Well-crafted Singapore and Malaysia works in programme of art songs

The latest concert by the Association of Composers (Singapore) was held in collaboration with its counterpart from across the Causeway, Chin Yong Music Society Malaysia.

- Chang Tou Liang

Showcasing 17 works by I Singapore-based and six Malaysian composers, its theme was the genre of art songs (solos and duets) and piano trios.

Even the art songs, all sung in Mandarin, had a specific pastoral theme inspired by nature and the countryside.

All the vocal duets were by Malaysian composers, opening with Tee Xiao Xi’s Traveler, which saw soprano Stella Zhou partnered by baritone Lim Soon Gui, followed by Sebastian Ooi’s Little Sailboat, with Zhou and tenor Timothy Huang.

These songs were Romantic in character, melodious and possessing the amiable quality of folk songs. The well-matched singers blended well.

Jellal Koay’s atmospheric Forget was as beautiful as harmonies could get, while Wong Chee Wei’s Lingering In The Song Of That Night was a portrait of serenity and contentment.