Established in 2007, Ding Yi Music Company (previously known as Arts Sphere Chamber Ensemble) has been recognised as one of Singapore’s most prodigious Chinese chamber music ensemble. Captivating audiences with its distinctive approach to music-making and dedication to showcasing a vast repertoire that ranges from traditional Chinese music to contemporary avant-garde interpretations and cross-genre works, the ensemble has also premiered many compositions by award-winning composers such as Eric James Watson (British), Cao Wen Gong (China), Wang Jian Min (China), JeanY. Foo (Singapore-born Chinese-American), as well as local composers such as Emily Koh and Wang Chen Wei. It has also collaborated with prominent musicians such as Min Huifen and Lu Chun Ning in many well-received concerts and received accolades from critics and audiences alike.
Under the direction of the Music Director Dr Tay Teow Kiat, and the Conductor Mr Quek Ling Kiong, the chamber ensemble has garnered distinctions and prizes both locally and abroad. With a constellation of 20 of Singapore’s most dynamic, talented and multiple award-winning musicians, most of whom went through professional training at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, it first drew national attention in 2008 by winning the First Prize in the Singapore National Arts Council Chinese Music Competition. In the subsequent year, it emerged Champion in the prestigious Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod held in Wales, United Kingdom; and more recently it clinched the Silver Award in the 28th Shanghai Spring International Music Festival.
DingYi Music Company also places great emphasis on promoting new compositions for the Chinese chamber ensemble and it has established the Composium, a triennial composition festival which includes composition competition, symposiums and performances that encourages new compositions from local and international composers. Through the support of the National Arts Council, private patrons, companies and luminaries from the regional Chinese orchestra music scene, Ding Yi Music Company hopes to explore, discover, and create a unique sound for Singapore.
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