The National University of Singapore Society (NUSS) and the NUS Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (YST) organised its eighth instalment of Beyond The Score: ‘Simple Gifts and Springs of Transcendence’. The online concert was livestreamed on November 25, 2021, at 7 pm, on the NUSS YouTube Channel. This is the first time that the concert is being held online and as a fundraising event.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Tan Eng Chye, President, National University of Singapore, thanked everyone who had generously supported the fundraising concert with their donations, time, efforts and talents, which will help needy students receive the support they need to fulfil their potential and aspirations during their time in NUS.
Mr Edward S Tay, President, NUSS, delivered the welcome address. He thanked the generous members and friends of NUSS who had donated towards the worthy cause, with special mention of Mr Tan Choon Huat for his $50,000 donation and Assoc Prof Tan Tin Wee, Mr Tan Teik Chin and Mr Yeo Keng Joon for their $25,000 donations.
He thanked Mr Eugene Tan and his organising committee, the Alumni Student Advancement Committee, the NUS Office of Alumni Relations and the NUS Development Office for their support, besides Mr Yeo Keng Joon for his efforts in driving the fundraising. He also thanked YST Vice Dean Assoc Prof Brett Stemple and his faculty and students for bringing the music to people’s homes.
He was happy to announce that the event has raised more than $400,000, which includes a matching grant from the Tote Board, exceeding the initial target of $250,000. As a result, the See Meng Hong Bursary, Tan Meng Chuan & Soh Nyet Sim Bursary, NUS Global Biotech Singapore Bursary and the Malaysian Community – Khoo Beng Hwa Bursary have been set up.
The 13-member orchestra, comprising YST students dressed in black formals and conducted by Jason Lai, Principal Conductor, YST Conservatory Orchestra, consisted of string and wind instruments besides a piano. The one-hour performance started off with Three Old American Songs (The Dodger, Long Time Ago and Simple Gifts) sung by Daniel C with just piano accompaniment.
It was followed by the chamber version of the Appalachian Spring suite, also known as Ballet for Martha, composed by American composer Aaron Copland for dancer and choreographer Martha Graham in 1944. It was preceded by black-and-white clips from a 1958 TV production of the original choreography with Martha Graham herself playing the lead.
The story tells of a spring celebration of the American pioneers of the 19th century, after building a new Pennsylvania farmhouse. Among the central characters are a bride, a groom, a pioneer woman, a preacher, and his congregation. It reflects on the pioneering spirit of Martha Graham, who inspired Aaron Copland to write the musical score.
A guided listening experience, the concert took guests on a journey across Copland’s songs, exploring the musical context as well as video excerpts from Martha Graham’s original ballet choreography. The concert sought to provide music of solace, celebration and reflection.
The event concluded with a Q&A session featuring Assoc Prof Brett Stemple and Mr Jason Lai. Replying to a query on how much of the original artistic ideas influence the students’ playing, Assoc Prof Stemple spoke of how they embraced a collaborative approach to orchestra, creating an exciting milieu to work in, while Jason explained how they inspire a sense of curiosity around the music, with a focus on the context and the narrative, to convey feelings.
Assoc Prof Ho Chee Kong, Interim Dean of YST, said, “It has been our pleasure working with NUSS on the Beyond the Score series and sharing music through our curated interactive programmes. In this year’s event, we are especially delighted to give further support to NUS students, as we continue to give music greater resonance in the community.”
A sumptuous dinner and wine were delivered to donors who had donated $280 and more. Mr Yeo said, “Congratulations and a job well done to team NUSS. All the donors I contacted were very pleased and impressed with the food, wine, classy packaging and on-time delivery.”
A recording of the online event was also put up on YouTube and has nearly 700 views till date. View the performance here.
 and the NUS Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (YST) on 25 November 2021 7pm raised over $400,000 (with matching grant from Tote Board) for needy NUS students.){kind=link}