OUR WORKS
R.A.W. holds firmly on the belief that traditional music cultures can be embraced by all nationalities regardless of their age and backgrounds. Our ability to accept, tolerate and embrace each other cultures is critical in our society.
IMMersive sound garden (workshop)
23 & 24 March 2022 | 42 Waterloo Street, Blackbox, S187951
(Invitation only)
Immersive Sound Garden Workshop is a safe creative space for participants to experience a journey of rejuvenation; to feel the sense of being carefree and a space allowing them to reset their mind and soul.
Slow down and escape the reality; take the opportunity to enjoy nothingness and through this nothingness, contemplate and reflect.
Immersive Sound Garden Workshop is part of our research and experiments to aid our creative process for Immersive Sound Garden. Using various elements from Sound Meditation; Flow of Energy (movements); and to Feel the Technology (sound scaping and light) to see how it can affect our participants allowing them to feel things which they can’t see or unknown to them, yet it is always in existences around them.
Racial Harmony Day 2021 - Night Walker 夜行者- THe album
1 July to 31 Aug 2021 | Virtual
Open your mind, ears and heart and enjoy the different tunes of the ruan and find your own escape.
An immersive journey awaits as you journey through the five stages of the night. Open your mind, cast away the norms, let your imagination runs wild. Hear the ruan like you never hear before. Feel the music as it tickles through the night.
Night Walker 夜行者 The Album is dedicated to Racial Harmony Day 2021.
Choose your preferred music service here. (Only available for subscriber)
Click here to find our more on Night Walker The Album
Night Walker 夜行者
LIVE with the Night Walker Cast & Crew on our Facebook on 11 June, 8pm | Virtual
Based on the night-time division system from ancient China, our Night Walker traces the emotional journey of the Musician as he embarks on his new creation. In our parallel time and space, the daily life can be routine. What happens when the unknown happens? How do you cope? As the sun sets, Night arrives. Intrigued by the ruan, what will happen to Night? What will happen to the Musician? As they journey through the night, what will they discover?
Commissioned by Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, featuring original music composed by Musician, Neil Chua and electronic soundscape by Sound, played by Aw Wei Zheng. Interacting between the different styles of Ruan music will be Night, played by Bala Saravanan Loganathan, drawing from Bharathanatyam dance. Time is played by Koh Soo Lin, an experienced actor from Nan Hwa Opera Association. The production is dramaturged and directed by experienced theatre director, Jeffrey Tan and produced by RuanAtWorkz Musical Arts with Neil Chua as the Artistic Director.
令人沈思的音乐探索之旅
参照了中国古代夜晚时制，《夜行者》描记了琴者在夜晚进行创作时的情感历程。在平行时空里，我们的生活仍可能是如常地进行着的。然而当未知的事情发生时，你会怎么应对呢？夕阳西下，夜幕降临。阮声引来夜灵，琴者会怎么回应的呢？ 这一夜，他们又将会有什么样的经历呢？
此作品由新加坡华族文化中心委约创作，作品中的原创音乐为“琴者”蔡为仲作曲与饰演，电子音景为“声源”胡伟政设计与饰演。擅长印度婆罗多舞，同时也响应不同阮乐曲风的“夜灵”为Bala Saravanan Loganathan饰演。“时更”则为南华潮剧社的资深演员许树霖饰演。本地资深戏剧导演陈财龙执导。
Evolution of Ruan 阮与时并进
Delve into the history and evolution of Ruan at this workshop. Learn about its versatility and how it can be combined with the different cultural art forms whilst still retaining its traditional essence.
15 May 2021 | Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, Multi-Purpose Hall, Level 7
The Journey 四方夜谭
Join us as we share the inspiration behind the cross-cultural production, Night Walker 夜行者. Find out how they successfully fuse the different art forms together and maintain each art form's value without compromising their essence.
15 May 2021 | Virtual
Ruan Meets sape
18 April 2020 | Original Composition
Ever wonder how does it sound like when the Ruan meets the Sape? Do you know the Sape is often called 'the boat lute' in the West due to the hollowed out shape which resemble a sampan?
Here is an original excerpt by Neil Chua and Rayhan Sudrajat.
VM Ware Corporate Meeting
16 April 2020 | Virtual
Closing edutainment for corporate folks at VM Ware with Chinese Music (Ruan) history.
Night Walker 夜行者 - Media Preview
06 Feb 2020 | Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
Casting a spotlight on our distinct local culture, Night Walker 夜行者offers a refreshing take on Singapore’s multiculturalism and sheds light on the ancient Chinese Ruan (阮) instrument, inviting us to indulge in its rich history from its origins till present day.
Night Walker 夜行者 - Creative Sharing Session
23 Nov 2019 | Stamford Arts Centre
Join artists Neil Chua, Lim Chin Huat, Bala Saravanan Loganathan and Aw Wei Zheng as they discuss the inspiration behind Night Walker 夜行者. How the journey started? What was creative process like? And what can the audiences look forward to as we bring Night Walker 夜行者 on stage in April 2020.
Night Walker 夜行者 - Open Rehearsal
22 Nov 2019 | Stamford Arts Centre
An Open Rehearsal with Neil Chua, Lim Chin Huat, Bala Saravanan Loganathan and Aw Wei Zheng to experience the creative process on bringing the production to live!
Official launch of the Extra.Ordinary Creations: Living Cities Exhibition
Using music to interpret those amazing paintings which celebrates inclusivity and cohesiveness within the community featuring Neil Chua (Ruan), Lim Ming Yi (Nanyin Vocal, Pipa & Si Bao {bamboo clappers} - SLMA) & Seow Ming Fong (Nanyin Xiao Jiao {small percussion} and Dong Xiao {Nanyin flute} - SLMA)
8 Nov 2019 | ParkRoyal at Beach Road
CONVERSING WITH THE MOON
𝘼𝙣 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙛 𝙈𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙘 𝙄𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝
NEIL CHUA (𝑅𝑢𝑎𝑛) & CHOW JUN YI (𝐶𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑜) 𝐹𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 Syafiq Halid & Bala Saravanan Loganathan
6 OCT 2019 | Stamford Arts Centre
An intimate session whereby our artists uses audiences’ submission of their personal ‘MOON’ either via a photo, video, or a short passage to interpret using their music and movements
Night walker - 夜行者 (showcase)
<Invitation only>
A theatrical recital which explores the uncanny relationship between the past, the present and the future of Ruan (阮) with a troubled composer – Neil Chua. The frustration of his creative process; the difficulties he faces on a daily basis; and the psychological impact of mental blockages are tastefully represented through the clever usage of space, sound and light. Night Walker – 夜行者 also demonstrates the external influences of a creative neighbour sharing the same space yet separated with a thin layer of wall. Portrayed by Syafid Halid, his experimental music will play a significant role in both their living spaces. A mystery character depicted by Bala Saravanan Loganathan will transit between these spaces throughout the 5 different stages of the night (五更) as he witness the emotional state of each sleeping cycle.
Night Walker – 夜行者cuts across 3 genres of art forms exploring the effects of how human daily lifestyle can affect the quality of sleep and how it is correlated with the Rise, Fall and Reborn of Ruan (阮). Each sleeping cycle cleverly depicts the different stages of the history of Ruan (阮) from discovery to rise-to-fame; from jealousy to inner battle with oneself (self-doubt); to the fall from grace (depression) and lastly, to reborn to the breath of freedom.
Conceptualized by Artistic Director Neil Chua with Creative Director Lim Chin Huat, Night Walker - 夜行者 is a cross-disciplinary presentation which redefine how traditional music are presented yet preserving the essence of each culture.
15 DEC 2018 | Stamford Arts Centre
Night Walker - 夜行者 is an initiative of the National Arts Council Traditional Arts Residency at Stamford Arts Centre by Neil Chua in collaboration with Bhaskar’s Arts Academy.
Tan Tock Seng Hospital Rehab Centre XMAS Celebration
Celebrating the festive season with a charity performance for the patients at the TTSH Rehab Centre with our fusion of Jazz and Chinese traditional music.
22 Dec 2017 | TTSH Rehab Centre, Singapore
breve
A community project that strengthens our social core and unites the community by promoting acceptance and tolerance of cultural diversities through musical art. For more information, please click here.
8 to 18 Nov 2017 | Various Locations in Singapore
microsoft singapore inspire partner conference
An original piece composed specially for Microsoft to showcase the integration of technology and cultures. Featuring Chinese Ruan 阮, Malay Darbuka, Kendang, Gangsa and Modern Electronic Music.
5 October 2017 | Singapore Chinese Cultural Central
Buddhist LIBRARY 35th ANNIVERSARY LUNCHEON
A charity performance showcasing the fusion of traditional Chinese Ruan 阮 with Classical Jazz.
9 September 2017 | Singapore Expo
aliwal arts night crawl 2017
by Lion and Moon Lady
Be mesmerised by the mythical love story between the Daughter of the Ocean and the Prince of the Land in this ethereal collaboration of traditional Chinese and Malay Javanese instruments.
19 August 2017 | Malay Heritage Centre, Singapore
sesaji segoro - daughter of the ocean
An Original Opera rich in Traditional Cultures showcasing Ruan (阮）, Traditional Javanese Vocal and Indian Dances accompanied with 15-piece Gamelan Ensemble.
5 August 2017 | Malay Heritage Centre, Singapore
Singapore Island Country Club May Day Charity 2017
It was such a honor for Neil Chua and Priyadarshini Nagarajah to performed for the President of the Republic of Singapore Dr, Tony Tan and distinguished guests for the Singapore Island Country Club May Day Charity 2017.
1 May 2017 | Singapore Island Country Club
Christmas Melodies in the Flower Dome
An amazing performance with Jazz Guitarist Alvin Wong at the beautiful Gardens by the Bay!
An unique combination of traditional Ruan (阮) with Jazz Guitar.
4 December 2016 | Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
Solo International Performing Art Festival 2016 (SIPA)
Solo International Performing Arts (SIPA) is an international event of performing arts showcasing the spirit of togetherness from Solo to the world that every substance can be the spirit of performing arts.
Solo International Performing Arts (SIPA) is the spirit of movement to preserve the world culture with its culture through performing arts. SIPA 2016 not only emphasizes traditional and modern performing arts but also highlights the spirit of togetherness.
The energy of performing arts derived from cultural diversity will be unified through the same spirit.
We are proud to represent Singapore & Malaysia and Neil Chua will once again be able to showcase Ruan （阮） to the world audience!
8 - 10 September 2016 | Benteng Vastenburg Solo, Indonesia
Asian Performing Arts Market (APAMS 2016)
Lion and Moon Lady performing 'Sesaji Segoro - The Daughter of the Ocean' for the Asian Performing Arts Market (APAMS) in Japan.
A original production rich in traditional Chinese and Javanese cultures
23 -24 July 2016 | Takamatsu, Kagawa - Japan ·
SYNPOSIS
Deep within the ocean lies the majestic palace of the Daughter of the Ocean. She ruled the ocean with her love and kindness. One day, she saw a fleet of ships cruising across the sea. Leading the fleet, stood the Prince of the Land, handsome and strong. He commanded the fleet with authority and wisdom just like his mentor, the Great Lion.
She was mesmerized by his charm and followed the Prince blessing his voyeur. As fate would put it, the Prince saw her and his heart melts. Her beauty was like the blossoming spring flowers and seeing her swimming in the crystal clear water was like a dance gifted from the Moon Goddess.
They fell in love.
For days and nights, they shadowed each other. Time stood still as they shared every moment together. Unknown to them, the world they ruled are falling apart as they neglect their duties. Storming oceans and war torn countries, their world is in pain.
Soon, the Daughter of Ocean realized the damage they caused. She wept in silence. If she chose to go on land with her Prince, the ocean will have endless storm but if her Prince was to go to her ocean palace, the land will be in chaos. She travelled to the far end of Mother Earth to seek solace from the Moon Goddess and guidance from the Great Lion. She has to choose. The world or her Prince. A painful choice she has to make.
As the world continued to tear itself apart, the Daughter of the Ocean made up her mind. Covered in tears, she gave her love to the world. She left the Prince and relinquished into the deep cold ocean, alone and in pain. She wept endless tears for her Prince but her pain and suffering is her greatest gift for the world. A gift from the Daughter of the Ocean for peace and harmony.
Setouchi Triennale 瀬戸内国際芸術祭
Representing Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, Lion and Moon Lady performing for the Setouchi Triennale in Japan presenting the premiering the 30mins excerpt of 'Sesaji Segoro - The Daughter of the Ocean'.
18 - 22 July 2016 | Takamatsu, Takamijima, Tadotsu, Kagawa - Japan ·
Workshop – Learn to Love Ruan
An interactive workshop held at The Perpustakaan Sultan Ismail, Lincoln Corner in Johor Bahru, Malaysia on 4 April 2016. Neil introduced Ruan （阮） to students from 6 different schools, teachers and musicians from different fields attending.
Music is truly without borders!
4 April 2016 | Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Workshops – OneBeat Sharing Session in Malaysia, 18 Feb 2016
Neil Chua and Ng Chor Guan shared their experiences of the International Music Culture Exchange Programme OneBeat at The Galeri Inspirasi at Perpustakaan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 18 Feb 2016.
18 February 2016 | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Silkroad’s Global Musician Workshop
The mission of Silkroad’s Global Musician Workshop (GMW) is to foster a community of globally minded musicians engaged in learning from one another’s traditions and incorporating them into their own artistic voices. In addition to Yo-Yo Ma’s participation in select activities, the artist-faculty will teach styles of music from across the world. GMW is directed by Silk Road Ensemble cellist Mike Block.
Neil Chua was privileged to be invited to participate in Yoyo Ma’s Silkroad’s Global Musician Workshop 2015
8 – 12 June 2015 | Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
Memoirs. De Melodies 吟遊
Melodies evoke emotions. It brings about sensations, which we all experience differently. Often times, it takes us to a different world, telling us stories that are either familiar, or leaving us as a complete stranger.
Holding firmly on the belief that traditional music culture can be embraced by all nationalities and regardless of their backgrounds, Memoirs. De Melodies 吟遊 is a melodious journey to feel the emotions which the composers experienced. A journey through time to feel their love, anger, oppression, sadness and triumph. Every piece will have its own story to tell.
1 & 2 July 2015, 8pm | 2015年7月1至2日，晚上8点
Esplanade Recital Studio| 滨海艺术中心音乐室
40th Klang Music Festival 2014 – 40届巴生歌乐节
The Annual Klang Music Festival was held from 23-24 August 2014 and Neil Chua was honored to be invited to perform in his hometown in front of more than 2,000 guests. The Festival was organized by numerous local associations and was graced by Members of Parliament from the State of Selangor.
Neil took the opportunity to perform a solo piece named - The Sword (剑器）and I he invited 3 of his best friends Ms. Ong May Yu, Mr. Raymond Choo and Mr. Lam Zi Peng to perform 2 pieces, Chrysanthemum Flower Bed (菊花台) made famous by popular Taiwanese Singer, Jay Chow and Tuesday Gathering (周二聚会）a piece about friendships.
23 & 24 August 2014 | Klang, Malaysia
OneBeat initiative by the US Department of State
The Embassy of the United States of America in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is proud to announce that musician Mr. Neil Chua has been selected to represent Malaysia in the International Music Exchange Programme known as OneBeat in the United States of America, an initiative by the US Department of State.
8 Oct - 5 Nov 2014 | Los Angeles, Arizona, and New Mexico
