Zixuan
French Horn
Chiu Hsuan, principal
Trumpet
Chen Hung-Shun, principal
Loi Chiang Kang
Trombone
Huang Shao-Wei, principal
Yee Choon Yong William
Bass Trombone
Ng Jun Jie
Timpani
Fortepiano
Guest musician/AlumniProducer
Shridar Mani
Technical Director
Wan Zhong Hao
Lighting Designer
Alberta Wileo
Stage Manager
Cindy Sng
Videography
Audio Team
YST Audio Arts and Sciences
Sound Installation
Tang I Shyan
Alison Wong
Benny Lim
Mike Tan
Wah Peng
Vice Dean of Ensembles
Brett Stemple
Faculty
Mario Choo
Brett Stemple
Leslie Tan *
Wang Zihao
Yang Shuxiang
Zhang Jin Min
Zhang Manqin
* Continuo coach
Orchestra Manager Assistants
Foo Yue Ning
Hoi Khai-Weing
Soniya Rakhmatullina
Edgar Javier Lucena Rodriguez
Nestor Jose Solorzano Mejias
Sho Yong Shuen
Prof Peter Tornquist Dean
Assoc Prof Ho Chee Kong Vice Dean (Academic Programmes & Quality Enhancement)
Assoc Prof Chan Tze Law Vice Dean (Career Orientation & Community Engagement)
Assoc Prof Brett Stemple Vice Dean (Ensembles, Research & Professional Awareness)
Ong Shu Chen Manager (Communications & Engagement)
Rachel Tang Associate Dean (Administration)
Tan Wei Boon Deputy Director (Student Life)
Tang I Shyan Associate Director (Programming & Productions)
Kenny Ooi Executive Assistant & Project Manager
There are many ways of supporting the Conservatory. Whether through attending one of our many concerts, making a gift towards student bursaries and scholarships, donating towards key strategic initiatives or professorships, offering sponsorship for concerts or instruments, or enabling outreach and engagement activities, your gift will enable us to continue to offer distinctive educational opportunities for students while also contributing to the ever-evolving musical canvas of Singapore.
Join a loyal group of annual fund supporters who, together, energise the YST Conservatory in continuing its world-leading work in the contemporary professional music training landscape. Learn more about tiers for making a gift to YST below.
Lifetime Ambassador – S$50,000 and above
- Lifetime recognition on Conservatory publications and website
- Lifetime invitation to key concerts and Dean’s Circle receptions/interactions
- Complimentary parking (NUS Carpark 3) when attending YST events, upon request
Gifts above $50,000 can be recognised more distinctively. If you would like to pledge a gift at this level, please email musgiving@nus.edu.sg.
Annual Member – S$2,000 and above annually
- Recognition on Conservatory publications and website for the year
- Invitation to key concerts and Dean’s Circle receptions for the year
- Complimentary parking (NUS Carpark 3) when attending YST events, upon request
YST FRIENDS
S$200 and above annually
- Recognition on Conservatory website for the year
Make a gift to the Conservatory via the QR code or URL below:
bit.ly/givetoyst
For queries, please write to us at musgiving@nus.edu.sg.
Ministry of Education
For their support in the establishment of a conservatory of music in Singapore.
Yong Loo Lin Trust
Yong Siew Toh Endowment and Scholarship Fund
The late Mr Rin Kei Mei and Mrs Rin Rin Collection String Instruments
Shaw Foundation
The Ones to Watch Concert Series
Singapore Totalisator Board
Lee Foundation Ong Teng Cheong Professor of Music
Friends, faculty, students, alumni of YST Conservatory Steven Baxter Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Community Foundation of Singapore
S R Nathan Music Scholarship Endowment Fund
Prof Kwa Chong Guan & Ms Kwa Kim Hwa Mabel and Soon Siew Kwa Scholarship
Mdm Yong Liew Chin Yong Liew Chin Music Scholarship
Mr Goh Geok Khim
Madeline Goh Professorship in Piano
Chenter Foundation
Chenter Foundation Cathy and Tony Chen Community Outreach Fund
Kris Foundation Kris Foundation Viola Masterclass Fund
Ms Ong Su Pin & Mr Mervin Beng OKK Wind Prize
Mr Geo rey Yu Guy Hentsch Prize for Piano Performance
Ms Vivien Goh
Goh Soon Tioe Leadership Award
Ms Gao Jun
Mr Geo rey Yu
Mr Goh Geok Khim
Mr Goh Yew Lin
Mr Hamish McMillan Dyer
Ms Ong Su Pin & Mr Mervin Beng
Ms Phalgun Raju & Mr Nicholas A. Nash
Mr Rin Kei Mei & Mrs Rin*
Mr Tan Kah Tee
Ms Vivien Goh
Mr & Mrs Willy Tan Kian Ping
Mr Whang Tar Liang
Dr & Mrs Yong Pung How
BinjaiTree
CapitaLand
Chenter Foundation
The Community Foundation of Singapore
Far East Organisation*
Hong Leong Foundation*
Keppel Corporation Limited
Kris Foundation
Lee Foundation*
National Arts Council
Shaw Foundation
Singapore Airlines Ltd
Singapore Pools
Singapore Technologies Electronics Ltd
Singapore Technologies Engineering
Singapore Technologies Pte Ltd
Singapore Technologies Telemedia
Singapore Telecommunications Ltd
Singapore Totalisator Board
Yong Loo Lin Holdings
Anonymous donor
* Founding Partners of the Singapore International Violin Competition
Bowen Enterprises Pte Ltd
Prof Bernard Lanskey
Prof Christopher Cheng
Dr Dang Vu and Ms Oanh Nguyen
Dr Guy Hentsch
Dr James C M Khoo
Ms Kyin Nwe Moong
Prof Lee Eng Hin
Dr Paolo Adragna
Dr Robert Teoh
Mr Goh Yew Lin
Paul McNulty fortepiano
Mr Tan Kah Tee
Bösendorfer Imperial Model 290
Bösendorfer Johann Strauss
Family of the late Mr Leong Yoon Pin
Leong Yoon Pin Manuscripts
The late Mr SR Nathan
Digital Music Resources from the Madras Music Academy
Mr Nicholas Zaklama
Oboe Resources
Other donors and supporters for their generous contribution towards scholarships and artistic development.
