The Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music is pleased to announce a new collaboration with the Kids’ Philharmonic@SG for its 2020 edition of the Double Time programme, as part of the Conservatory’s drive to engage the wider musical ecosystem. This edition follows from 2019’s pilot initiative, where children aged 9-11 learned second instruments in a creative, exploratory environment, working with YST students and the Aurora Orchestra (UK).
Double Time 2020 will work with students from the Kids’ Philharmonic’s senior group (aged 12-16) to develop their musical curiosity, understanding and creativity. Over the course of ten sessions, students will delve into works by composer Ludwig van Beethoven and create collaborative music pieces of their own, working towards public performances in April 2020. In recognition of Beethoven’s 250th birthday, the curriculum draws on his symphonic works as a starting point for further explorations in musicianship. The programme also marks the beginning of a three-year partnership between YST and the Kids’ Philharmonic to develop cooperation in student artistic development.
Assoc Prof Brett Stemple, Vice Dean (Performance & Artistic Research) at YST shared, “Through Double Time, we pair young musicians with our orchestral pedagogy students to work alongside each other – a powerful platform for mutual sharing and exchange. This edition, we are delighted to work with the Kids’ Philharmonic, exploring new approaches and ensemble formats that offer a fresh perspective on orchestral practice.”
Luo Wei, Vice-President of the Kids’ Philharmonic@SG said, “We are excited to embark on a creative, engaging musical journey through this new partnership with YST, and for our students to gain new experiences through working alongside YST student mentors.”
Dr Khoo Hui Ling, Instructor (Contextual Studies) at YST noted, “Through engaging with the musical concepts and context surrounding Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and extending into improvisation, we seek to develop well-rounded musicianship in our participants. For YST students who are serving as mentors, this connection of teaching and learning also enriches their own work as musicians.”
The Kids’ Philharmonic@SG is Singapore’s first and only orchestra which features musicians from ages as young as 6 to 17 playing alongside each other. Established in 2012 by Lee Hoon Piek, the orchestra consists of 140 young musicians who play across three ensembles according to skill level, all under the guidance of a team of dedicated professional instructors. It aims to nurture Singaporean children and youth, supporting their development as dedicated musicians, appreciative audiences, responsible young adults and passionate advocates for the arts in Singapore.
Youths who are interested in participating in Double Time 2020 (including 2019 participants) are welcome to audition to join the Kids’ Philharmonic (see details below). Through playing in Kids’ Philharmonic@SG, they can receive longer-term orchestral training as well as access to Double Time.
Prof Bernard Lanskey, Dean of the YST Conservatory noted, “We are excited for this collaboration, as we work to give music-making ever-greater resonance in our wider community.”
Press contact:
Ms Ong Shu Chen
Executive, Communications & Engagement
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music
shuchen_ong@nus.edu.sg
Kids’ Philharmonic admission:
Visit https://www.kidsphilharmonic.org/join-us for more details.
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