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Siong Leng Musical Association

Siong Leng Musical Association is a recipient of the National Arts Council Major Grant (2022 – 2025).

Established in 1941, Siong Leng owes its success to its late chairman, Mr. Teng Mah Seng. Under his guidance, Siong Leng became an arts company that preserves and promotes Nanyin. Mr. Teng received the Cultural Medallion in 1987 in recognition of his passionate contributions to Nanyin. As Siong Leng’s chairman, he continuously worked to reform and revive Nanyin, revitalising Nanyin by writing new lyrics and music that were livelier and more relatable. With his dedication and perseverance, Nanyin was given a new life.

In 1983, Siong Leng participated in the 37th Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and won third place in the folk solo category with Mr. Teng’s work “Reminiscence”, as well as fourth place in the folk ensemble category with the traditional Nanyin piece “Trotting Horses”.In 2010, Siong Leng took part in the same competition and won the first prize in the folk solo category with Mr. Teng’s work “Facets of Life”.

Siong Leng organised the inaugural Southeast Asia Nanyin Conference in 1977, the International Nanyin Concert & Symposium in 2000, the International Youth Nanyin Concert and Symposium in 2015, as well as the International Youth Nanyin Festival in 2018. To foster and maintain close relations with other Nanyin musicians worldwide and to stay updated on the development of Nanyin, the company actively participates in international Nanyin symposiums across Asia, contributing to the efforts of promoting and developing this ancient art form. Siong Leng has also toured and performed in major cities and countries in Europe, Asia, and the United States of America.

In 2017, Siong Leng was the recipient of the inaugural ‘Singapore Chinese Cultural Contribution Award’, awarded by the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre. In 2021, Siong Leng was awarded ‘The Stewards of Intangible Cultural Heritage Award’ by the National Heritage Board.
 

Nam Hwa Teochew Music Ensemble

Established in 2017, Nam Hwa Teochew Music Ensemble is a subsidiary of Nam Hwa Opera. Comprising passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, the Ensemble brings together musicians with a shared interest in Teochew music. Despite their non-professional status, they uphold a commitment to professionalism, striving to present splendid programmes and promote traditional Teochew music to audiences. The Ensemble is dedicated to researching, documenting, creating and presenting cultural programs that embody the distinctive characteristics of Teochew music and culture. Energetic young members share the stage with esteemed senior members. Occasionally, the Ensemble would invite the internationally renowned Teochew music master, Mr Li Xianlie, to guide and teach the members. Always committed to promoting and developing traditional Teochew music while innovating and cultivating talents, Nam Hwa Teochew Music Ensemble takes pride in fostering a favourable artistic environment for Teochew music in Singapore.

Conductor

Gao Ruikai enrolled in the Jieyang City School of the Arts in 2013 to major in Teochew drumming, training to be a lead drummer under the guidance of Wang Chunpeng. During his studies, he participated in various large-scale programs and competitions, achieving excellent results. In 2016, he was posted to Chaoyang, Guangdong, where he performed in renowned theatres both domestically and internationally. In 2022, he was engaged as the lead drummer of Nam Hwa Opera.