Jointly reported by:
Iris Lim Yin Yi Sr1A
Gaby Seow Jing Yi Sr1ComC

Photography by:
Kuen Cheng Photography Club

          On the 21st of June 2025, excited crowds gathered in the Kuen Cheng High School Lee Shin Cheng Hall for the Philharmonic Orchestra concert “Odyssey”! Rows of chairs face the big stage, where the orchestra musicians take their seats on stage, instruments poised. As the lights dimmed, the master of ceremony started the welcoming speech while the conductor, Mr Chan Ling Chee stepped onto the podium to warm applause. Mr Chan introduced a fun greeting to the audience, causing laughter to spread through the audience.

With that final word, Mr Chan lifted his baton, and with a single motion, the hall was filled with the opening notes of the night’s performance—-West Side Story: Selection for Orchestra (arr. Jack Mason) by Leonard Bernstein. The West Side Story Orchestral Selection is a carefully arranged suite featuring some of the most iconic melodies from the musical. Arranged by Jack Mason, this orchestral adaptation captures the drama, romance, and energy of the original score, presenting its essence in a condensed and powerful form. From the tension-filled gang conflicts to the heartfelt love themes, each passage conveys the intense emotions of the story, allowing audiences to experience the timeless legacy of this legendary work. Silence settled as the next piece, Sleeping Beauty Waltz by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was presented.

(Photo 1: Mr Chan Ling Chee, our beloved conductor, conducting the music and enjoying his evening with an enthusiastic audience)

          Following that was an intermission period of 20 minutes, where students and parents gathered in groups around the school compound, taking photos with their friends for memories that will last for years to come. Volunteer students were posted at the entrance of the hall, diligently doing crowd control in a spirit of unity. With the bright ring of the triangle and a gentle reminder from the eloquent emcees, the intermission came to an end. Following that, a torrent of musical notes resounded in the halls, coursing through the hearts of the audience for the next hour.

(Photo 2: The Orchestra is presenting yet another outstanding performance)

          The orchestra alternated between more serious pieces, where utmost silence was granted by the audience as all present were left speechless in awe. Musical feats such as Finlandia, Op.26 were included in the set list – a powerful, bold breakthrough which cut through the tone of the previous performances. An oriental twist was brought to life: The Dance of the Yao People, one meant to be played with Chinese instruments. The nod to our school’s Chinese heritage was a heartfelt one that resonated with many of the seated audience, all while being a catchy, upbeat song. In time, iconic theme songs such as the evergreen Jurassic Park’s were also brought into the game. The execution of the piece was absolutely immaculate, with flawless segues throughout the contrasting dynamics. A special surprise was let out of the cellar shortly after the piece started playing – a particularly mischievous dinosaur that decided to take Mr Chan’s duties as conductor upon itself. Poor Mr Chan! More chaos ensued, as not one, but two more dinosaurs appeared, chasing each other as they blundered their way through the apron, clumsy large strides leaving the audience in a laughing fit unlike no other.

          At 9.30pm on the dot, the set list came to an end, with a still-hungry audience left in its wake. In no time, the originally-polite ovation was lost in the rhythmic chants and claps that ensued. Encore, encore! It appeared that the audience just couldn’t get enough. Obligingly, Mr Chan revealed something that made all present erupt in cheers – he had, in fact, prepared another two songs for the encore. Almost as quickly as the commotion was stirred, the now satisfied crowd piped down, waiting intently with much eagerness for the next song. The following two songs seemed to pass in an ecstatic blur of musical passion.

          With closure from Mr Chan and the lovely emcees, the night came to an end. Flowers from family members and friends were given to the performing students, as they gradually left the hall. Once again, the night came to a standstill. No longer did the music make its bold presence in the night, but it undoubtedly had left its mark in all our hearts.