“To me the meanest flower that blows can give
Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears.”
— William Wordsworth, from Ode: Intimations of Immortality
The most enduring echoes are not those we hear, but those we carry with us. In Echoes Beyond, the YST Orchestral Institute presents a programme of searching, transformation and renewal, reflecting on the enduring impact of a life well lived.
The evening opens with Charles Ives’ The Unanswered Question, a ‘cosmic landscape’ of humanity’s eternal search for meaning, followed by Richard Strauss’ Death and Transfiguration—a richly imagined depiction of an artist’s final moments, from earthly struggle towards transcendence and fulfilment.
We are then joined by YST Head of Piano Studies Professor Albert Tiu and Cello Faculty Professor Qin Li-Wei in two contrasting reflections on memory and place: Harry Sdraulig’s Fantasia on Waltzing Matilda, an imaginative reworking of Australia’s beloved bush ballad, and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Spring Waters, a vocal romance capturing spring’s triumphant arrival.
The evening culminates in Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3, one of his most celebrated and demanding works, performed by YST Concerto Competition 2026 Prizewinner Jiang Qifan (BMus3).
Echoes Beyond honours the memory of longtime YST benefactor Mr Tan Kah Tee, whose generosity transformed the educational journeys of countless YST students through his support of the Conservatory’s artistic and educational mission. His legacy lives on through the music, the students and the community he so deeply believed in.
Supported by the Shaw Foundation Ones to Watch series.
PROGRAMME
YST ORCHESTRAL INSTITUTE
with
JASON LAI, conductor
and
ALBERT TIU, piano
QIN LI-WEI, cello
JIANG QIFAN (BMus3), piano
CHARLES IVES
The Unanswered Question, S.50
RICHARD STRAUSS
Death and Transfiguration, Op. 24
HARRY SDRAULIG
Fantasia on Waltzing Matilda
SERGEI RACHMANINOFF
Spring Waters, Op. 14, No. 11
Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30
TICKETING INFORMATION
Tickets at $26 via yst.eventbrite.com
Patrons without valid tickets will not be allowed entry. Out of respect for all patrons, late admission will only be allowed at suitable intervals. No children under 6 years of age will be allowed admission. Food and drinks are not allowed inside the venue.
No refunds, exchanges, or cancellations will be accepted for inability to attend, change of plans, or failure to show up on the day of the event/session.
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ACCESSIBILITY
YST offers step-free access from the street to all venues within the building. Accessible seating arrangements can be made for patrons with access needs. If you require more information about our facilities or wish to book accessible seats, please contact muscomms@nus.edu.sg