Ding Yi Music Company (é¼Âèºå¢; previously known as Arts Sphere Chamber Ensemble), is a Singapore-based Chinese chamber music ensemble, founded in 2007. Its musicians include both full-time and part-time members, many of whom trained at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA). The ensembleâÂÂs repertoire spans traditional Chinese music, contemporary avant-garde works, and cross-genre collaborations.
Ding Yi has been named "one of SingaporeâÂÂs most dynamic and successful ensembles". Their performances have been described as "inspirational and aspirational" and their music "invigorating and inspiring".
Ding Yi Music Company aims to define a âÂÂdistinct Singapore Chinese chamber music identity,â blending traditional Chinese instrumentation with contemporary sensibilities. Their mission includes promoting and cultivating appreciation for Chinese chamber music among Singaporeans and broader audiences, and bridging classical traditions with modern creativity.
Dr. Tay Teow Kiat, Emeritus Music Director is also the President of the Singapore Chinese Instrumental Music Association. His awards include the Cultural Medallion in 1993 and the Long Service Medal (Education Service) in 1997.
Tsung Yeh serves as Chief Artistic Mentor of Ding Yi Music Company. He was previously the Music Director of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, and has been active as a conductor and educator in Singapore and internationally.
Wong De Li Dedric is the Resident Conductor of Ding Yi Music Company. He is also affiliated with the China Conservatory of Music Middle School Orchestra Class. In 2006, he won first prize in the National Arts Council Chinese Music CompetitionâÂÂs Suona Open Category.
The ensemble includes several award-winning musicians:
Chua Yew Kok â National Arts Council Young Artist Award 2013
Low Yik Hang â National Arts Council Arts Scholarship 2012
Yvonne Tay â National Arts Council Arts Scholarship 2015
The companyâÂÂs operations are managed by a small administrative team, headed by a general manager. Ding YiâÂÂs patron is Tan Choo Leng and its advisor, Grace Fu Hai Yien.
Their work also extends into innovative formats: in 2021, they created a first-of-its-kind binaural audio experience in the Metaverse as part of a cross-cultural arts initiative and initiated the First Holographic Teresa Teng performance in Singapore, a commission by the National Arts Council as part of Silver Arts 2021.
The ensemble conducts various education and outreach initiatives to raise awareness of Chinese chamber music, including collaborations such as the Feed Your Imagination (F.Y.I.) series with Esplanade â Theatres on the Bay.
Ding Yi Music Company has released three albums:
Ding Yi Music Company has been noted in The Straits Times and other Singapore media for its contributions to the local arts and Chinese cultural landscape, including receiving the Singapore Chinese Cultural Contribution Award in recognition of its work in Chinese music and outreach.
Singapore media coverage has highlighted Ding YiâÂÂs engagement with contemporary musical practice and crossâÂÂcultural collaborations, such as initiatives that bring traditional Chinese instruments into dialogue with other music traditions and ensembles.
In Lianhe Zaobao, commentators have described the ensembleâÂÂs programming as exploring new directions for Chinese chamber music, particularly through thoughtfully curated music seasons celebrating heritage, innovation, and cultural exchange.
Reviews and features in Lianhe Zaobao have also discussed individual concerts that juxtapose traditional Chinese instrumentation with broader artistic themes and contemporary repertoire, illustrating Ding YiâÂÂs role in expanding the reach of Chinese chamber music.