RI String Ensemble

Description

Raffles Institution String Ensemble (RISE) was formed in 2001. It caters to the needs of talented string players in Raffles Institution and has a complementary role in enriching the school's Music Education Programme.

The ensemble is engaged throughout the year, putting up at least one public concert every year. Other activities include the school's "Arts @ Atrium" and busking at Orchard Road to raise funds for the underprivileged. In 2007 RISE travelled to the USA to participate in the New York Band and Orchestra Festival. The experience of performing in the renowned Carnegie Hall was inspirational.

RISE also constantly seeks to collaborate with external organizations. In 2002, we worked with the German School International Chamber Choir in the concert "Gloria Dei" and subsequently embarked on a music tour of Germany under the auspices of the Heinrich-Schutz Conservatory of Music. In 2003 we collaborated with the Singapore Lyric Opera in their production of "Tosca", under the baton of Mr Michael Lloyd, conductor of English National Opera. In 2004 we again collaborated with the Singapore Lyric Opera, in "Christmas Scene", with focus on Handel's Messiah.
Though a young ensemble, we won the Gold Award at the 2003 Singapore Youth Festival Central Judging, our first foray into the SYF. Subsequently we nabbed the prestigious Gold with Honours Award at the 2005 SYF Central Judging (which was the first time that SYF included this category of award), and again in 2007.

Over the years we have also organized Master Classes for our members. Masters include Mr Hajime Teri Murai, Director of Orchestras from the Peabody Conservatory of Music, Mr Gordan Nikolitch, Leader of the London Symphony Orchestra, Ms Yumi Scott, member of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Mr Peter Esswood, Head of Strings from the Royal Welsh College of Music.

The ensemble, under the baton and leadership of Mr Trevor Sze from 2001-2009, has grown from strength to strength as we positioned ourselves locally and internationally. RISE looks forward to many more collaborations and achievements with its new conductor Chan Wei Shing as he takes the ensemble on to new heights.

Achievements

Achievements This Year

AchievementDescription
Chamber Music Concert: fundRISE upcoming concert at RI Performing Arts Centre, 20 & 22 May

Recent Achievements

YearAchievementDescription
2009Singapore Youth Festival Central JudgingGold Award
2009Public Concert MesmeRISEAt Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Concert Hall
2008Public Concert RenaIsSancE 2008At NAFA Lee Foundation Theatre
2007Public Concert with Raffles Voices, ReSERVedAt Victoria Concert Hall
2007New York Band and Orchestra FestivalAt Carnegie Hall, New York
2007Public Concert MesmeRISEAt Alliance Francaise
2007Singapore Youth Festival Central JudgingGold with Honours

Teachers-in-Charge

NameRoleEmail
Mrs Jasmine KohTeacher-in-chargejasmine.koh@ri.edu.sg
Mr Ong Chiau JinTeacher-in-chargechiaujin.ong@ri.edu.sg
Miss Hazel ShenTeacher-in-chargehaze.shen@ri.edu.sg

Students Committee

NameRole
Ryan KwanChairman
John Lee Sen JetVice-Chairman
Maurice NgSecretary
Go Lih KhuangQuartermaster
Wang EnzhaoLibrarian
Theophilus KwekStudent Conductor

External Partners

Name
Chan Wei Shing (Conductor)

Practice Schedule

DayStartEnd
Monday and Wednesday3.30pm6.30pm