Singapore Symphony Orchestra Explores the Elements of Chinese & Asian Music with Ding Yi

CONTENT: Michelle Ng

In a bold cultural collaboration, Singapore Symphony Orchestra joins forces with Ding Yi to explore a fusion of East meets West to kick off 2026. Happening on 11 January 2026 for one night only at Victoria Concert Hall, musicians from SSO and Ding Yi will present a repertoire that showcases Chinese and Asian styles alongside Western musical traditions from local and regional composers.

Led by Wong De Li Dedric, the two musical groups shapes a powerful dialogue between the classical traditions, starting with Sulwyn Lok’s Gathered by the Winds《四风吟》. Lean into shifting textures and tonal colours inspired by the wind before we move into Eight Colours for String Quartet by Tan Dun of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon fame. The acclaimed Chinese composer draws inspiration from traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy, translating brushstrokes and ink washes into musical gestures like sliding tones and percussive bowing into a contrasting sonic landscape.

Ho Chee Kong’s Shades of Oil Lamps and Zhou Long’s Metal, Stone, Silk and Bamboo《金石丝竹》close the evening with a captivating mix of textures and tones. From the flicker of oil lamps to the resonant sounds of metal, stone, silk, and bamboo, these works create an immersive, unforgettable finale that lingers long after the last note.

Elements – SSO × Ding Yi is happening on 11 January 2026 at Victoria Concert Hall. Tickets are available  at Sistic from S$30.