SMU Chinese Orchestra premieres a new composition And Beyond in the SMU25 Arts Festival concert
In the COMMISSIONS concert held at the SOTA Concert Hall, the SMU Chinese Orchestra premiered And Beyond, a new work by local composer Mr Eric Watson, conducted by Mr Quek Ling Kiong. The concert reaffirmed SMU’s long-standing tradition of commissioning local works, a rare initiative for a non-conservatory university. The concert used large visual images and lighting designs inspired by the concept of each song to augment the presentation to the audience.
About the composition:
And Beyond is a celebratory composition created to mark 25 years of genesis and growth of SMU. In shaping the piece, the composer endeavoured to capture the spirit and intent of the anniversary theme "Celebrating Meaningful Impact: 25 Years and Beyond" in the general tone of the composition. The overall mood of the music and its varied textures ranges from full orchestral passages, expressive solo instrumenting to quiet meaningful strings, and boisterous yet controlled percussions.
SMU’s 25-year journey has left a deep and far-reaching impact, extending beyond Singapore through the establishment of campuses in Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. To reflect this expanding influence, the composer weaves into the orchestral tapestry three instruments from these countries—the Dan Bau, Khong Wong Yai, and Angklung—which enter the work about one-third of the way through, symbolizing unity across cultures and communities.
The occasion celebrates only the first chapter of SMU’s story. The title, And Beyond, points toward the meaningful future ahead—one filled with exciting possibilities, continued growth, and new horizons yet to be discovered.
About the composition:
And Beyond is a celebratory composition created to mark 25 years of genesis and growth of SMU. In shaping the piece, the composer endeavoured to capture the spirit and intent of the anniversary theme "Celebrating Meaningful Impact: 25 Years and Beyond" in the general tone of the composition. The overall mood of the music and its varied textures ranges from full orchestral passages, expressive solo instrumenting to quiet meaningful strings, and boisterous yet controlled percussions.
SMU’s 25-year journey has left a deep and far-reaching impact, extending beyond Singapore through the establishment of campuses in Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. To reflect this expanding influence, the composer weaves into the orchestral tapestry three instruments from these countries—the Dan Bau, Khong Wong Yai, and Angklung—which enter the work about one-third of the way through, symbolizing unity across cultures and communities.
The occasion celebrates only the first chapter of SMU’s story. The title, And Beyond, points toward the meaningful future ahead—one filled with exciting possibilities, continued growth, and new horizons yet to be discovered.