Nanyang Chinese Orchestra (NYCO) was founded in 1976 with the aim of promoting an appreciation for Chinese music and grooming outstanding musicians. The orchestra is currently directed by Singapore Chinese Orchestra conducting assistant and musician Lim Kiong Pin (林向斌). Under the guidance of Mr Lim, NYCO strives to bring the best to every stage.
Today, the orchestra is made up of approximately 100 members. Performing repertoire in solo, chamber, and full orchestra settings, NYCO explores a variety of music genres, ranging from traditional Chinese Opera pieces to pop music and rock renditions.
The orchestra’s accolades include the prestigious Gold with Honours awards at the 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011 Singapore Youth Festival Central Judging, and Certificates of Distinction at the 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021 and 2023 Singapore Youth Festival Arts Presentation. NYCO achieved the Gold Award in the Chinese Ensemble division of the 2019 Nanyang International Music Competition held by Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, and in November 2022 won Second and Third place in the Singapore Chinese Music Competition.
The orchestra performs extensively in public concerts as well as private and school functions. A major event for NYCO is a student-run concert put up every two years to share the musical rewards of the orchestra’s efforts with the school community and beyond. These concerts are also a platform for orchestra members to be involved in what goes on behind the scenes, including stage design, creative concept, programming, and publicity.
Attending public Chinese Orchestra concerts is another highlight of members’ musical journey with NYCO. These opportunities to experience other ensembles perform live serve to broaden the musicians’ perspectives on Chinese music and reflect on their own musicianship. Other than that, as part of NYCO’s initiative to include Values in Action (VIA) in CCA, the orchestra has collaborated with the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH).
NYCO is not only a space for students to develop their interest in Chinese music and hone their musicianship, but is also a place to build character. The orchestra aims to foster team players and develop leadership potential in their members. Camps and inter-school music exchanges are also opportunities for members to have fun together, forgiving friendships and bonds within this community.
NYCO wholeheartedly welcomes students with the passion for music and desire to work with others to create music.
TRAINING
Training Frequency: Tuesday and Thursday, 3.30pm to 6pm
ANECDOTES
The following are reflections from some of the current orchestra members:
“从踏入南中华乐的那一刻，我就已经知道，我绝对不会后悔。还记得初次被欢迎进这个大家庭时的忐忑，陌生生疏的话题让怯生的表情不自觉地爬上了脸庞，学姐们却热情未减，一一给我们介绍着关于这里的一切，我们慢慢放下了警戒，准备迎来新的体验。或许是华乐自带的表演性质，慢慢带出了我活泼踊跃的一面，勇于对疑惑提出质疑，直截了当地把问题解开。面对着一次次的挑战，我在学姐们的影响下变得更加坚韧、勇于尝试、勇于挑战自己。现在的我们已经熟悉了这个温暖的家庭、厚实的后盾，华乐不仅仅是音乐的诞生之地，更是孕育难忘回忆及友情的港湾。若时光倒流，南洋华乐依然是我无悔的选择。”
Koh Hui Geok Tiffany, Dizi member of NYCO, on her experience of being in the orchestra
“When I joined NYCO in 2022 with no prior experience whatsoever, sure I expected to find hours long of practicing, tough instructors and many anxiety inducing performances. However, what I did not expect to find was a family outside of school, willing to support each other regardless of experience levels. In the recent FOA (2024), where NYCO performed a total of 10 pieces, I found myself growing, making mistakes and improving more than ever. We pushed each other to be better, not out of competition, but because of our shared passion for music and performance and it became one of my most memorable performances in NYCO. Although there were times where I was so tired and did not want to go to CCA, however, I believe that the camps, celebrations and performances balance it out. To me, NYCO is a place where you will build your skills but also make lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories.”
Cellyn Eng Yuin Qqi, Cellobass member of NYCO, on her experience of being in the orchestra.
“Four years of being in CO have taught me to dedicate myself as a member of this orchestra. There is an abundance of opportunities that NYCO has provided me with, such as chances to go to music camps and competitions with my fellow orchestra members. Each and every one of them have expanded my horizons. They have given me valuable exposure to the wonderfully vibrant music scene in Singapore. After committing to being a member of the orchestra all these years, I have grown to love everything it has to offer. From batchmates and friends whom I have come to see as family, to instructors who have taught me everything I know- I know that NYCO will always be a part of my identity. “Four years of being in CO have taught me to dedicate myself as a member of this orchestra. There is an abundance of opportunities that NYCO has provided me with, such as chances to go to music camps and competitions with my fellow orchestra members. Each and every one of them have expanded my horizons. They have given me valuable exposure to the wonderfully vibrant music scene in Singapore. After committing to being a member of the orchestra all these years, I have grown to love everything it has to offer. From batchmates and friends whom I have come to see as family, to instructors who have taught me everything I know- I know that NYCO will always be a part of my identity. “
Shen Xi Ran, Percussion member in NYCO on her experience of being in the orchestra
I came into NYCO with no music background whatsoever and had absolutely no idea of what to expect in an orchestra, so unsurprisingly, the idea of CCA was really anxiety-inducing for me in the beginning. But now, looking back on my four years of being in NYCO, I can say with utmost confidence that our conductor and my section’s instructor have eased me wonderfully into the process of learning a new instrument as well as coming to appreciate the intricacies of music. Needless to say, I am also immensely grateful for my sectionmates and CCA mates for being trusty pillars of help and support whenever I need it, be it problems outside of CO, like “how to solve this maths question” or tricky stressful situations that require time to process and deal with.
Amy Ong, Suona member in NYCO on her experience of being in the orchestra
NYCO holds a very special place in my heart because of the people I interact with and the things that we do. When we witness how our music comes together, it is one of the most magical things we can ever experience. I feel the proudest when I am on stage with my CCA mates and the happiest when I know I have spent a good four years with the best people I will ever meet in my life. Due to our extremely large orchestra of about 100 people, there is a lot of diversity. Despite our differences, music is what brings us together and that is when nothing else matters but the music we create. NYCO has contributed so much in my growth, whether it be in leadership or in musical skills, but one thing that is for sure is that we are blessed to have the best teachers and instructors to guide us along the way. If I were ever given the opportunity to choose my CCA again, I would put NYCO in every single time and I would never trade it for anything else.
Kerry Lim, Pipa member in NYCO on her experience of being in the orchestra
GALLERY
