What kind of music can represent Singapore? What is the “Singapore Sound”?

With applications for the Giam-Lim Composition Prize underway, we are called to reflect on questions of Singaporean identity and music. It seems timely to revisit this 2021 episode of Lianhe Zaobao’s Art Chat with CSS Member Wang Chenwei and Assoc Prof Lum Chee-Hoo.

Wang: ‘There can be two approaches to the idea of a “Singapore sound”. One is top-down – starting from a certain principle, for example… pursuing a representation of the four races in music. The other approach is bottom-up… embracing any music created by Singaporeans from their heart as “Singaporean music”.’

Lum: ‘A “Singapore sound” should not be narrowly defined… We have to be aware that creating music is searching for one’s voice rather than responding to an assignment to achieve a “Singapore sound”.’

Wang: ‘The search for the “Singapore sound” is a challenging quest, and we are all working hard towards it. However, the real reward often comes from the process of searching, rather than whether we arrive at a definite answer.’

Lum: ‘Singapore is still young. We should not prematurely apply a definition to the “Singapore sound”, but rather work towards establishing a more vibrant musical ecosystem.

‘More guidance is needed in terms of education, such as promoting more works by local composers and encouraging students to create.’

The Giam-Lim Composition Prize is jointly organized by the Composers Society of Singapore and the acclaimed TENG Ensemble with the intent of promoting works by local composers. We are seeking Singapore composers eager to contribute to TENG’s signature East-meets-West Singaporean musical language.

Competition details here.

Read Chenwei’s translation of the article.