HO CHEE KONG

REVIEW

There and Back - Chang Tou Liang, The Straits Times. "Rousing finale for SCO's Homecoming Concert III"

​

More Chinese in feel was There And Back, a double concerto receiving its World Premiere by Siow and cellist Qin Li-Wei. Here, Ho crafted an atmospheric and cinematic score that evoked the rigours of a journey through China’s vast loess plateau. Siow’s ethereal violin opened the slow introduction, answered by Qin’s mellower and deeper plaint.

​

Before long, soloists and orchestra were swept into a rugged but exhilarating dance of the steppes. The most poignant moments transpired when the lights were further dimmed, revealing only Siow and Qin in an intimate duet, one of rapt stillness and seeming finality for the ages. This new work deserves to be heard in SCO’s future overseas tours.

“Here is a rare and perfect marriage of Western and Chinese music, done right for once.”

– There and Back, Best Classical Work 2019, The Straits Times