Bridging Nations Through Music: the Singapore–China Gala Symphony Concert
26 October 2025 – The Singapore–China Gala Symphony Concert at Esplanade Concert Hall was an evening that celebrated the power of music to bridge cultures. The programme brought together the Shanghai Nine Trees Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of the distinguished Tang Muhai, one of China’s most respected conductors whose illustrious career has spanned leading orchestras in Europe, America, and Asia. Renowned for his expressive musicianship and deep understanding of both Eastern and Western repertoires, Tang brought poise, authority, and unity to the evening’s cross-cultural programme.
The concert opened with Felix Phang’s Pasat Merdu, performed by the Shanghai Nine Trees Philharmonic Orchestra together with the Straits Ensemble. Featuring ethnic percussion and local instrumental colours, the work painted a vivid sonic portrait of Southeast Asia — alive with rhythm, texture, and community spirit. The collaboration between the orchestra and ensemble created a sonically rich dialogue between traditions, setting a fitting tone for a night devoted to cultural harmony.
One of the concert’s emotional highlights was The Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto, a timeless fusion of Chinese melody and Western symphonic form. Soloists Zhu Lin (erhu, Singapore Chinese Orchestra) and Kong Zhao Hui (violin, Singapore Symphony Orchestra) delivered deeply expressive performances, intertwining their instruments in lyrical conversation. Their nuanced phrasing and heartfelt storytelling brought this enduring love story vividly to life.
William Wei with conductor Tang Muhai, and the Shanghai Nine Trees Philharmonic Orchestra.
The evening also featured the international premiere of Danny Dong’s Dreaming of Fengpu, a four-part orchestral work inspired by the true story of residents of Fengpu who joined hands to raise funds and build a bridge for their community. The piece traced this narrative of unity and perseverance through lyrical themes and vibrant orchestral colour, capturing both the spirit of a place and the collective strength of its people.
Singaporean pianist William Wei then took the stage for a stirring performance of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, performed on the C. Bechstein D282 concert grand piano. Making his homecoming concerto debut, William — a proud alumnus of Cristofori Music Singapore, , one of the nation’s leading homegrown brands and its largest piano company — played with elegance and depth, balancing Chopin’s youthful passion with moments of tenderness and reflection. His artistry and composure not only marked his growth as a musician — from a three-year-old in Cristofori Funan’s children’s group music class to an artist on the international stage — but also embodied a living bridge of friendship between Singapore and China.
The concert concluded with a delightful encore medley of beloved classical favourites, Hooked on Classics, sending the audience home uplifted and inspired.
The Singapore–China Gala Symphony Concert stood as a celebration of shared artistry and cultural friendship. Seeing musicians from both countries come together in such a spirit of collaboration marked not only a milestone for cultural exchange but also a moving reminder of how music continues to connect hearts across borders.
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