The Chinese orchestra ensemble performing at the association’s 38th anniversary last December.
Yangqin players (front) and flute players during the anniversary performance.
Drums and percussions are also central part in a dynamic Chinese orchestra ensemble.
AN age-old instrument, in the hands of a skilled player, is likely to bring its listeners to a higher plane of musical immersion that transcends time and culture.
The expressive and soulful sounds of the erhu (Chinese fiddle) or the dynamic yet harmonious chords of a yangqin (Chinese hammered dulcimer), among other traditional instruments, are best savoured either as a solo performance or as part of a Chinese orchestra ensemble.
The moment an instrument is played in a Chinese orchestra, it usually heralds the start of an evocative and mesmerising aural experience for those who would appreciate music in its finest form.
However, the mere mention of Chinese orchestra often evokes the first thought of an old-fashioned entertainment being kept alive by and for older folks only.
This misconception couldn’t be more wrong as could be attested by membership and enrollments at traditional music schools and associations with many young members and students.
“It’s quite encouraging to see more young people getting interested in the art of traditional Chinese music. But a major challenge is keeping them interested for the long-term,” noted Nan Yen Folk Orchestra chairman Sim Siang Boon.
“One of the challenges our association faces is maintaining a constant pool of young members, especially student members. Many will stop their involvement as they leave for further studies. Very few would stay for the long-term or even come back to it,” he told thesundaypost in an exclusive interview.
He believed learning music, specifically Chinese instruments, was a very healthy thing that more young people should take up.
“I would encourage young people to learn traditional Chinese music instruments in their free time. It’s better than roaming around in shopping malls.
“I notice those who learn music tend to be more controlled in their temper. Music has a calming effect, especially played with traditional Chinese instruments.
“In fact, it is hoped Chinese orchestra can be introduced to schools as an extra-curricular activity — like a club or society — to further promote the art to young people,” he said.
Nan Yen Folk Orchestra, set up in March 1975 by a group of enthusiasts, is one of the oldest registered Chinese orchestra associations in Kuching.
It’s a non-profit association that aims to improve and enhance appreciation of Chinese traditional music as well as increase public awareness of the art and bring together enthusiasts with a common interest.
It has a current membership of 192 with active ones numbering around 100, including those who regularly take part in performances.
Instruments played are typically seen in a Chinese orchestra which are wide-ranging due to the diverse interests of members and students. They include bowed stringed instruments like erhu, plucked stringed instruments like yangqin, pipa (lute) and guzheng (long zither), woodwind instruments like dizi (flute) and percussions.
Sim said another challenge was finding people willing to sacrifice time and effort to preserve the art.
“Because we are a non-profit association, our existing members are helping to train newcomers without any tuition fee. They are doing it voluntarily because of their interest and wish to see better appreciation and participation from others.
“We all believe this is a art form that must be preserved for future generations.”
He revealed response from young people was not too bad actually.
“We have many students, who are involved in our association. Recruitments are usually done through members and friends. Sometimes, people become interested after watching our performances.
“We are open to Malaysians regardless of age or race as long as there is interest to learn. Of course, we do prefer those who love music and have some musical background knowledge.
“When people want to join, they can choose what instrument to learn to play. Even if they cannot play instruments, we have another sub-group solely for singing performances. But the singing group does not really attract the youths because the style of singing is not pop but timeless classics that require some real vocal talents.
“Those who want to play instruments have to come with their own. Instruments are expensive so we cannot provide for everyone.
“Usually the smaller or portable instruments belong to the players themselves while bigger items like drums are bought and owned by the association. Players have to come to the centre if they want to practise,” he said.
According to Sim, Nan Yen orchestra’s performances can usually be seen at government functions, festive celebrations such as Chap Goh Mei and Mooncake Festival, charity dinners, fund-raising events and even weddings.
“In the 1980’s, there weren’t many such associations in Kuching, unlike now — so Nan Yen was invited to perform at most government functions. There was even a statewide tour in 1984 and other divisional invitations,” he recalled.
On the future of Chinese orchestra, Sim believed as long as there was demand and interest, it would definitely remain.
For instance, he said, the Chinese orchestra movement was actually doing well in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore because of more demand, adding that standard was going up with professional performances.
“It’s a fine art, not just for one particular race but for everyone.”
Sim noted that in Kuching, the demand was notably slower and less, usually only certain festivals would call for Chinese orchestra performance.
“However, in our multi-cultural community, as long as there are functions and festivals involving the locals, there is bound to be opportunity for such performance.
“It will not decline as long as there are people still concerned and interested. In fact, I noticed a positive trend at our dinner functions where guests would actually stay until the end to watch the whole performance instead of leaving after food. That bodes well for us,” he opined.
Those interested to participate in or learn more about Nan Yen Folk Orchestra, contact Sim (019-8184557) or the secretary-general Ng Kui Lan (010-9719119).
The singing sub-group in NanYen.