A SONIC JOURNEY CONNECTING CULTURES

2024
EDITION

AECFest Supported Residency: BRIDGE

The Asia-Europe Cultural Festival (AECFest) 2024 played a crucial role in facilitating a transformative collaboration between Singapore’s Siong Leng Musical Association and Italy’s Tempo Reale through its residency programme. The artists, who had never met before, were brought together by AECFest, which provided them with the time, space, and resources to collaborate on BRIDGE, a groundbreaking project that blends traditional Nanyin music with contemporary electronic sounds.

Siong Leng Musical Association, dedicated to preserving the ancient art of Nanyin, and Tempo Reale, known for its pioneering work in electronic music, were introduced through AECFest’s residency initiative. This collaboration, made possible by the festival’s support, began with a digital exchange where the artists shared their musical influences, artistic references, and conceptual ideas. The residency gave them the unique opportunity to build a shared artistic dialogue and explore new possibilities together.

As the project evolved, both groups were able to meet in person in Singapore in June 2024 allowing them to experiment with blending Nanyin’s delicate melodies and rhythms with modern electronic textures.

Artists of Siong Leng and Tempo Reale rehearse for the BRIDGE: Preview after their residency in Singapore © Temenggong Artists-In-Residence
Artists of Siong Leng and Tempo Reale rehearse for the BRIDGE: Preview after their residency in Singapore © Temenggong Artists-In-Residence
Audience applauded the performance of BRIDGE during the main festival in Italy © Monia Pavoni
Audience applauded the performance of BRIDGE during the main festival in Italy © Monia Pavoni

This residency was more than just a project —it was a space for mutual learning and artistic growth. The programme facilitated deep connections between the artists, who learned to appreciate each other’s cultural traditions and creative processes. Through AECFest’s support, Siong Leng’s musicians and Tempo Reale’s electronic artists discovered ways to bridge the gap between their respective musical worlds, creating a performance that merged the ancient and the contemporary in a truly unique way.

The resulting performance from this collaborative residency was presented in two significant showcases: in Singapore at the Opening Curtain event (as a work in progress) and premiered in Italy during the Main Festival in September 2024.

Tempo Reale, an Italian institution renowned for its pioneering work in electronic music and sound art. Founded by the legendary composer Luciano Berio, Tempo Reale has long been at the forefront of blending technology with musical experimentation. Known for its commitment to electroacoustic improvisation, the organization thrives on exploring new sound territories, breaking boundaries through innovative approaches to sound manipulation.
Tempo Reale, an Italian institution renowned for its pioneering work in electronic music and sound art. Founded by the legendary composer Luciano Berio, Tempo Reale has long been at the forefront of blending technology with musical experimentation. Known for its commitment to electroacoustic improvisation, the organization thrives on exploring new sound territories, breaking boundaries through innovative approaches to sound manipulation.
Siong Leng Musical Association, dedicated to preserving the ancient art of Nanyin, has been instrumental in revitalizing this centuries-old tradition in Singapore. Nanyin, originating from Southern Fujian, China, carries a rich cultural history with its delicate melodies and intricate rhythms. However, Siong Leng has made it their mission to breathe new life into this tradition, ensuring its relevance in the modern world while staying true to its roots.
Siong Leng Musical Association, dedicated to preserving the ancient art of Nanyin, has been instrumental in revitalizing this centuries-old tradition in Singapore. Nanyin, originating from Southern Fujian, China, carries a rich cultural history with its delicate melodies and intricate rhythms. However, Siong Leng has made it their mission to breathe new life into this tradition, ensuring its relevance in the modern world while staying true to its roots.

PARTNERS

Residency partner:

With the support of:

Venue partner:

                         

With the support of:

Thanks to: