Cheng San Chinese Orchestra

Cheng San Community Club Chinese Orchestra was formerly an all-girls orchestra of considerable size. Gradually, in 1997, it became the first medium-sized Chinese ensemble formed without a conductor and led by Mr Chiang Kum Mun. Since then, the orchestra strength has been growing rapidly. At the same time, Mr. Cheng Chung Hsien was invited to take up the baton of the orchestra.

In September 1997, the orchestra held its concert under the baton of Mr. Cheng Chung Hsien. The orchestra performed a dizi concerto, 'Joyous Reunion' and a pipa concerto, 'Sunset Glow of Xishuang Banna', which received many splendid commendations. The orchestra has been set up for more than four years and has achieved accolades in two separate competitions in 1996 and 1998.

In 1996, the orchestra bagged the Second Prize in the ensemble category with 'Strolling at Su Ti' and 'Camel Bells on Silk Road'. In 1998, two of its members clinched the First Prize in the pipa, dizi, and yangqin Open Category, while another member won the Second Prize in the Erhu Open Category respectively.

The orchestra bagged the Second Prize for the Senior Ensemble Category in the National Chinese Music Competion 2000. In the same year, three of its members won the First and Second Prize in the Erhu Senior Category and Second Prize in Pipa Senior Category respectively.

The orchestra has also performed in public on many occasions, amongst which is the invitation to perform at Pasir Ris Park for the Singapore Arts Festival 2000. Subsequently, the orchestra has been invited to participate in "Waterloo Arts Alive" of the Singapore Arts Festival 2002, organised by the National Arts Council of Singapore.