By Chamber Ensemble EXCO ’26
THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS IS OPEN
Small group, big sound – welcome to the Chamber experience
Chamber Ensemble is hardly considered your archetypal Performing Arts CCA. By most other CCAs, in fact, we seem devastatingly outnumbered.
Nevertheless, what we lack in numbers we make up for with our coruscating performances. Despite our ensemble’s small size, we make sure to bring to our audiences captivating renditions that are sure to tug on your heartstrings.
Chamber Ensemble is composed of pianos, violins, cellos, violas and double basses. In a chamber group, every musician is crucial to the music making. Be it the mesmeric timbres of the piano, the elegant sonority of the cello or the lyrical resonance of the violin—and yes, the charming allure of the viola, each instrument brings a unique voice to every performance. This powerful confluence of individual virtuosity and musical unity puts together an experience truly a sum greater than its parts.
Under the tutelage of our Strings conductor, Mr Lin, and our instructors, Mr Thio and Ms Tay, we explore a wide range of works. Our past performances range from romantic masterpieces like Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings to familiar film soundtracks like My Neighbour Totoro and even classic show tunes like Phantom of the Opera.
Amidst these collective musical endeavours we have bonded as an ensemble, fostering a strong sense of community: and it is these lasting friendships forged that push us through the crescendos and diminuendos of it all.
To new beginnings
Chamber Ensemble took part in the 2025 Singapore Youth Festival, where we performed grand orchestral pieces—Passacaglia by Ottorino Respighi for String Orchestra and Intermezzo from Grieg’s String Quartet No. 1, and ultimately clinched Distinction.
Our mid-year concert in 2025, Interlude, marked the beginning of our journey as a newly merged Chamber Ensemble. As we continue to refine our sound and explore new repertoire, we aim to push the boundaries of what a small group can achieve.
Together, with a shared passion and collective harmony, we work towards a common goal — sharing our love for music. With more performances in the near future, we look forward to making myriads of musical memories with you!
Join us!
Did any of that make your heart skip a beat? Make your breath hitch? Maybe even spark a flame within you? If so—we’re thrilled to have struck a chord!
“Great! Can I join now?” you might ask. Well… not quite yet: we do expect two things from you.
Firstly, being able to play a string instrument or the piano is instrumental to joining our CCA (pun intended). But don’t worry! We’re not looking for trophies or certificates. We’re far more interested in how you express yourself through music, which we’ll gauge through a short audition and interview.
Secondly, a passion for music-making! Things can get tough during the two hectic years here in RI, and it’s this love for music that will keep you inspired through the highs and lows of it all.
If you’ve made it this far—thank you! We hope we’ve piqued your interest and if so, see you at the audition! Until then, keep playing and stay tuned! 🎻🎶
