Shiyue (诗乐) is a genre of Chinese poetry accompanied by music pioneered by the final batches of Nantah (南大) students in the 1970s, which served as a precursor to Xinyao (新谣). In recent years, it has experienced a resurgence among a young generation of musicians and poets, seeking to breathe new life into the written word through musical expression – be it classical music or choral singing. At the forefront of this movement is Quek Yong Siu, an instrumental figure who has helped bridged worlds of literature and music with his dual identities as a poet and music composer.
This performance (7.30pm–9.15pm) charts his musical journey in the revival of Shiyue in Singapore, featuring close to 18 of his original creations pairing works by renowned Singapore poets to song. It shines light into the history of Shiyue, defining characteristics of it, as well as the differences between past and present forms.
这场音乐会动员了20多位乐员，包括歌唱、钢琴、吉他、古筝、琵琶、长笛、小提琴等，演唱17位诗人的诗，以及为他们的歌曲伴奏。演唱方式多样化，包括独唱、领唱、合唱、朗诵。歌曲的风格各异，包括通俗歌曲、校园民歌、美声歌曲、西洋风及中国风的歌曲；主要以华语唱出，但也有英文歌曲，也有以诗写成的乐曲。演唱形式可以说应有尽有，显示出作曲家郭永秀的作曲功力。在音乐会开始时，也没有忘记介绍早年为诗乐开了风气的张泛的经典创作。
这是一场难得一见的音乐会，集聚了不同类型的演唱者，包括流行歌曲、民歌以及美声。在同一个音乐会中能听到这么多类型的歌曲，在新加坡恐怕还是第一次！
The pre-show lecture (5pm–6.30pm), presented by Prof Zhang Fan and Quek Yong Siu, will draw on practical examples to explore the connections between“poetry”, "new music” and “modern Nanyang poetry with music”. They will also share insights on how the art form originated, its cultural significance and evolution through the decades.
VENUE: The Arts House (Chamber; Blue Room)
ADDRESS: 1 Old Parliament Ln, Singapore 179429
EVENT WEBSITE: The Arts House, Peatix (for registration)
DATE AND TIME
11 Aug 2018, 5pm–6.30pm, 7.30pm–9.15pm