In an ever-changing world of endless possibilities, Tan Chai Suang (‘14, Horn) encourages young musicians to “embrace every opportunity you have – you can never be too prepared!”
Upon graduating from YST, Chai Suang furthered her studies at the Hochschule Luzern (HSLU), completing a Masters in Performance under the tutelage of Olivier Darbellay. Hoping to develop herself holistically to impact the greater music community, she went on to enrol in the Music Pedagogy programme at HSLU, where she later realised her passion remained largely centred around performance.
Aspiring to be an orchestra musician even prior to her undergraduate studies, Chai Suang was exposed to and inspired by the variety of pathways as a musician during her time in YST and HSLU. “I have colleagues who specialise in music therapy, teaching and coaching at various levels, as well as orchestra management. Thanks to YST, I got to experience being a stage crew, usher, and orchestra librarian. In Switzerland, I had the opportunity to perform in various events and settings, such as church masses, contemporary music ensemble, chamber orchestra with both modern horn and natural horn.”
Nonetheless, Chai Suang was determined to build her career as an orchestra musician. Following her first semester of Music Pedagogy studies, she received news from Mr Han Chang Chou (whom she studied with in YST) about orchestra job vacancies in China. “I immediately started making recordings and attending auditions, and eventually landed a place in the National Centre for the Performing Arts Orchestra (NCPAO), China.”
“I now serve as Associate Principal Horn at NCPAO, and through our various concerts and opera productions, I’m able to stay connected with various genres of classical music – that’s what I enjoy the most about my job. I’m particularly looking forward to a chamber concert this month where we will play in a brass ensemble with Mr Han, my horn teacher in YST. It’s great to be working with our teachers after graduation, and bringing back memories of the good old times!”
Now living in Beijing, Chai Suang enjoys being surrounded by historical monuments and architecture amidst the modern city. While the COVID-19 pandemic posed travel restrictions, Chai Suang has been keeping in touch with her family in Malaysia. “Thanks to the convenience of technology, I’m able to video call my family – but I definitely miss home a lot!”
Speaking about how the pandemic has affected the lives of musicians, Chai Suang adds: “We have discovered several new ways of presenting, discussing and even teaching the arts. It is no doubt that traditional live performances have been and will always be crucial in allowing performers and audiences to connect in an irreplaceable way. However, the past two years have allowed us to reach out to larger audiences on various platforms, as well as collaborate virtually with colleagues from around the world.”
In this age of advanced technology where a wealth of information and resources are within reach, Chai Suang believes that musicians should be open to learning as much as possible. “With a balance of optimism and discipline, your hard work will lead you to your best future.”
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