Singapore, 30 July 2024 – Ding Yi Music Company is delighted to announce the continuation of its family-friendly instrumental theatre concert series with the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC), featuring the timeless tale of Hua Mu Lan. Following the success of the inaugural edition The Warlords that took on the historical warfare story of the Chu-Han Contention (War), this all-local star-studded production will immerse audiences in the expressive power of Chinese chamber music and immersive storytelling, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and history of China through the enduring legend of Hua Mu Lan.
“We are thrilled to bring the story of Hua Mu Lan to life through the evocative power of Chinese chamber music,” said Ding Yi’s Resident Conductor, Wong De Li, Dedric. “Ever since we were featured on Disney’s live-action Mulan soundtrack, I’ve been deeply intrigued by the idea of bringing this legendary story to life through our instrumental theatre series. We aim to make such legends relevant by blending these traditional stories with contemporary sounds, specially for today’s audiences.”
Hua Mu Lan continues the concept of instrumental theatre, pioneered by Ding Yi, where instrumental performance is the main medium to depict characters’ feelings, intentions, and emotional turmoil. This innovative approach reimagines traditional storytelling, offering audiences a unique and immersive theatrical experience with newly commissioned Chinese chamber music works.
“Instrumental theatre offers an avenue for the audience to see instruments as characters, hear the entire score like the development of a dramatic storyline and feel for the musicians playing important roles in conveying their emotional journeys,” added Danny Yeo, director of this production. “This has been an interesting learning experience for me to better understand chamber music and offer exciting possibilities of how theatre can excite senses, inspire ideas and touch hearts.”
Led by Resident Conductor Wong De Li, Dedric and director Danny Yeo, Hua Mu Lan features music by young local composer, Sulwyn Lok, and script by playwright Neo Hai Bin to showcase the legend through a music-focused theatrical experience. Actress Jodi Chan portrays Mu Lan and is accompanied by Ding Yi yangqin musician Tan Jie Qing, alongside the rest of the ensemble to convey stories of love, betrayal, pride, patriotism, and fear through the unique sounds of each instrument.
This production is presented by SCCC and produced by Ding Yi Music Company. The partnership between Ding Yi Music Company and SCCC marks another milestone in the collaboration between the two companies to develop and present programmes that promote local Chinese arts and culture, through Chinese chamber music.
Hua Mu Lan will be held on 15 September 2024 (Sunday), 3.30pm and 7.30pm at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre Auditorium. Tickets are available for public sales at $20 (excluding booking fees) on Ticketmaster from 8 August 2024. Enjoy an exclusive 50% discount on 8 August 2024, 30% discount from 9 to 11 August 2024. Terms and conditions apply.
