Siong Leng Musical Association
Singapore
About
Siong Leng Musical Association was established in 1941 to preserve, develop, and promote Nan Yin (which literally means The Music of the South) -- one of the treasures of traditional Chinese musical arts and Li Yuan opera.
Biography
In its previous incarnation, it was known as Heng Yun Association, established in around 1901. In those days it was the most active Nan Yin group in the Malay Peninsula. The Lu Gou Bridge incident in China led to the outbreak of the Chinese war of resistance against the Japanese. Being the only remaining NanYin group, Heng Yun Ge NanYin Association took it upon itself to gather support for the Chinese through its fund-raising concerts. The success of its effort troubled the colonial rulers who, for fear of incurring the wrath of the Japanese, clamped down on the activities of the Association, which disbanded following internal dissent. Several dedicated members came together and formed Yun Lu Nan Yin Association, continuing with the fund-raising efforts of its predecessor. Once again, this provoked the ire of the Japanese who complained to the colonial rulers. This time, in deference to the Imperial might of the aggressive, they officially withdrew the operating license of Yun Lu. In consequence, Yun Lu was forced to close. Following a period of quiet inactivity, some members, stirred by an irrepressible spirit, secretly planned and reorganized themselves. In 1941 they established Siong Leng Musical Association.
During the 1970s, popular Western cultural influences were on the ascent, and Nan Yin was under threat. At this crucial juncture, Teng Mah Seng, a businessman, assumed the chairmanship of the Association. Encouraged by friends and supported by like-minded individuals, he was determined to reform and develop Nan Yin, and to prevent its demise. He devoted the remaining years of his life to Siong Leng, expending much time, effort, and resources.
Teng Mah Seng`s achievements lie in penning several hundred new style NanYin lyrics which expanded and revolutionized the expressive range of an ancient musical art form. They were done in collaboration with Zhou Sheng Xiang, who composed the songs` melodies. These songs reflected the thoughts and feelings of a deeply sensitive man on a wide range of contemporary subjects, including Singapore- Teng Mah Seng's adopted homeland. Following that, he published The Complete Book of Great Nan Yin Melodies in three volumes. Later, he published New Nan Yin Songs -- A Selection of Compositions by Teng Mah Seng.
To revitalize Nan Yin, Mr Teng organized a Southeast Asian Nan Yin Conference in 1977. In later years, this conference was held in turn in the Philippines, Taiwan, and Malaysia. These conferences gave impetus to Nan Yin and stimulated a revival of the art in the land of its origin: Quanzhou. Subsequently, the cities of Quanzhou and Xiamen in China organized numerous such conferences, which contributed to a climate of Nan Yin revival.
In 1983 he led a group to participate in the Llangollen Musical Eisteddfod in Wales. The group won Third Prize in Folk Song Solo for apiece entitled Reminiscence a Teng --Zhou composition sung by Madam Ong Guat Huah. The group won Fourth Prize in Ensemble Performance for the song Trotting Horses. That was the first time Nan Yin won recognition on the world stage. For his outstanding contribution to the arts the Singapore Government presented Teng Mah Seng with the Cultural Medalion.
Like many traditional art societies today, Siong Leng Musical Association faces the challenge of securing a place for Nan Yin and Li Yuan Opera in the modern milieu. In weaving Nan Yin into the fabric of a hectic, fast-changing city, Siong Leng hopes to procure a space to grow and flourish.
Current Location
No.4B Bukit Pasoh Road
Siong Leng Musical Association Revives Nanyin: the ‘Living Fossil’ of Chinese Music
Nanyin, which literally translates as ‘Music of the South’, has been around for over 2,000 years. With origins from the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. – 220 A.D.), nanyin is a form of liyue (ritual and music) that was traditionally performed only in the royal court.
According to the Classic of Rites and Music, ritual and music forms like nanyin were practiced by ancient Chinese rulers to improve themselves spiritually. “Through ritual, human nature is preserved, through music, harmony is upheld.”
Later, civil turbulence forced court musicians to migrate south, where they spread nanyin to the common folk. Nanyin became an inseparable part of folk culture, particularly in Fujian’s Quanzhou region.
Nanyin, which is also called xianguan or nanguan, is written in the ancient Chinese music notation system gongchepu - one of the world’s most well-preserved notation systems. This ancient music genre was listed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.
“It is regarded as the ‘living fossil’ of ancient Chinese music,” says Lim Ming Yi, an administrative manager and principal musician of Siong Leng Musical Association.
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Interview with Singapore Chinese Cultural Contribution Award Winner -Siong Leng Musical Association
《何日君再来》When Will You Return
Multisensory Nanyin Banquet, Capitol Theatre
24 September 2016
This year, we have made special preparations for our Multisensory Nanyin Banquet. With the history of Siong Leng Musical Association as its basis, the banquet incorporates Nanyin’s unique melody with classical jazz music and songs, and combines creative delicacies with exquisite tea serving, to produce a stunning symphony of sensations in the European-styled Capitol Theatre. We hope our guests will lose themselves in the music and enjoy the excitement that comes from the collision of the arts.
Nanyin performance by Siong Leng Musical Association students
Singapore, 18 Feb 2012
《御前清客》Musicians of the Imperial Court
7-9 October 2016
Singapore University of Technology and Design
Traditional Nanyin in the antique Chinese buildings donated by film star Jackie Chan. The structures: a pavilion, opera stage and two houses named Hall of Uprightness and Hall of the Fasting of the Mind (Originally from Da Tong and Du Zhe) are said to date back to the Qing and Ming dynasties, about 370 years ago, and is now housed at the Singapore University of Technology and Design. We aim to bring together the beauty of two ancient forms, music and architecture, together in one performance.
Be immersed in the beautiful architecture as they bring you back to the 1700s and enjoy freshly brewed and curated tea, small dished of refreshments, together with the soothing and gentle tunes of Nanyin music in the silent and calm night.
Memoirs of Nanyang《情锁南洋》
Tickets Available Here At :
A Siong Leng Musical Association’s production commissioned by Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre.
One photograph, two ethnic groups, three different cultures – this is the unique label of the Peranakan Chinese.
In the course of preserving their culture, the Peranakan Chinese, with a typical pioneering spirit, headed West in search of greater knowledge and more advanced technology Upon their return, they put their knowledge to good use and have played key roles in the enrichment of the Peranakan culture.
The performance highlights the bold fusion of Nanyin and Peranakan culture, as well as Siong Leng Musical Association’s courageous spirit to innovate and explore new horizons for their art form. We are privileged to feature the works and successors of three cultural medallion recipients, Mr Yap Cheong Fun, Mr Teng Mah Seng and Mdm Som Bte Mohd Said.
Audiences will be treated to a unique harmonisation of Nanyin, Malay cultural music and Mandarin pop, which lets them experience the deep elegance of Nanyin and the boundless artistic ambit of music.
Following the thoughts and emotions of the two generations, an immigrant came to Nanyang for a better life and married a local Malay woman. Since then, his business flourished and he had a comfortable and happy family. In spite of his success, his heart still thinks about his family in his hometown day and night, wanting to reunite with them. Realizing it may be impossible, he is deeply saddened and unable to accept the reality.
To make him happy, his grandchildren discussed how to combine two polar genres: Nanyin and today’s music. This interesting and bold attempt at fusing Nanyin with different music genres such as Malay music and Pop, helped them to create a new style of song that showcases multiculturalism and their strong spirit. This spectacle portrays the happiness of a family after reunion, leading a blessed and fulfilled life together.
新加坡华族文化中心委约，跨界跨文化--融合马来歌舞、古典西乐、经典流行曲惊艳呈现。
一张照片，两个民族，三种文化，这便是土生华人独有的标签。
演出的一大亮点既展示了南音与娘惹文化的巧妙融合，又体现了湘灵勇于探索、改革创新的精神特质。二是有幸引用我国文化奖得主叶畅芬（世界著名摄影师）和丁马成（南音国际推手）两位先驱的作品，以及 Sri Warisan 创办人兼文化奖得主 Mdm Som Said 的继承人合作，宣扬我国宝贵的文化遗产及艺文传承。三是将南音与马来歌乐和经典流行曲有机结合，让观众领略南音的优雅精致，音乐无界所激荡的艺术浪花，尽享一场集视听等感官为一体的文化飨宴。
故事根据两代人的思想情感一一展开，主线抛开常态反述男主人翁早期从福建移民来南洋谋生时，与土生华人女子通婚。虽说事业有成，家庭幸福，但何时才能把唐山的老母和妻儿接来星洲团聚？无比思亲的他一直愁眉不展，无法释怀。另一条线则叙说他的孙子们，为了取悦爷爷，突发奇想，把爷爷时常哼唱的南音，与经典华曲、马来歌舞及古典西乐巧作融合，呈现既有传统美感又时尚多元的文化艺术风貌及其精神特质。而结束的场面也体现了一家人和睦相处，幸福快乐的美满生活，以及家的温馨。
Siong Leng Nanyang Trilogy II - Introduction to Nanyin Music
The Siong Leng Musical Association has been performing at the Thian Hock Keng temple, three times a year, since 1948.
Nanyin is a thousand year old musical tradition. Long ago, Nanyin was associated with many festivities, temple, kampong events and even funerals in Singapore.
Nanyin performance at Workshop in Siong Leng Musical Association
A workshop for family to learn and enjoy Nanyin music along with tea appreciation and making incense images on 1 May 2016. Part of the SIngapore and Bukit Pasoh Heritage Fest 2016
Siong Leng Musical Association - Nanyin ( 南音 ) performance
We went on a tour of Chinatown, and the young performers at the Siong Leng Musical Association played a Nanyin ( 南音 ) piece for us. The instruments are still the same as they were more than 1,000 years ago, when the music saw its origins in the Tang Dynasy
The Siong Leng Musical Association 湘灵音乐社 was founded in 1941 to promote Nanyin 南音and Li Yuan Opera 梨园, although its origins in Singapore can be traced back to around 1901 as the Heng Yun Association. The development of the association was closely tied to the waves of Chinese immigration into Singapore and the social history of a growing Hokkien population. Today, Siong Leng continues to thrive, training generations of young musicians who perform at temple occasions, cultural events, charity events and private functions, most notably at the annual Kusu Island Pilgrimage, the historical Thian Hock Keng Temple and concerts at the Esplanade.
Nanyin music (literally translated as the music of the South) has a history of more than 1,000 years. It is a traditional opera form sung in the Minnan (south Fujian, or Hokkien) dialect and is central to the Minnan culture in southern China, as well as to Hokkien populations overseas. The slow, simple and elegant melodies are performed on distinctive instruments such as a bamboo flute called the dongxiao and a crooked-neck lute played horizontally called the pipa, as well as more common wind, string and percussion instruments. The rich repertoire of songs and scores preserves ancient folk music and poems and has influenced opera, puppet theatre and other performing art traditions. Nanyin is now included in UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
《光影回音》第2集 - 南音
02/01/2018 播出
南音被誉为中国音乐史上的活化石，是现存中国历史最悠久的古乐。本地《湘灵音乐社》自1941年成立以来，不遗余力的弘扬这个闽南古韵。音乐社里的乐手与演唱者都是热爱这个传统小众艺术的年轻人。音乐社里有一家三代人，他们与南音发展出千丝万缕的情缘，为了传承南音，备尝艰辛，背后还蕴藏了一段让人荡气回肠的心酸往事
Nanyin is an ancient musical art form which is also known as the “living fossil” in the history of Chinese music. “Siong Leng Musical Association” was founded since 1941 with the aim to promote and preserve Nanyin. The musicians and singers from Siong Leng Musical Association happen to be young people who embraced Nanyin with great passion. A family of three generations developed inexorable love for Nanyin, in order to keep this ancient art form alive, they put in a lot of effort to promote and pass on to the younger generation, but throughout this journey, they had gone through lot of hardship.
Siong Leng Musical Association’s production: Soul Journey – Nine Songs.
Date: 8 Aug 2015, Sat
Time: 2pm & 7.30pm
Venue: Esplanade Theatre Studios
Let the charm of nanyin music take you into a realm of meditation and contemplation.
The beauty of the Nine Songs classical cycle of poems written by Chinese poet Qu Yuan over 2000 years ago is brought to life through the purifying sound of nanyin music together with the graceful movements of Liyuan Opera.
Immerse in an experience inspired by the spirituality of the poems and the rituals of ancient times that weaves music, dance and contemporary theatrical expressions together into a multi-sensory feast.
About Nanyin Music:
Nanyin, which literally means “music of the south”, is one of the most ancient musical art forms in China. Regarded as a “living fossil of Chinese musical history”, nanyin was inscribed onto UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2009.
With roots in China’s imperial courts, serene and elegant nanyin songs and music have soothed and uplifted many through the centuries. Performed on wind, string and percussion instruments and sometimes sung in the old Minnan dialect of the Quanzhou region in Fujian province where it originated, nanyin music spread to Southeast Asia and Singapore in the 19th century. Since its inception in 1941, Siong Leng Musical Association has been active in keeping nanyin's presence and practice alive in Singapore through its explorations in finding the contemporary voice in this traditional music form.
《冬》Winter
2012 Soul Journey Cicada Zen, Esplanade Theatre Studio
Alone, winter nights grow long. Do not dwell on life's ups and downs. The apparition of life is ever-shifting. One cannot know the changes it might bring.
This piece was developed from a Nanyin melody, and written with the four winds and percussive instruments of Nanyin. Be led into an exploration on the cyclical nature of the universe with contemporary dance.
SCCC Award Video: Siong Leng Musical Association
Produced by Intuitive Films for the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC).
We had the privilege of being commissioned by the SCCC to produce the award videos for the inaugural Singapore Chinese Cultural Contribution Award - featuring the two distinguished winners: Siong Leng Musical Association (for the Organisation Award) and Han Lao Da (for the Individual Award).
Find out more about Singapore-based video production house Intuitive Films @
[第二届新加坡华族文化贡献奖] 团体奖得主：新加坡作家协会 Singapore Association of Writers
第二届新加坡华族文化贡献奖
团体奖得主：新加坡作家协会
The 2nd Singapore Chinese Cultural Contribution Award
Organisation Category Recipient: Singapore Association of Writers
“文学是各种艺术领域的基础，包括音乐、戏剧和电影等。文学和文化传承是息息相关的。这一次得奖，不但肯定了新华先驱作家与资深作家为推动新华文学所作出的贡献，也肯定了本协会以文学传承华族文化的努力。我们将继续扎根狮城，放眼世界，继续推动新华文学在海内外的发展。”—— 林得楠先生，新加坡作家协会会长
“Literature is the foundation of several artistic disciplines, including music, theatre and film. The passing down of literature and culture from generation to generation is closely related. This award not only recognises the efforts of the pioneering and senior Chinese writing community in Singapore who have fervently pushed for the development and growth of local Chinese literature, but is also an affirmation of the association’s contributions in preserving and passing down our Chinese culture through the art form. We will continue to stay rooted in Singapore, while promoting the development of Singapore’s Chinese literature here and beyond our shores.” - Mr Denon Lim Denan, President, Singapore Association of Writers
湘灵女子南音組 Singapore all-girls nanyin trio
Three girls from Singapore's Siong Leng Musical association singing a song.
Siong Leng Nanyang Trilogy II - Act 01 As a Whole
The story of Chen San and Wu Niang. This song narrates how Wu Niang breaks through restraints of the feudal society and the complicated feelings she had when she brought her maid in the night to elope with Chen San to Quanzhou.
The Siong Leng Musical Association has been performing at the Thian Hock Keng temple, three times a year, since 1948.
Nanyin is a thousand year old musical tradition. Long ago, Nanyin was associated with many festivities, temple, kampong events and even funerals in Singapore.
2017 Soul Journey - Nine Songs
Siong Leng Musical Association will be presenting Soul Journey - Nine Songs on 9th August 2017 at 2.30PM at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Center. Tickets are now available, so do support us by buying tickets to our show at Thank you all very much for your support and see you in August!
湘灵音乐社将于八月九日下午两点半，假新加坡华族文化中心呈献《九歌。意象》，敬请大家多多支持，购票观赏! 如果您想买票，请到SISTIC网站: 及其售票处购买。谢谢！
Nanyin and Liyuan opera are some of the finest ancient art forms of Chinese culture. Their simple yet elegant characteristics have been preserved and passed down in the southern China provinces of Fujian and Guangdong over the ages, so much so that they are known as two of the “living fossils” of Chinese music and opera. Similarly, Qu Yuan’s Nine Songs has also survived for more than two millennia. It is a work that encapsulates the aesthetics of poetry from the ancient state of Chu while reflecting the customs and superstitions of its people.
In 2015, Soul Journey - Nine Songs was created using the traditional framework of Nanyin and Liyuan opera while exploring contemporary means of expressions among traditional and modern idioms. After nine months of discussion, exploration, coordination, experimentation, dialogue, communication, exchange, creation, rehearsal, and bringing everything together, ‘Soul Journey - Nine Songs’ began to take shape. Elements of instrumental music, singing, drama, body movement, lighting, image projection, sound effects, stage and costume design are incorporated into the production to create, suggest and interpret the spirit of Nine Songs, while simultaneously striving to present an all-out sensational experience of sight, sound, smell, touch and taste.
Two years later, ‘Soul Journey - Nine Songs’ re-stages in a new creative direction, by adapting the original black box theatre performance onto a proscenium stage. This new adaption will travel to Quan Zhou, China, the birthplace of Nanyin and feature at the 3rd China Maritime Silk Road International Arts Festival in December 2017.
Lin Shaoling and Lim Chin Huat
Creative Directors
南音和梨园戏是中华文化古老而优秀的艺术品种，简朴优雅的特质，在闽南一直得以保留与传承，堪称为中华音乐与戏曲艺术的两个“活化石”；而屈原的《九歌》也经历两千多年的历史洗礼保留下来，既反映当年楚国民间巫的风俗文化，也体现了楚辞文学的美。
2015年，我们耗费了九个月的时间，携手创作了《九歌。意象》，湘灵以一贯保留传统南音和梨园戏的基础上与跨界艺术创作者振发进行了一场传统与现代的艺术对话，一连串的相互学习、切磋、讨论、尝试、排练过程，逐步塑成《九歌。意象》，演出结合了音乐、吟唱、戏曲、光影、投影、音效等元素，为观众提供视、听、闻、触、味等感官体验。
两年后的《九歌。意象》重演采取了不一样的尝试，创作群把原本的黑箱剧场版本改成镜框式舞台呈现，紧接着也将在十二月应中国泉州“第三届海上丝绸之路国际艺术节”的邀约回到南音的故乡上演。
林少凌与林振发
创意总监/编导
2018 International Youth Nanyin Festival Documentary
For thousands of years, Nanyin has been the cultural sustenance of Min Nan people around the world. It has a rich repertoire of songs and scores that preserve ancient folk songs and poems, influencing various art forms. Cherished and protected over generations since the Han Dynasty, this ancient art form is included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
From 23-25 June 2018, Siong Leng Musical Association hosted their second International Youth Nanyin Festival, in collaboration with The Esplanade, Theatres on the Bay, providing a platform for youths to have an opportunity to perform and exchange ideas, while carrying on the ancient tradition. Musicians from Fujian (China), Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Singapore, will gather to showcase this rich and beautiful musical tradition in Singapore.
骆惠贤老师演唱传统南音名曲《望明月》
以和为贵——南音专题讲座与表演
新加坡城隍艺术学院 主办
新加坡国家图书馆 场地赞助
南音发源于福建泉州，随着泉州人的脚步传到了闽台地区以及东南亚一带，只要有闽南人的地方就有南音。南音保留唐代宫廷音乐的元素，几经骚人墨客、民间艺人的艺术加工，是一个保留了上千年文化讯息的大乐种。
在这个追求高效益的社会，南音的慢，看似与现代化社会格格不入，但实际上是治愈现代人紧张生活的一剂良药。南音的乐器型制及音乐内容具有中国古代的宇宙观，体现了中和思想，是一门修身养性的艺术。我们期望能通过介绍拥有传统文化内涵的南音艺术，让新加坡民众多一个怡情养性的新选择。
活动时间: 2012年11月11日 3:00PM--5:00PM
活动地点: 新加坡国家图书馆16楼
电邮info@shenghongarts.org.sg
琵琶：黄秋生 洞箫：魏伯年
三弦：陈振梅 二弦：庄巧琳