26 October 2025 – The Singapore–China Gala Symphony Concert at Esplanade Concert Hall was an evening that celebrated the power of music to bridge cultures. The programme brought together the Shanghai Nine Trees Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of the distinguished Tang Muhai, one of China’s most respected conductors whose illustrious career has spanned leading orchestras in Europe, America, and Asia. Renowned for his expressive musicianship and deep understanding of both Eastern and Western repertoires, Tang brought poise, authority, and unity to the evening’s cross-cultural programme.

A celebration of cultural harmony: William Wei with conductor Tang Muhai (second row, fourth and fifth from left), members of the Straits Ensemble (front row), the talented musicians of the orchestra, and some of the dedicated supporters who made this concert possible.

The concert opened with Felix Phang’s Pasat Merdu, performed by the Shanghai Nine Trees Philharmonic Orchestra together with the Straits Ensemble. Featuring ethnic percussion and local instrumental colours, the work painted a vivid sonic portrait of Southeast Asia — alive with rhythm, texture, and community spirit. The collaboration between the orchestra and ensemble created a sonically rich dialogue between traditions, setting a fitting tone for a night devoted to cultural harmony.

One of the concert’s emotional highlights was The Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto, a timeless fusion of Chinese melody and Western symphonic form. Soloists Zhu Lin (erhu, Singapore Chinese Orchestra) and Kong Zhao Hui (violin, Singapore Symphony Orchestra) delivered deeply expressive performances, intertwining their instruments in lyrical conversation. Their nuanced phrasing and heartfelt storytelling brought this enduring love story vividly to life.

William Wei with conductor Tang Muhai, and the Shanghai Nine Trees Philharmonic Orchestra.

The evening also featured the international premiere of Danny Dong’s Dreaming of Fengpu, a four-part orchestral work inspired by the true story of the residents of Fengpu who joined hands to raise funds to build a bridge for their community. The piece traced this narrative of unity and perseverance through lyrical themes and vibrant orchestral colour, capturing both the spirit of a place and the collective strength of its people.

Singaporean pianist William Wei then took the stage for a stirring performance of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, performed on the C. Bechstein D282 concert grand piano. Making his homecoming concerto debut, William, a proud alumnus of Cristofori Music Singapore, played with elegance and depth, balancing Chopin’s youthful passion with moments of tenderness and reflection. His artistry and composure marked not only his growth as a musician — from a three-year-old in Cristofori Funan’s children’s group music class to an artist on the international stage — but also embodies a living bridge of friendship between Singapore and China.

The concert concluded with a delightful encore medley of beloved classical favourites “Hooked on Classics”, sending the audience home uplifted and inspired.

Taking a bow – from left: violin soloist Kong Zhao Hui, pianist Ge Xiaozhe who played with the ensemble for the first half of the program, erhu soloist Zhu Lin, William Wei, and conductor Tang Muhai.

More than a night of beautiful music, the Singapore–China Gala Symphony Concert stood as a celebration of shared artistry and cultural friendship. For us, seeing one of our own — William Wei — shine alongside musicians from across the region made this occasion especially meaningful, marking not just a milestone in his journey but a moment of harmony between nations.

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