Singapore (People's Daily) - Chinese and Singaporean youth on Tuesday visited the Siong Leng Musical Association for an exchange on Nanyin, a centuries-old melodic style from southeast China known for its slow tempo, refined vocals and string and wind instruments.
Twelve young representatives from the two countries took part in exchanges on traditional music heritage, youth participation and cross-cultural communication.
The event is part of the China-Singapore Youth Dialogue, which aims to promote mutual learning and strengthen people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
Founded in 1941, Siong Leng is one of Singapore's oldest Nanyin ensembles. It has long worked to preserve and promote traditional Chinese music, particularly Nanyin, while also covering related forms such as Liyuan Opera.
Introducing the ensemble's artistic directions, principal musician Xiao Mingfeng said its work reflects diversity and multicultural influences. While exploring interdisciplinary approaches, their performances combine different elements from Malay and Indian dance, and even Malay rap, to foster cross-cultural collaboration. "We adapt and present different styles and perspectives for different audiences, from children to the elderly," Xiao noted.
Musicians of the Siong Leng Musical Association perform Nanyin music for Chinese and Singaporean youth representatives in Singapore on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. (Photo: People's Daily)
Originating in Quanzhou, Southeast China's Fujian Province, Nanyin is a key part of Minnan culture and is listed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It remains culturally significant among overseas Chinese communities.
As an important institution for Nanyin's transmission abroad, Siong Leng promotes the genre through performances, training and cultural exchanges. While preserving traditional repertoires, instrumentation and forms, it also supports traditional music's development in contemporary society.
Lin Mingyi, a principal musician of Siong Leng Musical Association, demonstrates musical instruments used in Nanyin performances to Chinese and Singaporean youth representatives in Singapore on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. (Photo: People's Daily)
Siong Leng follows a dual approach of preservation and innovation, said the association's Artistic Director Lin Shaoling, aiming to bring Nanyin to wider audiences through diverse and experimental formats.
The visit centered on Nanyin's historical transmission and modern evolution, with Chinese and Singaporean youth participants discussing contemporary expressions of traditional arts. Music, they said, serves as a bridge across cultures and languages.
(Produced by Han Xiaomeng, Qiao Wai, Xie Runjia, Lu Dong and intern Cui Jianing)