On 19 July, the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) will celebrate a dual milestone—Singapore’s 60th birthday and the 60th anniversary of the Singapore Conference Hall, the orchestra’s long-standing home—with a concert aptly titled Metamorphosis.
Curated and conducted by Quek Ling Kiong, the SCO’s first homegrown Principal Conductor, Metamorphosis takes audiences on a musical journey through heritage, transformation, and unity. Featuring world premieres, cross-cultural collaborations with tabla master Nawaz Mirajkar and frame drum virtuoso Riduan Zalani, and immersive visuals showcasing Singapore’s evolution, this concert is more than a tribute—it’s a living story.
In this exclusive interview, Quek reflects on the inspirations behind Metamorphosis, how tradition and innovation come together, and why this performance hits close to home.
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Metamorphosis celebrates both Singapore’s and the Singapore Conference Hall’s 60th anniversary. How did this inspire your vision for the concert's repertoire and storytelling?
As the national Chinese orchestra of Singapore, it feels meaningful that we’re marking our 60th anniversary together with the Singapore Conference Hall—the very stage we’ve called home for so many years. This dual milestone naturally shaped my vision for Metamorphosis. I wanted the concert to reflect not just our musical journey, but also the story of this iconic building (national monument) that has stood witness to Singapore’s growth—a place filled with memories and music.
In curating the repertoire, I thought about the essence of Singapore—our multicultural roots, our shared heritage, and our constant evolution. The audience will hear a blend of traditional sounds and contemporary expressions. One highlight is the world premiere Converging Resonances by Singaporean composer Wang Chenwei. It’s a transformation—how far we’ve come and where we’re headed.
What are your thoughts on Converging Resonances ?
Converging Resonances was the idea of celebrating SG60 with a new work that reflects Singapore’s unique identity. I hope this piece will become a lasting contribution to the Chinese orchestra repertoire—a Singaporean classic that future generations can be proud of.
What were the biggest challenges in curating a programme that reflects six decades of cultural evolution while still sounding fresh and relevant?
I wouldn’t say there were challenges, but rather many exciting possibilities—we had the opportunity to explore the past 60 years from so many different angles. That’s what made curating Metamorphosis so meaningful.
We open with Lion City Rhapsody, a work that celebrates the spirit of Singapore through the voices of our diverse dialect groups. It’s our way of sharing heritage in a very modern style—respecting tradition, but evolving it with a fresh perspective. We also included works that offer new perspectives on familiar stories. One of them is The Grand Canal, which we interpret as a reflection of the Singapore River—an important symbol in our history.
And to bring everything together, we have The Stories of Singapore by composer Law Wai Lun, set to a photo montage that pays tribute to Singapore’s 60 years. It’s a powerful way to connect memory, music, and meaning in one moment. More than just a concert, Metamorphosis is a musical journey through the heart of who we are. The concert will also feature local artists on Indian tabla and Malay frame drums—the performance blends cross-cultural elements to show how our identity continues to evolve.
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What were some key considerations when bringing these different traditions together?
It’s easy to put different musical elements together and call it a fusion—but the real challenge lies in how to do it with artistic excellence. That was a key consideration for us.
When bringing together Indian tabla, Malay frame drums, and the Chinese orchestra, we were very mindful of respecting each tradition’s depth and authenticity. It wasn’t just about layering sounds—it was about creating meaningful dialogue between the instruments, allowing each culture to speak and respond in its own voice.
What made this possible was the incredible talent of the artists involved. They brought not only technical mastery, but also a deep understanding of their musical heritage. It’s about connection—musical, cultural, and human. And that’s what makes the fusion truly resonate.
Can you share more about your collaboration with thoose guest artists, Nawaz Mirajkar and Riduan Zalani?
We haven’t started rehearsals for Metamorphosis yet, but I have worked with them before, and it has always been a joy. They’re incredibly talented musicians who bring not only technical mastery but also a deep musicality rooted in their own traditions.
What I really appreciate is the creative exchange—we inspire each other. I might offer a musical idea or direction, and they’ll respond with something uniquely their own. They contribute their personalities and musical voices, and that exchange often leads to something unexpected and exciting. I’m looking forward to seeing how the energy evolves during rehearsals, especially as we bring together different traditions to create something truly fresh.
As you mentioned, two works in the concert—The Stories of Singapore and Converging Resonances—are paired with archival visuals. How will the visual storytelling shape your interpretation and conducting approach?
The visuals add a powerful storytelling layer that brings the music to life in a different way. As the audience watches the archival footage—scenes of Singapore’s past, familiar places, and shared memories—the music gives those images emotion and depth. It’s not just about watching or listening, but feeling the journey together.
As a conductor, the visuals also guide my interpretation. When I see a certain image, it evokes a mood or memory, and that feeling naturally shapes how I lead the orchestra. It becomes a shared emotional space—for the musicians, the audience, and myself. That’s the beauty of combining music and imagery, creating a more immersive and meaningful experience.
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Lion City Rhapsody opens with audio greetings in different dialects. Why was this an important element to include, and what message do you hope it sends?
Including the audio greetings in different dialects was important to me because it reflects the heart of Chinese culture in Singapore—how our traditions come from many roots, yet come together as one.
Through the music and instruments from different ethnic backgrounds, we wanted to showcase the unique cultural blend that makes Singapore so special. I hope it reminds everyone of the beauty we have right here—diverse, yet united.
How personal is this concert to you?
Being born and raised in Singapore, I’m not just conducting music—I’m sharing my own story. Performing in a space where I am familiar and grew up with, and creating a programme that reflects our heritage and future, is my way of giving back and carrying forward a vision for the country I love.
How do you hope Metamorphosis will resonate with younger audiences?
The concert features a variety of musical styles, rich sonic textures, and even playful elements like sound skits—things they can relate to and enjoy without needing any prior knowledge.
More importantly, I want them to first fall in love with the music. When that happens, it naturally opens the door to appreciating the artistry of the Chinese orchestra performance, understanding our nation’s history, and recognising the beauty of Singapore’s multicultural and harmonious society. It’s a colourful and dynamic programme—just like the world they live in.
Looking beyond Metamorphosis, how do you envision SCO evolving in the next decade to stay connected with Singapore’s diverse and ever-changing cultural landscape?
Looking ahead, I see SCO continuing to evolve by staying open—open to new works, new sounds, and new voices, especially from young composers in Singapore and beyond. It’s about cultivating more new Chinese orchestral music that reflects who we are today, and telling deeper, more personal stories of Singapore through the music.
Purchase tickets for Metamorphosis here.
