By Alena Siaw (24S03O), Glenda Hua (24A01C) and Syaura Nashwa (24S03R)

Nervous chatter and the soft sounds of the tuba and euphonium filled the Year 1-4 atrium. Raffles Symphonic Band’s teacher-in-charge was more overwrought about their upcoming concert at the end of May. Though an aura of nervousness lingered in the air, it was clear from the determined faces of the band members that they were going to make this performance count.  

By Zhu Yunjie (24A01E), Johnathan Lim (23S03M), Siaw Min En Alena (24S03O)

Photos courtesy of Faith Tan Xin Ning (23S03C)

“Craziest project we’ve ever done.”

Mr Yang, emcee and conductor, by Branson Tan’s recount

On the 21st of April, the Raffles Institution Chinese Orchestra (RICO) (Y1-6) collaborated with the Raffles Girls’ School Chinese Orchestra (RGSCO) and RICO alumni, coming together to deliver their third iteration of ‘In Youthful Company’ at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre. There were packed theatres, along with lovely sunsets, but of course, there was a cheerful spring repertoire to top off our Friday nights.

With this being RICO’s first public performance since the pandemic began, pent-up excitement from audiences and performers alike was evident from the overflowing turnout and an oversubscribed list of performers.