Written By: Zaira
Edited By: Noah
For many years, musical expression has been a preferred choice of artistic declaration, transcending time and cultures, an artistic endeavour that remains constant, ever evolving, and individualized from its nuanced perceptions. With its tendency to induce dopamine release, music has persisted as a unifying force that fuels the soul and resonates with individuals worldwide. Nowhere is this clearer than in the collective aim of 11th graders William (Bill) and Zhenzhen to showcase the brilliance of music and its empowering nature.
Collectively, they will be performing in a concert entitled “不同凡响 Resonance”. The Mandarin title can be loosely translated to depict the ‘extraordinary’ touch that music possesses, while simultaneously incorporating the language to encompass their cultural heritage. In an interview, Zhenzhen stated, “The literal meaning is “not an ordinary sound”, reflecting our spirit as growing musicians to strive and improve in pursuit of excellence, and to create a memorable and exceptional musical experience in this concert.” In doing so, they have curated a selection of pieces which they will perform, with compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, Niccolò Paganini, Frédéric Chopin, Johannes Brahms, Claude Debussy, and Rodion Schedrin.
The program list was designed to include a repertoire of musical ingenuity that spans historical timelines. Including works from the Baroque and Classical periods to the Romantic period and the 20th century, the selected pieces were compiled to immerse the audience in a journey through the masterworks of significant periods and explore the evolution of music over time. Bill, the violinist, claims, “We chose to play pieces from different eras to showcase the variety of styles that classical music has to offer. Classical music is typically known to be a single genre, but it has too much complexity to be classified altogether.”
The pieces chosen include works that both musicians have been studying for the past few years, representing a key period of their artistic journey and growth. The program features both pieces played for a significant period and those learned more recently, all working together to create a performance that showcases the multifaceted and unbounded nature of music. For instance, Bill learned to play Bach’s “Violin Sonata No. 1 in G Minor” in 7th grade. Bach’s work is often described as having endless possibilities in the execution of his music.
To both musicians, classical music remains an ambiguous force—one that constantly reinvents itself under the performer’s interpretation, allowing it to be played in an unlimited number of ways.
Zhenzhen, a pianist, started playing at the age of 3, while Bill began his study of the violin at the age of 4, highlighting the immense impact music has had on their lives, as well as the commitment they have expressed to the art. The value they have found in music over the years is one they look to extend to others and share with the ISM community.
The concert will take place on April 27, 2025, at 3:00 PM in the Maybank Performing Arts Theater in BGC and will unfold over two hours, including an intermission. Additionally, complimentary refreshments and snacks will be available outside the auditorium. Admission is free, in the hope of promoting classical music and conveying their enthusiasm for the art to as many people as possible.
In creating the event, both artists aim to inspire others to experience the beauty of music and pursue such ventures beyond the classroom, underscoring the importance of combining artistic pursuits with service. In an interview, Bill commented, “Music gives me joy because of its endless possibilities. As Sergei Ranchmanioff once said, ‘music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music,’” highlighting the various possibilities music can offer, not only to him but the wider community as a whole.
Ultimately, Zhenzhen and Bill’s performance set the stage for all kinds of musical endeavours in ISM, showcasing not only their passion and enthusiasm for the art but also inspiring others to pursue what they love, no matter how complex it may seem.
