All video performance concerts will be streamed on SoundBridge website, Facebook live and YouTube. In addition to these concerts, we are hosting a Zoom Webinar: panel discussion with Javanese dancer Mr Agung Gunawan, young composer/conductor Dr Piyawat Louilarpprasert, composer Dr Anothai Nitibhon, young composer Ms Teh Tian Yoon, and contemporary dancer Dr Tony Yap. This discussion on cross-media trends in contemporary music is moderated by Dr Sayyid Shafiee.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have changed our presentation structure from the previous editions, while retaining the essence of Soundbridge. All concerts feature works from SMCC composers and international guest composers, pre-recorded and performed by local and international artists from Malaysia, Southeast Asia and other countries.  Our resident ensemble “N10 ensemble”, SMCC artist-in-resident percussionist Max Riefer, Saxophonist Scarlet Gouk Yan Tong and festival artist conductor Lee Kok Leong will perform the world premiere of 14 new works by Malaysian composers Teh Tze Siew, Tee Xiao Xi, Koay Loong Chuen, Ooi Wei Chern, Lee Chie Tsang, Tan Zhi Yong, Wong Chee Wei, Chong Kar Yan, Heng Fook Wei, Lim Yu Yao and Chiu Peng Chong, N10 ensemble, saxophonist Scarlet Gouk Yan Tong, pianist Poom Prommachart and conductor Lee Kok Leong will rehearse and video-record the pieces in Malaysia while Max Riefer will rehearse and video-record in Germany.  Guest conductor Prof Peter Veale, will rehearse and video-record the music of our featured composers Prof Dieter Mack, Prof Liza Lim and festival director Dr Chong Kee Yong in Germany with Studio Musikfabrik.

With more than 100 composers and artists involved in this festival, we intend to foster a deep intercultural and knowledge exchange in new music writing between artists from Southeast Asia and beyond. This festival showcases original compositions by composers from our Southeast Asia region and other countries around the world. Our festival works closely with our music partners like The Guzheng Academy, Ensemble Musikfabrik, Landesmusikrat NRW, Kanazawa Citizen’s Art Center, Siong Leng Musical Association, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Gamelan Semara Ratih, Gamelan Salukat, Omah gamelan, Gamelané SJ, Jelana creative movement, Yogyakarta Contemporary Music Festival, Salihara Theatre,  Rancakalong-Sumedang Community and Studio Acht; and we will present many leading contemporary music composers, ensembles, musicians and artists from Asia, Europe and USA, such as composers Yii Kah Hoe, Dr Tazul Tajuddin, A/Prof Ho Chee Kong, Prof Qin Wenchen, Prof Jia Guoping,  Prof Chou Wen Chung,  Javier Busto,  I Ketut Cater, Dewa Alit,  Yasnoshin Morita,  Dieter Mack, Vu Nhat Tan,  Liza Lim, Anothai Nitibhon, Tony Prabowo, Wayan Gde Yudane, Salvatore Sciarrino, George Crumb and John Adams; saxophonist Scarlet Gouk Yan Tong,  pianist Ya-ou Xie, Poom Prommachart, percussionist Max Riefer, Lukas Ligeti, violinist Yeoh Pei-Ann, conductor Lien Boon Hua,  Peter Veale, Chen Yun-Hung, Quek Ling Kiong, Alexander John Villanueva, Lin Liao, Lee Kok Leong, dancer Zhu Shiya, Agung Gunawan, Tony Yap, Amandus Paul Panan, Chan Kar Kah, sarangi player Kiran Nepali, Hanoi New Music Ensemble, Ding Yi Music Company, Tacet(i) Ensemble, Ripieno Ensemble, Taipei Chamber Singers, CUBE BAND, Wanderer Chamber ensemble, Laring ensemble, OpusNovus YST, Con tempo ensemble, Tian Lai guzheng ensemble, Hong Kong New Music Ensemble, KCAC (Kanazawa Citizen’s Art Center) Ensemble, N10 ensemble, Studio Musikfabrik and Jakarta New Music Ensemble.

In this difficult time, I would like to express my deep appreciation to all the individuals, organizations, and many of my friends whose continuous support makes this festival possible. Your contribution fosters a vibrant exchange of contemporary music amongst artists in various countries in Asia, Germany, and America. You have brought this festival to life, that amidst a pandemic, brings local dialects and music across continents to light!