SSO and Ding Yi weave Chinese and Western musical voices into a rich, contemporary soundscape, celebrating cultural dialogue, collaboration, and Singapore’s evolving artistic identity.

In an exciting cross-cultural collaboration this January, Elements – SSO × Ding Yi brought together musicians from the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) and the renowned Ding Yi Music Company. Spanning continents and traditions, the program explored a vibrant fusion of Chinese and Western musical languages, reflecting Singapore’s unique cultural identity through sound.

Under the baton of conductor Wong De Li, the evening featured a thoughtfully curated programme, including the SSO commission Gathered by the Winds by Singaporean composer Sulwyn Lok, Shades of Oil Lamps by Ho Chee Kong, and works by Chinese-American composers Tan Dun and Zhou Long. Across the concert, traditional Asian instruments and Western orchestral forces intertwined in a dynamic and evocative musical journey.

The concert opened with the world premiere of the Chinese chamber ensemble version of Sulwyn Lok’s Gathered by the Winds (四风吟). The work serves as a musical invitation to reflect on the relationship between humanity and the natural world, particularly across regions stretching from northern to southern China. It began with the familiar, timeless strains of the guzheng, grounding the ensemble with a sense of calm assurance. Throughout the piece, phrasing and dynamics were handled with sensitivity, allowing the music to unfold organically and expressively.

Next was Tan Dun’s Eight Colours for String Quartet, an eight-movement work notable for its brevity and its roots in the stylistic gestures of Peking Opera. While the performance occasionally lacked the tight cohesion typical of a seasoned quartet, the musicians demonstrated admirable determination in navigating the piece’s demanding and unconventional techniques.

Following the intermission, the ensemble presented Shades of Oil Lamps for mixed ensemble by Ho Chee Kong. Inspired by Singapore’s multicultural heritage, the work evokes both past and present through its rich sonic palette. The gong, in particular, plays a significant role, echoing its historical function as a marker of time in traditional communities. The seamless integration of Western and Chinese instruments created a cohesive soundscape, reflecting the layered cultural resonance of the nation.

The evening concluded with the world premiere of the sextet version of Zhou Long’s Metal, Stone, Silk and Bamboo (金石丝竹), a three-movement work comprising San Xu (Prose-Prelude), Zhong Xu (Middle-Prelude), and Po (Broaching). Marked by contrasting tempos and textures, the piece vividly portrays shifting atmospheres and occasions. Anchored by the interplay between the dizi and the flute, the ensemble delivered a balanced and engaging performance, bringing the concert to a compelling close that was met with enthusiastic applause.

Overall, Elements – SSO × Ding Yi stood as a compelling testament to the possibilities of cross-cultural collaboration. By bridging musical traditions and reimagining them in a contemporary context, the concert not only celebrated diversity but also underscored the evolving identity of Singapore’s musical landscape.

Elements – SSO × Ding Yi played on 11th Janaury 2026 at theVictoria Concert Hall. More information available here