China–Singapore Gala Symphony: A Transnational Celebration of Culture and Music
On 26 October 2025, the Esplanade Concert Hall will host a landmark evening where music bridges cultures, generations, and nations. Singaporean pianist William Wei (韦宗邑) returns from New York for his homecoming concerto debut, performing Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 on the C. Bechstein D282 concert grand. A recipient of the National Arts Council Singapore’s Gifted Young Musicians Bursary, Wei has developed his artistry on the international stage, refining a style celebrated for its expressive touch, emotional depth, and commanding stage presence. This performance marks a significant moment in his journey, bringing together his experiences abroad with his roots in Singapore, and presenting a youthful masterpiece radiant with poetry, beauty, and virtuosic brilliance.

The evening features the Shanghai Nine Trees Philharmonic Orchestra alongside distinguished Singaporean musicians, conducted by world-renowned Maestro Tang Muhai (汤沐海). The programme offers a seamless blend of Eastern and Western repertoire, celebrating both tradition and innovation. Audiences will experience the world premiere of the Mei Lanfang Peking Opera Symphony, a bold reimagining of the celebrated Peking opera through the symphonic lens, rich in drama, elegance, and cultural resonance. Complementing this is Felix Phang’s Pasat Merdu, a vibrant work that captures the colour and rhythm of Southeast Asian life.
The concert programme also includes Danny Dong’s Dreaming of Fengpu, Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 1 in D major, Op. 25, and the timeless Butterfly Lovers Concerto by He Zhanhao & Chen Gang. Alongside William Wei, audiences will enjoy performances by Kong Zhao Hui (violin) and Zhu Lin (erhu), highlighting the diversity and depth of musical expression.
More than a performance, this gala is a celebration of friendship, identity, and the future of cross-border collaboration. It is a rare occasion where Eastern and Western musical traditions converge, and where generations of artistry come together on one stage. For William Wei, it is not only a homecoming but a statement of artistic growth — a return to his roots enriched by the perspectives and experiences he has gained abroad.
Date & Time: 26 October 2025 | 7:30 PM
Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall
Tickets: Available via Sistic.com — redeemable with the Singapore Culture Pass
This is an evening not to be missed, offering a compelling fusion of history, innovation, and artistic excellence, anchored by the homecoming of one of Singapore’s most promising young pianists.