Memoirs. De Melodies 吟逰 - A Unique Community Project

CENTRAL, Singapore - May 18, 2015 - PRLog -- Singapore (May 2015) – Inspired by International Music Exchange Programme OneBeat and supported by U.S. Embassy, Singapore and High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, Ruanatworkz Musical Arts is proud to present Memoirs. De Melodies 吟遊 on 1 & 2 July 2015, 8pm at the Esplanade Recital Studio.

Traditional culture especially traditional music is rapidly losing its place, especially amongst the young, thus Ruanatworkz strives to conserve and to rejuvenate the culture. Memoirs. De Melodies 吟遊, is the debut of a series of concerts which will bring together people of all races to witness the birth of ‘World Music’ – a perfect blend of cultures, values and traditions.

"Neil was a wonderful OneBeat participant -- there is a great sense of beauty & spirit in his musical voice, combined with a truly kind nature and a deep commitment to sharing his love of music, and his musical tradition, with people around the world," Elena Moon Park, OneBeat Director.

Performance by three highly acclaimed musicians - Liu Le (刘乐), a renowned Guzheng (古筝) Musician and a Guzheng Professor at the Traditional Music Department of Wuhan Conservatory of Music； Neil Chua WeyChong (蔡为仲), the first and youngest musician in Shanghai Conservatory of Music to receive a Master Degree in Arts (Zhong Ruan 中阮) and represented Malaysia in the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs International Exchange Programme OneBeat in 2014; and Tang XiaoFeng (汤晓风), one of China’s most prominent young contemporary Pipa (琵琶) virtuoso with award winning album (春色彩华) produced by EMI and was awarded the Japanese NHK Golden Recording Award.

Memoirs. De Melodies 吟遊 harmonizes all ethnicities with its blend of multi-cultural music and interactive programme. Beside direct interaction with the musicians, all audiences will be able to experience the process of composing music by being a musician themselves. Through this interactive activity using music as a common communication tool Memoirs. De Melodies 吟遊 bonds people of all races and cultures together to prove that music is without borders and is the bridge to connect all people.

Audiences can freely create any sound such as giving a ‘tap’ to their peers beside them, stamp their feet or even say ‘hi’ to the audience sitting behind or in front of them. Moreover, to celebrate Singapore 50th Birthday, the musicians will use excerpts from the various National Day Songs which are close to the hearts of all Singaporean such as ‘Chan Mali Chan’, ‘Home’ and amongst others as well as the sound created by the audiences to create a brand new impromptu music right on-the-spot! The newly composed music will also be recorded and uploaded onto our website (www.ruanatworkz.com). Audiences can freely download them and listen to their very own piece of music. Not just that, young Singaporean composer Mr. Tan Sung Wah has specially written an original piece ‘Radiohead’ for the 3 performing musicians and will debut at Memoirs. De Melodies 吟遊.

“Neil is the first Malaysian to be conferred a Master Degree in Arts (majoring in Zhong Ruan) from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and is also the first and only Malaysian to represent his country in the highly acclaimed international exchange programme OneBeat. We are proud to be part of his journey as he continues his effort to create positive impact to the communities,” Mdm. Kamsiah Kamaruddin, Malaysia’s Deputy High Commissioner to Singapore.

To further enhance our ‘World Music’ concept and to prove that music is without borders, Memoirs. De Melodies 吟遊 includes a fusion of cultural music which will incorporate traditional Chinese, Western, traditional Indian Dance and renowned Indonesian vocalist Ms. Peni Candrarini will also lend her voice to a Shadow Puppetry Show which is part of the Malay culture.

• Tickets are available at all SISTIC channels at $35.
• MasterCard Holders and NTUC Members enjoy 10% discount.
• Schools may utilize the Tote Board Arts Grants to subsidies up to 50% of the ticket prices under the National Arts Council – Public Arts Programme.

There will also be a complimentary Pre-Show & Networking session with the Musicians on 28 June 2015, 2pm – 3pm at One Marina Boulevard, NTUC Centre Level 7, Room 701. Our objective is mainly to cover 2 areas (1) how traditional music can be used to infuse with different musical elements from different cultures and (2) the revolution of Chinese traditional music. RSVP at ruanatworkz@gmail.com by 19 June 2015.

Memoirs. De Melodies 吟遊 is proudly sponsored by Chinese Language and Culture Fund, Eason Enterprises, Lee Foundation and National Integration Council. With Official Hotel, Rendezvous Hotel Singapore and supported by U.S. Embassy, Singapore and High Commission of Malaysia, Singapore.

For more information, please visit www.ruanatworkz.com.
For Memoirs. De Melodies 吟遊 Trailer please visit youtu.be/rVsoe9mx7Tc.