gildon c.
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Choo WeiKang first started learning the Ruan under Madam Liu Yan during his secondary days. In 2001, with a growing interest for the Pipa, he switched from playing Ruan under the guidance of Professor Zhang NianBing. Ever since, WeiKang has been actively involved in performances and has received tutelage from several teachers. After a year, in 2002, he had the privilege of performing solo on stage for events in school. In 2003 and 2004, WeiKang was appointed Pipa principal for the Chinese Orchestra Music Camp, organised by the CCA Branch. Also, he has performed overseas with his secondary school, in Japan and China. In 2003, WeiKang's music exposure widened as he joined EVCO, Echoes of the Valley Chinese Orchestra, under the baton of Chiang KumMun. In the same year, WeiKang audited for the first batch of Singapore Youth Chinese Orchestra. He was appointed Pipa principal. In 2004, WeiKang was involved in a new composition by Robert Casteels, and performed as the principal Pipa together with the NUS Centennial Symphony Orchestra. In 2006, WeiKang, on the Ruan, was engaged with the Tang MeiYun Taiwanese Opera Company which held a concert at the Esplanade Theatre. Together with Singapore Armed Forces(SAF) Music and Drama Company Chinese Orchestra, he took part in the production of the first Kung-fu musical which was too held at the Esplanade Theatre. He was also part of the grand concert of 'The Dream of the Red Chamber' by MDC and ICO. WeiKang was appointed the Pipa principal of EVCO during this period. In 2007, WeiKang had the opportunity to work with choreographers, AhHock&PengYu, for a performance of 'In Place', a modern contemporary work for Pipa and Dance. Also, under the baton of Chiang KumMun, he obtained a Gold award in the 18th Australian International Music Festival. The performance, by invitation, at the Sydney Opera House was critically acclaimed. It is also a record throughout its history for being the first group to obtain a full score for the competition. Composing as a hobby, WeiKang has written a piece, entitled 'Tradition', which was featured in a Music Platform concert at the Lee Foundation Theatre. He was part of the apprenticeship offered by Noise Singapore and went under the guidance of Jessica LuJie, an outstanding SanXian performer. In 2008, WeiKang was featured as a Pipa soloist for a joint concert by NAFA and the Oriental National Symphony Orchestra of Xi'an Conservatory of Music at the Esplanade. He recorded the lead Pipa line for Miriam Yueng's '撈月亮的人'. And had his debut concerto with EVCO at Esplanade, 'Capriccio of the Ancient Route', and the local premiere of 'Fire', a Pipa and ErHu duet with orchestra. In 2010, WeiKang was featured as a soloist for a combined concert, by ICO, Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble and The Chamber of the Jakarta Philharmonic Orchestra, held at Aula Simfonia Jakarta. In 2011, WeiKang recorded for Chingay Festival, composed by reknown composer, Iskandar Ismail. With Andy C. & the New Horizons, WeiKang performed for the ASEAN Business Conclave at New Delhi, India. He was also involved as a Pipa soloist for the 20th Candlelight Memorial. WeiKang is currently the Pipa principal of EVCO and studying the Pipa under Madam Yan Yu. Under her devoted guidance, his skills have shown improvement and has reached a higher level of performance. In 2006, WeiKang was awarded with a certificate of distinction from the National Arts Council's Chinese Music Competition, the highest award given, coming in as the first runner-up for the Pipa Open Category. WeiKang has also received guidance from top grade Pipa performer, Wu YuXia. WeiKang is often featured as a Pipa soloist, and as guest musician for many orchestras. He has graduated with a Music Performance Diploma from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts recently.
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