Known for presenting their love and knowledge of classical music in new and engaging ways, T'ang Quartet began in the early '90s when Ng Yu Ying (violin), Ang Chek Meng (second violin), Lionel Tan (viola) and Lesile Tan (cello) met while playing for the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.
Since then, the group has garnered several accolades including the Artistic Excellence Award, is involved in outreach as well as mentorship programmes, and performs regularly.
For their latest gig at the Esplanade, the quartet presents StringFellows, the first of many public performances where the musicians play together with fellow protégés for an interesting and very entertaining 60 minutes of less-often heard pieces.
True to form, the quartet along with their guests emerged from backstage in denim and white-cotton ensembles. The theatre floor resembled a tea party with brightly coloured tables and chairs. The Quartet’s innovative treatment extended to the seating, where aspiring young fiddlers were invited to sit just a metre away from them.
In the audience were parents hoping to get their children into the habit of practising their instrument, middle-aged musos looking for formal-style classical music in a relaxed setting and the curious.
The first piece showed off guest Elizabeth Tan’s impressive hold over her cello through Wolf’s "Serenade". The performance was vibrant and full of life, with Ng Yu Ying’s energetic tones coming from his violin.
As Leslie Tang introduces the next piece, the musicians rearrange themselves for Schubert’s "Quartettstaz in C minor". This time with violinist Lillian Wang in first chair, playing without missing a beat.
The constant eye contact made the group appear highly strung — Schubert would have been more enjoyable if not for this.
Attesting to the programme’s flair, the mood heightened immediately with Borodin’s "String Sextet in D minor". The six musicians seemed a little more relaxed and at ease, as they ran their bows over strings with vim and vigor.
For their last act, the musicians rearranged their chairs once more to perform Mendelssohn’s "Octet in E-flat major".
Served in four movements, Ng’s form shone bright as he led the pack with perfect intonation.
The energy in the theatre dipped slightly during the second movement, but the group regained momentum as the cellists and violas took over with impressive figurations.
The violins then joined in, rounding up the afternoon’s entertainment with a resounding victory.
Known for presenting their love and knowledge of classical music in new and engaging ways, T'ang Quartet began in the early '90s when Ng Yu Ying (violin), Ang Chek Meng (second violin), Lionel Tan (viola) and Lesile Tan (cello) met while playing for the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.
Since then, the group has garnered several accolades including the Artistic Excellence Award, is involved in outreach as well as mentorship programmes, and performs regularly.
For their latest gig at the Esplanade, the quartet presents StringFellows, the first of many public performances where the musicians play together with fellow protégés for an interesting and very entertaining 60 minutes of less-often heard pieces.
True to form, the quartet along with their guests emerged from backstage in denim and white-cotton ensembles. The theatre floor resembled a tea party with brightly coloured tables and chairs. The Quartet’s innovative treatment extended to the seating, where aspiring young fiddlers were invited to sit just a metre away from them.
In the audience were parents hoping to get their children into the habit of practising their instrument, middle-aged musos looking for formal-style classical music in a relaxed setting and the curious.
The first piece showed off guest Elizabeth Tan’s impressive hold over her cello through Wolf’s "Serenade". The performance was vibrant and full of life, with Ng Yu Ying’s energetic tones coming from his violin.
As Leslie Tang introduces the next piece, the musicians rearrange themselves for Schubert’s "Quartettstaz in C minor". This time with violinist Lillian Wang in first chair, playing without missing a beat.
The constant eye contact made the group appear highly strung — Schubert would have been more enjoyable if not for this.
Attesting to the programme’s flair, the mood heightened immediately with Borodin’s "String Sextet in D minor". The six musicians seemed a little more relaxed and at ease, as they ran their bows over strings with vim and vigor.
For their last act, the musicians rearranged their chairs once more to perform Mendelssohn’s "Octet in E-flat major".
Served in four movements, Ng’s form shone bright as he led the pack with perfect intonation.
The energy in the theatre dipped slightly during the second movement, but the group regained momentum as the cellists and violas took over with impressive figurations.
The violins then joined in, rounding up the afternoon’s entertainment with a resounding victory.