Famed composer Wang Chenwei to captivate audience at Oriental Traditional Orchestra concert in Kuching

KUCHING (Sept 19): The Oriental Traditional Orchestra will be hosting the highly anticipated ‘Grace Rhythm of Oriental Series V: For Our Dreams’ concert at Chung Hua Middle School No. 1 here on Sept 21 at 7.30pm.

Featuring the internationally acclaimed composer Wang Chenwei’s orchestral piece ‘For Our Dreams’ as the highlight, the concert offers goers an inspiring musical experience that embodies the courage and strength to pursue one’s dream, according to a press release.

Wang is composer-in-residence of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as well as an adjunct music lecturer at the National Institute of Education at Nanyang Technological University and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore.

In addition, he is a board member of the Singapore Chinese Music Federation and the director of Research and Education at The TENG Company, where he authored the 624-page ‘TENG Guide to the Chinese Orchestra.’

Wang has also served as a judge for various international Chinese music competitions and is a regular adjudicator for the Singapore Youth Festival and Nanyang International Music Competition.

His compositions have been performed across the globe, including in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Austria, Germany, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Among his notable works are the ‘Erhu Concerto: Taipei Capriccio’ and ‘Macau Postcards,’ which have been widely acclaimed.

In 2023, the Singapore Chinese Orchestra dedicated a special concert to his works, called ‘For Our Dreams: The Music of Wang Chenwei.’

The concert will also feature a reprise of the previous edition’s theme song ‘Impressions of Chinese Music,’ along with other challenging ensemble pieces such as ‘Spring and Autumn’ and ‘Impressions of Mountains and Seas.’

The orchestra’s elite musicians will also perform ‘Erhu Solo: The Shanbei Cantabile’, ‘Pipa Concerto: The Yearnings of Cloud and Flower’ and ‘Yangqin Concerto: Rhapsody,’ demonstrating the rich diversity and artistry of Chinese music.

As one of the most established Chinese orchestras in Kuching, the Oriental Traditional Orchestra has been dedicated to promoting Chinese music for 47 years.

The orchestra collaborates with numerous local schools, nurturing talented musicians and fostering a new generation of performers.

In recent years, the orchestra has been actively involved in international music exchanges, including performing at the Rainforest World Music Festival as well as participating in various events hosted by the Sarawak Arts Council.

Since 2018, the orchestra’s ‘Music in The Park’ initiative has gained significant popularity, further expanding the influence of Chinese music within the local community.

Tickets to the concert are priced at RM80 and RM50. For enquiries, call 011-10541880 or 016-8551000.