Thoughtful fusion of classical and modern music

Neil Chua (left) and Heng Xi Ying mesmerised the audience with their performance, which gave a modern twist to classical Chinese pieces.

IT seemed like a brilliant idea when China-based homegrown musicians Neil Chua and Heng Xi Ying decided to find a new direction through the Chinese classical landscape. Driven with the desire to push the boundaries between classical and modern, the musicians have proven that with imagination and creativity, classical pieces can be tweaked to give it a contemporary feel while preserving its original essence.

At their recent performance Les Melodies 4+21 at the newly set-up Theatre Lounge Cafe (TLC) in Kuala Lumpur, Chua, who plays the ruan, and gu zheng player Heng, showcased their versatility and gave a refreshing twist to classical compositions with a modern edge. Classical pieces such as Drunken Madness, The Blossom of Spring and The Fishing Boats At Dusk were re-arranged, uplifting the benchmark for classical Chinese classical fusion pieces.