Tanbo

The Tanbo section (also known the plucked-string section) comprises different string instruments which can be played using picks, sticks, or artificial nails. This is a unique section as you do not usually find a plucked-string section in Western orchestras.

In RICO, the Tanbo section currently has 24 members who play instruments such as the Yangqin (扬琴), Pipa (琵琶), Zhongruan (中阮), Daruan (大阮), Liuqin (柳琴) and Guzheng (古筝).

琵琶 (Pipa)

Pipa is a pear-shaped four-stringed instrument which is played upright and using artificial nails. It is also known as the Chinese lute, and was introduced to China from the Asia Minor 2000 years ago.

Similar to a guitar or lute, Pipa strings are strummed or plucked to produce a sound. Mastering the Pipa requires players to master both left and right hand techniques, which makes learning the instrument fairly difficult.

Our Instructor

We are honoured to have Ms Avilyn Sim as our Pipa instructor in RICO. She was one of the first Singaporeans to graduate with a master’s degree in Pipa performance from the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, China (2010) and a BA degree in Pipa performance from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music (2007).

Repertoires

One of the most famous Pipa piece is 十面埋伏 (Ambush from Ten Sides), which imitates the sounds of war through various techniques.

Other famous pieces include: 霸王卸甲 (The Warlord Takes Off His Armour)，彝族舞曲 (Dance of the Yi People) and 春江花月夜 (A Moonlit Night by the Flower-bloomed River in Spring)

柳琴 (Liuqin)

The Liuqin is a three or four stringed instrument, similar in shape to the Pipa, but of a significantly smaller size.

Similar to the Pipa, Liuqin strings are strummed and plucked. The sound produced by the Liuqin, however, is of a higher pitch than a Pipa.

Our Instructor

We are honoured to have Mr Jonathan Ngeow as our instructor for both Liuqin and Ruan.

Mr Ngeow is a member of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. He graduated with First Class Honours from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in partnership with the Royal College of Music (London) and the Central Conservatory of Music (Beijing).

Repertoires

One famous Liuqin piece is 雨後庭院 (The Garden after rain).

阮 (Ruan)

The Ruan is a four stringed lute, with a round body and a fretted neck. The Ruan originated in China as a variation of the Pipa.

The Ruan has multiple variations: the xiaoruan, zhongruan, daruan, etc, which each produce different sounds. The ruan is played using a pick.

Our Instructor

We are honoured to have Mr Jonathan Ngeow as our instructor for both Liuqin and Ruan.

Repertoires

Perhaps the most symbolic piece for the Ruan is 月琴讚 (Praise of Yueqin). In ancient times, the Ruan was first invented as the Yueqin in the Song dynasty, and this piece fully captures the essence of this unique instrument. Notable composers in this aspect include 林吉良、寧勇 and 徐陽.

In modern times, composer 劉星 (Liuxing) has composed many famous works, including Zhongruan concerto no.1, better known as 雲南回憶 (Reminiscences of Yunnan) and Zhongruan Concerto no.2.

Dubbed "Master of the Ruan", Principal Player at the China National Conservatory of Music Feng Mantian also composed 天高雲談, a piece that elevates the listener into the carefree, open atmosphere of the sky.

Moreover, with the versatile nature of the Ruan, it's possibilities are endless. For example, here is a Ruan Ensemble which performed the theme of "Phantom of the Opera".

扬琴 (Yangqin)

The Yangqin is a trapezoidal hammered dulcimer. It likely derived from the Santur, an older dulcimer from Iran.

Known as the Chinese dulcimer, the Yangqin is played using a pair of beaters or mallets. The Yangqin is known for having the greatest number of strings, with standard models having around 144 strings!

Our Instructor

We are honoured to have Mr Patrick Ngo as our Yangqin instructor.

Mr Patrick Ngo is the co-founder of Nen ensemble, a recipient of the NAC Arts Bursary (Overseas) and Lee Foundation Overseas Study Grant (2006-2009) as well as a member of the Cimbalom World Association (CWA). He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Yangqin performing arts from the prestigious Central Conservatory of Music, Beijing and is also the only MOE AMIS certified Yangqin instructor in Singapore.

Repertoires

One of the most famous Yangqin pieces is 林冲夜奔 (Lin Chong Flees by Night), which is about the famous story from 水浒传 (Water Margin).

Other notable pieces include: 离骚 (The Lament) and 将军令 (The General's Command).

古筝 (Guzheng)

The Guzheng is a plucked zither which likely originated in China during the Warring States period (475–221 BC). The guzheng is usually played using plectra, or picks, attached to the fingers.

Our Instructor

We are honoured to have Mr Johnny Chia as our Guzheng instructor.

He is a co-founder of Nen (formed in 2013) and also the co-founder of the Guzheng Association (Singapore) established in 2014.

Mr Chia graduated with a Bachelor of Performing Arts in Chinese Traditional Music (Guzheng) in 2010.

Repertoires

Famous Guzheng pieces include 漁舟唱晚 (Fishermen's Song) and 高山流水 (High Mountains and Flowing Water)

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