Singapore, 15 October 2014 (Wednesday) – The debut of SCO’s first Chinese-language Young People’s Concert – Voyage to Nanyang last year won rave reviews from parents and teachers where the kids learnt about Singapore’s history and culture through the story of “Ah De”.

Voyage to Nanyang is choreographed by SCO Resident Conductor Quek Ling Kiong. The concert illustrates the character “Ah De” (acted by Quek Ling Kiong), who arrived in Nanyang and settled in to Singapore. As a rickshaw puller, Ah De brought the kids to visit numerous signature historical streets and houses in the last episode – Voyage to Nanyang 1: Tunes of Old Streets. In the 2nd episode this November – Voyage to Nanyang 2: Mesmerising Street Opera, Ah De will bring the kids to experience the exquisiteness of local street operas! Together with Paper Monkey Theatre, audience will be enthralled by various forms of puppetry such as the Fujian glove puppets, Cantonese string puppets, Indian shadow puppets and more, with the introduction to Chinese orchestra music. Ah De will also be playing on a special instrument – the yajiao gu, a drum which produces different sounds by means of sliding the anklebone of the left foot along its surface. This instrument is a traditional instrument from the Liyuan Opera (a traditional performing tradition)!

Quek Ling Kiong shared, “Ah De represents the Chinese immigrants who came to Singapore between the 1920s and the 1930s in search of jobs. Through this character, we connect the past and current Singapore; introduce the lifes of our ancestors to the next generation, share with them the heritage and culture of the old Singapore. This is also a tribute to the pioneers who contributed to our society. This concert is suitable for family enjoyment. We encourage parents and grandparents to bring their young ones to this educational concert.”

SCO musicians will all be dressed to characters of the era such as samsui women, rickshaw pullers and coolies. If you’re looking for an enriching activity for your children, a concert filled with educational elements and music, don’t miss Voyage to Nanyang 2 – Mesmerising Street Opera on 14 & 15 November 2014. There will also be –a puppet making workshop for children on 15 November 2014. This concert will be presented in mandarin, suitable children 7 years and above. Tickets selling fast!

2014-10-15-1 Experience the golden age of local street operas in the second series of Voyage to Nanyang 2!
Ah De (Conductor): Quek Ling Kiong            Puppetry: Paper Monkey Theatre

2014-10-15-2 Experience the golden age of local street operas in the second series of Voyage to Nanyang 2!
Voyage to Nanyang

Concert details:

Voyage to Nanyang 2: Mesmerising Street Opera
Date/Time: 14 November 2014 (Fri), 10.30am 
15 November 2014 (Sat), 2.30pm & 5pm 
Venue: SCO Concert Hall
Ticket Price: $25 (excludes SISTIC fee)
10% off (3 tickets and above)
Tickets from SISTIC

Concert will be presented in mandarin, suitable for children 7 years and above.

Puppet Making Workshop (for ticket holders only)
Date/Time: 15 November 2014 (Sat), 1.30pm & 4pm
Free admission

Please contact Media Officers for more information, photographs and interviews.

Media Contacts

Pang Ze Shuen
Executive (Marketing Communications)
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DID: 6557 4037 / 8404 1944

Toi Liang Shing
Executive (Marketing Communications)
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DID: 6557 4020 / 9620 8280

Koh Mui Leng
Assistant Manager (Marketing Communications)
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DID: 6557 4047 / 9833 0556

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