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Saturday, 25 November 2023
Dream Beyond
A concert by the Singapore Chinese Orchestra featuring beneficiaries from our CSR youth engagement programme - Born to Be
Show content of Dream Beyond 2023
Deutsche Bank was delighted to partner with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) to present its ninth ‘Dream Beyond’ charity concert at the Singapore Conference Hall on 25 November 2023.
The concert featured the bank’s CSR Born to be beneficiaries from the Rainbow Centre and Life Community Services Society (LCSS), playing centre stage with the the SCO to an audience of hundreds.
Watch this video to see how this partnership continues to change young peoples' lives.
“An avenue for self expression”
After displaying an impressive aptitude for music, Daniel Lagman, Gene Tan, and Teo Joo Anne from the Rainbow Centre were handpicked by SCO for the bank’s Music Talent Development Programme six years ago.
For the children, who are on the autism spectrum, learning to play a musical instrument is an avenue for creativity and self-expression.
The Music Talent Development Programme develops students’ musical capabilities through customised one-on-one training.
Daniel and Gene have worked with SCO musician Ngoh Kheng Seng on percussion instruments such as the glockenspiel and drums. Joo Anne is being tutored in the guzheng, a Chinese plucked string instrument by SCO musician Xu Hui.
Music changed the children’s lives, helping them to focus, relax and giving their confidence a huge boost. This has improved their social skills and pushed them to expand their horizons, opening up a world of possibilities.
Welcoming new students
This year, a new group of children joined the programme from LCSS: Gay Jing Ru, Valerias Koh and Prudence Soon. After they were introduced to the ruan, a traditional Chinese instrument at an SCO workshop, they showed a keen interest to learn more.
The children then joined the Music Development Programme and have attended weekly lessons with SCO musician Foong Chui San since January. Their parents already see a positive change in their self-expression, confidence and maturity.
Deutsche Bank has worked with LCSS for 12 years. The charity focuses on transforming the lives of vulnerable children and low-income families in Singapore.
Show content of Featuring...
Guest of Honour
Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Social and Family Development
Conductor
Quek Ling Kiong
The Stars of Dream Beyond: participants in the Deutsche Bank – Singapore Chinese Orchestra Music Talent Development Programme
Alumni of the Rainbow Centre
Daniel Terence Lagman | Gene Tan | Teo Joo Anne
Life Community Services Society
Gay Jing Ru | Valerias Koh | Prudence Soo
Deutsche Bank Volunteer Emcees
Oliver Bettin | Kelly Tan
Deutsche Bank Singers
Fitri Ardani | Ujjaini Ghosh
Deutsche Bank Volunteers (Additional Support)
Yvonne Choo | Eva Chong | Valerie Lim | Rehana Macdonald | Leslie Wong
Video Production
Createurs Productions
Deutsche Bank's corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy is to enable economies and communities to prosper. By doing this, we aim to create a positive impact for people and society at large. To achieve this goal, we collaborate with charity partners, community leaders, governments and our employee volunteers.
Our long term partnership with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) has successfully demonstrated the power of music to change young people’s lives through our CSR Born to Be music programmes.
The annual Dream Beyond concert is an opportunity for these young talents to showcase their development under the expert tutelage of the SCO.
Through Plus You, our employee volunteering and fundraising initiative, our employees support our CSR priorities and in turn, we support theirs. The participation of employees beyond their day jobs enables us to do so much more. This concert showcases the talents of our employees in various roles, helping performers with their make-up, hosting as emcees, and performing with the orchestra.
Show content of Concert Programme
1. Amazing Grace
Christian Hymn, Rearranged by Eric Watson
A Christian hymn known for its powerful and redemptive message, ‘Amazing Grace’ embodies a devotee’s deep sense of humility and awe in their faith. Exploring themes of redemption and salvation, its simple yet profoundly moving melody has touched the hearts of many, contributing to its immense popularity. The piece has since transcended its religious origins, becoming a cultural icon that has inspired countless individuals, and has been widely recorded and adapted in various musical styles,
2. 《冬》 Winter
Composed by Lo Leung Fai
Embracing the theme of the ‘Four Seasons’, this composition takes the form of a short sonata, marking the final work Mr Lo Leung Fai composed for the Chinese orchestra. Completed on 22 August 1984, the piece stands as a poignant testament to the multifaceted nature of winter. The composer skilfully captures the essence of this seemingly cold, harsh season within his musical narrative, painting images of both a desolate winter, as well as the warmth of life and the hope that thrives beyond its seemingly heartless demeanour.
3. 《冬至》Winter Solstice
Composed by Zhang Yima
中阮 Zhongruan: Foong Chui San, Gay Jing Ru, Valerias Koh, Prudence Soo
古筝 Guzheng: Teo Joo Anne
A zhongruan sextet composed by Zhang Yima, this piece was originally crafted for the ‘China Mount Wutai Film’. The composition unfolds wistfully, featuring an intricately woven melody that evokes a sense of serenity and tranquil joy. Also embedded within the composition are subtle references to Buddhist themes, adding another layer of spiritual depth to its sonic tapestry.
This afternoon’s arrangement will feature zhongruan students, Gay Jing Ru, Valerias Koh and Prudence Soo from Life Community Services Society, as well as Teo Joo Anne on the guzheng.
4. Twelve Days of Christmas
Christmas Carol, Rearranged by Liong Kit Yeng
打击乐 Percussion: Daniel Lagman, Gene Tan
A traditional English Christmas carol, ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ is perhaps a perfect embodiment of the season of giving. Whimsical yet extravagant, the lyrics detail a cumulative list of gifts given over the twelve days of Christmas, and has since become a festive and popular carol.
This afternoon’s arrangement will showcase the percussion skills of longstanding students Gene Tan and Daniel Lagman.
5. 《夏日圣诞旋风》 Summer Wonderland
Composed by Phang Kok Jun
Make no mistake - despite its tropical sounding title, this is a medley of Christmas songs comprising of “Frosty the Snowman”, “Let it Snow”, “White Christmas”, and “Winter Wonderland”, introduced by a quotation of the Chinese orchestra classic, Lu Liang Hui’s “冬” (Winter) at the very beginning. This ironic selection of songs related to and inspired by snow hopes to bring some wintry feels into Singapore, turning this summer wonderland into a winter one!
6. 《圣诞组曲》Familiar Christmas Tunes
Arranged by Chen Ning-chi
Deutsche Bank singers: Fitri Ardani, Ujjaini Ghosh
马铃 Sleigh Bells: Ngoh Kheng Seng, Daniel Lagman, Gene Tan
古筝 Guzheng: Xu Hui, Teo Joo Anne
中阮 Zhongruan: Foong Chui San, Gay Jing Ru, Valerias Koh, Prudence Soo
A festive medley of beloved Christmas tunes, join in the celebrations as our performers pour their hearts into a captivating on-stage celebration!
From the timeless melodies of ‘Joy to the World’, ‘Silent Night’, and ‘Jingle Bells’, let us come together in our collective love for music – an inclusive and universal language that resonates instinctively with us all.
This special arrangement will feature the SCO, students from the Music Talent Development Programme, their dedicated instructors, as well as vocal contributions from the staff of Deutsche Bank.
Show content of Music Talent Development Programme with Rainbow Centre Alumni
Everyone needs help to realise their potential. As part of our CSR Born to Be youth engagement initiative, Deutsche Bank has been partnering the Singapore Chinese Orchestra and Rainbow Centre to provide music training to students with special needs.
Daniel Lagman, Gene Tan and Teo Joo Anne started learning music with a group of other Rainbow Centre students in 2015 under the Deutsche Bank – Singapore Chinese Orchestra Music Programme, when they were barely ten years old.
The three of them displayed an impressive aptitude in music and were handpicked by SCO for our Music Talent Development Programme in 2017, which focuses on developing these students’ musical capabilities through customised one-on-one training.
Daniel and Gene have been working with SCO musician Ngoh Kheng Seng on percussion instruments such as the glockenspiel and drums. Joo Anne is being tutored in the guzheng, a Chinese plucked string instrument, under the guidance of SCO musician Xu Hui.
Learning to play a musical instrument offered the children, who are on the autism spectrum, an avenue for creative self-expression. Music changed their lives, helped them to focus, relax and gave their confidence a huge boost, which has improved their social skills. It also pushed them to expand their horizons, opening up a world of possibilities.
Over the years, Daniel has become more confident on stage, refining both his focus and discipline. He has also become a better communicator and has expressed pride and joy in his own performances on stage. Daniel has graduated from Rainbow Centre and is currently enrolled in Metta School, taking up a 2-year ITE skills certificate in baking. He will be undergoing on-the-job training with an F&B company next year. Daniel’s parents look forward to him working as a baker, as well as his part time studies in art and drawing at ArtDis.
Gene’s communication skills and patience have improved significantly over the years. He has demonstrated increased independence and is able to navigate public transport on his own. He has cultivated a good friendship with his SCO instructor Ngoh Kheng Seng. With such promising growth, his father has now granted him the freedom to make his own decisions regarding his daily activities, which Gene has taken on in a responsible manner. Gene will be graduating from Rainbow Centre this year, and will be attending ASPN’s Delta Senior School to explore potential job opportunities for his future.
Joo Anne initially struggled with communication, low self-esteem, and erratic mood swings. Through extensive coaching from SCO musician Xu Hui, Joo Anne is not only a better communicator, she also feels proud to be acknowledged for her musical abilities, taking initiative in her practice sessions. She has graduated from Rainbow Centre and is attending Metta School, where she’s also provided with performing opportunities. Joo Anne’s mother can sense her happiness in receiving such opportunities. Metta School is currently exposing Joo Anne to various work environments. Her mother is hoping that she can acquire technical skills before entering the workforce.
Their parents and teachers are incredibly proud of what they have achieved. Deutsche Bank is honoured to have been able to support them on their journey.
Daniel (extreme right) playing the tambourine and handbells in 2015
Gene (left) playing the glockenspiel in 2016
Daniel (right) playing the glockenspiel in 2016
Gene playing the glockenspiel in 2018
Daniel playing the drums and Joo Anne on the guzheng in 2018
Gene and Daniel playing the glockenspiel in 2019
Joo Anne playing the guzheng in 2019
Joo Anne on the guzheng in 2021
Gene and Daniel on the drums in 2022
Show content of Music Talent Development Programme with Life Community Services Society
(Left to right) Valerias, Jing Ru, Prudence
This year we are proud to introduce you to a new group of children who have experienced the transformative power of music – Gay Jing Ru, Valerias Koh and Prudence Soon from Life Community Services Society (LCSS).
Deutsche Bank has worked with LCSS for 12 years and are humbled by their work in transforming the lives of vulnerable children and families from the less fortunate in the community. Last December, we offered tickets to LCSS to take the children under their care to an SCO interactive workshop on the ruan, a traditional Chinese plucked string instrument similar to a lute. Jing Ru, Valerias and Prudence enjoyed the workshop and showed a keen interest to learn more. That is how they came to be part of the Deutsche Bank-Singapore Chinese Orchestra Music Training Programme. They have been attending weekly lessons with SCO musician Foong Chui San since January this year.
Their parents have seen a positive change in the girls.
Since taking up the ruan, Jing Ru, age 12, has grown more mature. She has gained a newfound ability to listen to what is happening around her and engage in deep thought. She is now more self-confident and, of her own accord, is making a concerted effort to manage her consumption of sweets.
Once reserved, Valerias, age 10, has become more vocal and expressive. She has stopped bickering with her friends. She has developed an interest in music and enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to learn a new musical instrument.
Prudence, age 11, no longer hides away from people and does not isolate herself from her peers as much as she used to. She has created a circle of friends for herself at the LCSS centre. Music has helped her find her voice and she now expresses herself with greater clarity and ease, more so at the centre than at school.
Show content of About Singapore Chinese Orchestra and Conductor Quek Ling Kiong
About Singapore Chinese Orchestra
Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO), inaugurated in 1997, is Singapore’s only professional national Chinese orchestra. SCO, made up of more than 80 musicians, occupies the Singapore Conference Hall, which is a national monument. With Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong as its patron, SCO takes on the twin role of preserving traditional arts and culture and establishing its unique identity through the incorporation of Southeast Asian cultural elements in its music.
SCO has impressed a broadening audience with its blockbuster presentations and is fast establishing itself around the world. In 2009, SCO made history by becoming the first Chinese orchestra to perform in the opening week of the Edinburgh Festival, and in 2010, performed in Paris as part of the Singapour Festivarts.
Well-known for its high performance standards and versatility, SCO has toured various countries and cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Xiamen, Nanjing, Suzhou, Macau, Hungary and England. The year 2019 also saw SCO performing in Asia Culture Centre, Gwangju, South Korea and completing the Europe Concert Tour in Berlin (Germany), Prague (Czech Republic), Forli (Italy) and Ioannina (Greece). In August 2022, an ensemble of 5 SCO musicians was invited to Nuremberg (Germany) by the Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra to perform at the Klassik Open Air, an annual large-scale outdoor concert that was attended by over 75,000 audience. SCO was invited once again to the 22nd China Shanghai International Arts Festival (CSIAF) in 2023 and performed three shows to critical acclaim. This is SCO’s third invitation back to the prestigious arts festival held annually in China. These international platforms provided SCO with the opportunities to showcase its talents and music, propelling it to the forefront of the international music arena.
With its vision to be a world-renowned people’s orchestra, SCO widens its outreach by performing regularly at various national parks, communities and schools. SCO also commissions its own compositions. It is with this vision that SCO continues to inspire, influence, educate and communicate through its music.
About Conductor Quek Ling Kiong
Quek Ling Kiong is the first Principal Conductor of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) to have been born and bred in Singapore. Widely hailed as the “People’s Conductor”, he has more than 25 years of professional musical experience under his belt. He assumed the role of Principal Conductor in 2023, after a decade as its Resident Conductor.
He began his journey with the SCO in 1997 as its Percussion Principal after graduating from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. A rising star, Quek went on to earn the Singapore National Arts Council’s (NAC) prestigious Young Artist Award in 2002. As his focus shifted to conducting, he became SCO’s first Conducting Assistant in 2003, before heading to the Zurich University of the Arts where he obtained a diploma in advanced studies in 2008. He took up the baton as the SCO’s Associate Conductor upon returning.
Quek is active in the international music scene, with a robust reputation beyond Singapore’s shores. He has guest-conducted esteemed Chinese orchestras such as the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra, Guangdong Chinese Orchestra, and the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra. He also conducted symphony orchestras in the Czech Republic during a residency in Europe. Well-versed in the musical cultures of East and West, he counts maestros Tay Teow Kiat, Xia Feiyun, Tsung Yeh, Johannes Schlaefli, and Kirk Trevor among his diverse mentors.
Besides helming one of the world’s leading Chinese orchestras, Quek is also passionate about education. He is the Music Director of the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra (SNYCO) and has conducted it since 2004, taking it on tours to the Tainan International Arts Festival, Hsinchu Chinese Music Festival, and other cities. As Principal Guest Conductor of Singapore’s Ding Yi Music Company (2016-2022), he also conceptualised the Ding Yi Chinese Chamber Music Festival and the composition festival Composium.
Quek is known for his bold, charismatic approach to conducting and bringing Chinese orchestral music to the masses through innovative programmes and storytelling. He led the SCO ensemble in sold-out and acclaimed shows such as the Young Children’s Concert, Young People’s Concert, Mother’s Day Concert, and Concert-In-Progress. In line with his desire to bring music to all, he became the Artistic Director of Singapore and Hong Kong’s largest inclusive orchestras –The Purple Symphony and True Colors Symphony– in 2015 and 2019 respectively.
His achievements have garnered him accolades such as the NAC Cultural Fellowship (2013) and the Meritorious Award by the Composers and Authors Society of Singapore (2016). The Quek Ling Kiong Arts and Culture Scholarship was also established at the Singapore Management University in 2019 in honour of his contributions to the arts.