What do Chinese orchestral music and Singapore's founder, Sir Stamford Raffles, have in common? Not much, except for the fact that they are both integral parts of Chinese composer and conductor Qu Chunquan's 'Reverie at the Statue of Sir Stamford Raffles'.
The curious piece was birthed during Qu's stint in Singapore in the 1990s, during which he led the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO), then known as the People's Association Chinese Orchestra, as its conductor and Deputy Music Director.
Outside of helping the SCO transition from a semi-professional orchestra to a professional Chinese orchestra by recruiting musicians and conducting auditions, he set aside time to work on a musical composition inspired by a famous statue of Raffles that he had come across in the Lion City.
A love letter to Singapore
Before his tenure as the SCO's conductor from 1993 to 1997, Qu visited Singapore in 1987 to stage five concerts with the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra. And it was then that he found himself "astonished" by the city-state's rapid transformation into a "global powerhouse".
"As I stood before this bronze statue, I found myself immersed in a blend of emotions and reflections. It symbolises not only the historical figure of Raffles but also the collective efforts of the people of Singapore in shaping their destiny."
Besides being inspired by the Raffles statue, Qu was moved by the stories of how early immigrants from China built new lives in Singapore and contributed to the development of the country, which were shared with him during his interactions with Chinese clan associations.
In the piece, Qu's fascination with Singapore's history and culture can also be seen in his incorporation of the tune of 'Singapura, Sunny Island', a famous folk song about the country.
This year, Qu will be bringing 'Reverie at the Statue of Sir Stamford Raffles' back to the island where it was created. Reuniting with the SCO, he will close the upcoming Qu Chunquan and SCO concert on 16 March with the piece.
Ahead of the event, he urged concert-goers to form their own interpretation of its finale number: "It is something to be savoured by the audience — it can be a reflection, a moment of pride, or whatever resonates with the individual. My creative philosophy emphasizes that Chinese orchestral composition should never stray far from one's cultural roots. This piece invites the audience to connect with their own thoughts and emotions, fostering a personal interpretation of the journey depicted in the composition."
Curating a diverse repertoire
As with his tribute to Singapore, Qu's other works that will be featured at the concert will be themed after a region or community of people.
'Shanghai Capriccio', a piece that left an impression on concert-goers when it premiered in Singapore in 1990, is influenced by Chinese opera, while 'Variations on a Theme of Rely' and 'Shaolin Wand' are inspired by Mongolian music, children's songs, and folk tunes and Henan folk music, respectively.
A zhonghu concerto, 'Variations on a Theme of Rely', which will be presented by the SCO's Zhonghu Principal, Lin Gao, will make its Singapore debut at the concert.
Other inclusions in Qu-curated repertoire are 'The Myth of Paiwan', a sheng concerto on the mythology of Taiwan's indigenous Paiwan community that will be presented by SCO's sheng musician, Yang Sin-Yu, and 'Music and Dance of the Silk Road', a piece that incorporates Middle Eastern influences.
Qu explained his decision to have each piece showcase the culture of a place he has been to in his travels: "If the composition is not connected to the musical language of everyday life in the surrounding regions, it becomes challenging for anyone to understand the music."
Being a conductor and composer
During Qu Chunquan and SCO, concert-goers will also get to experience music created by an individual who simultaneously wears the hat of a composer and that of a conductor.
Owing to his education, he believes that composing and conducting are "interrelated" art forms. He explained that while there may not be as much room for new interpretations when he conducts his compositions, there is still merit in doing so.
"When conducting my own work, I know which parts are the gist, and which are my personal favourites. However, conducting others' works, you are unsure where their essence lies, and that affects my conducting style. The dual role of being a composer at least helps me understand why some scores are written a certain way, thus enhancing my understanding of the piece," he said.
Credit: Qu Chunquan (Facebook)
A homecoming of sorts
For Qu, returning to Singapore to collaborate with the SCO after three decades will be a homecoming of sorts, one that will give him the opportunity to get reacquainted with the local audience.
"The goal of this concert is not to boast but to provide an overview of my creative journey spanning several decades," he said.
At the concert, which will be Qu's first time showcasing a curated selection of his works to the public, the SCO pioneer hopes to create "new sparks" with the orchestra that still holds a very special place in his heart.
"I hope to leave behind a beautiful memory for myself. Personally, I cherish this opportunity a lot, especially considering my age. Being able to collaborate with SCO again and organising a concert showcasing my works is beyond satisfying," he shared.
Qu Chunquan and SCO will be happening at the SCO Concert Hall at 7:30 PM on 16 March. Tickets, priced from SGD 20 to SGD 80, are available here.
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