# Crescendo (TV series)

Crescendo (Chinese: 起飛) is a Singaporean musical drama produced by production company Wawa Pictures and telecast on MediaCorp Channel 8. It stars Christopher Lee, Tay Ping Hui, Darren Lim, Jacelyn Tay, Cynthia Koh and Ann Kok in this series.
The series is set against the backdrop of the Xinyao Movement, synonymous with the pursuit of dreams of a young generation of Singaporeans in the local music industry, and a part of Singapore culture many still hold dear.

## Cast
### Main cast

* Christopher Lee as Yang Yiwei 杨毅伟. One of the members of "Crescendo" in the late 80s who aspires to spread the xinyao movement. Brian Ng 黄超群 as Teenage Yang.
* Tay Ping Hui as Jiang Chufan 江楚帆. One of the members of "Crescendo" in the late 80s. Xu Bin as Teenage Jiang. Singing voice provided by Elton Lee 李泓伸
| Cast | Role | Description |
| Darren Lim | David Luo Dawei 罗大卫 | Teenage version portrayed by Fraser Tiong 张家奇 One of the members of "Crescendo" in the late 80s. Rich and humorous, he always acts as a mediator between Chufan and Yiwei. He has no strong opinion on the company he has set up with his two friends, but was determined to keep "Crescendo" going in order to bind their brotherhood intact. Ran over by Shixin's car in episode 27 and was killed In Love With Deng Xueli |
| Jacelyn Tay | Irene Lin Meiling 林美玲 | Main Villain Teenage version portrayed by Erika Tan 陈蕙薰 One of the members of "Crescendo" in the late 80s. Arrogant and aggressive, she would unscrupulously utilize all means to attain her goals. She sparked a misunderstanding between Yafang and Chufan, resulting in their breakup, to get close to Chufan herself. Irene took advantage of this to win Chufan's attention, and they eventually got married. They later divorced after three years as Chufan was too focused on chasing his passion and neglected Irene. Returning to Singapore years later as a managing director of a venture capital company, she joined the record company as its largest shareholder. Tried to turn back her mistakes because of love in episode 28 but gave up love for career in episode 30, and sold "Crescendo" to a Chinese company |
| Cynthia Koh | Wang Yafang 王雅芳 | Teenage version portrayed by Bonnie Loo 罗美仪 One of the members of "Crescendo" in the late 80s, gentle and trusting compared to her close confidante, Irene, who has strategically caused Chufan and Yafang to break up in the 80s, in order to get close to him herself. Yiwei, on the other hand, has accompanied Yafang after her breakup with Chufan. Yafang felt grateful and eventually married Yiwei. However, their marriage is on the rocks, following the mishap of their daughter. Helped Yiwei to strive for the local music industry in the end |
| Ann Kok | Shirley Deng Xueli 邓雪莉 | Teenage version portrayed by Tan Chu Xuan 陈楚璇 Starting out as a member of another xinyao duet, she is famous for her performance in Encounter (邂逅). She chose to break up with her boyfriend and moved to Taiwan after she was offered a contract to further her singing career, but experienced several setbacks, and ended up singing in a rowdy restaurant for a living. David, who has kept Xueli closed to his heart since the 80s, found her in Taiwan and persuaded her to return to Singapore. On the other hand, Xueli has always felt grateful, but not love, towards David. Pregnant at episode 29; having Dawei and hers baby Reconciled with Monica in the end Singing voice provided by Chriz Tong (汤薇恩) |

### Supporting cast

| Cast | Role | Description |
| Dawn Yeoh | Fang Xinyi 方欣仪 | Mindee Ong was originally cast to play the role but withdrew from the drama before production starts. A former singer who have feelings for Yiwei. Singing voice provided by Sellyne Chai (蔡违玲) |
| Olivia Ong | Alixia Ong | Singer contracted under Crescendo. Has strong passion for music. She is determine to release an album, but did not have the opportunity to shine after signing with the record company. Even though she has been unable to release her own album, she has not given up. Later, Chufan helped her develop as a singer, while Yiwei brought her to Taiwan to promote her new album, but she is unable to adapt to the Taiwan's culture. She feels lost and wants to quit. With encouragement from Xueli and Wenjie, Alixia eventually gets re-contracted to an independent record company to continue her music dream. Joined Cute Little Kitty in episode 7 and went to Taiwan to further her music career |
| Jeffrey Xu | Xu Wenjie 徐文杰 | A sound engineer at the record company, he is a cheerful and optimistic enthusiast in music. He is fond of Alixia and is always supportive of her. After knowing that Alixia has a boyfriend, he falls for Carina Carina's boyfriend in the end |
| Gavin Teo 赵崇喆 | Yang Chengye 杨承业 | Yang Yiwei and Wang Yafang's son. He has great passion in music and has a talent for song composition. He is introduced to xinyao when trying to woo Carina. He is one of the four selected during Crescendo's auditions and given three months of training. |
| Tracer Wong 王裕香 | Monica | Dawei's elder sister. |
| Zen Chong | Zhang Shixin 张世新 | Reporter and younger brother of Zhang Hongying, plans to take revenge for his brother's mishap He is destined to kill Deng Xueli and destroy her reputation through reporting fake news and, along with Irene, he destroys Crescendo's reputation and causing Yiwei to quit Crescendo |
| Hayley Woo 胡佳嬑 | Carina Zhang Tongxuan 张彤萱 | A bright 18-year-old whom, under the influence of her parents, likes xinyao since young. She joins Crescendo as intern and falls for Wenjie. She is being cast for a TVC that went viral online, becoming a much sought after idol after that. She falls for Wenjie and became his girlfriend in the end Singing voice provided by Natalie Tan (陈佳琦) |
| Roy Li 黎沸挥 | Mentor Li 黎老师 | 80's version portrayed by Jason Sim 沈辉 is the judge of the singing competition Yiwei, Yafang, Chufan and Xueli participated in. He continues to give advice to Yiwei in the present day. |
| Mei Xin 美心 | Liang Meiqi 梁美琪 | One of the four aspiring singers selected through the auditions held by Crescendo and given three months of training. She is later given a contract with Crescendo. |
| Guo Liang 郭亮 | Wei Nian 魏年 | Founder of Everest Investment. Intelligent, capable and practical. He grew up in poor living conditions; started his business from scratch and is currently single. He has the gift to identify high return investments. Wei Nian is Irene's boss. He holds high confidence in her abilities and understands her well. He does not want Irene to be emotionally affected at work due to unrequited relationships. Alongside Irene, he plans to takeover Crescendo and remove Yiwei's contract with the Crescendo |
| Charles Lee 李家庆 | Wang Jianwei 王建维 | One of the four aspiring singers selected through the auditions held by Crescendo and given three months of training. |
| Boon Hui Lu 文慧如 | Tang Huiru 汤惠茹 | One of the four aspiring singers selected through the auditions held by Crescendo and given three months of training. |
| Danny Yeo 杨君伟 | Richard | Carina's father |
| Boon Ang 洪伟文 | Zhang Hongying 张宏鹰 | Teenage version portrayed by Rayner Lim 林佳陞 Deng Xueli's ex-boyfriend and Zhang Shixin's elder brother. He suffered a leg injury. Died from a terminal disease in episode 26 Encounter(邂逅) voice provided by Jacky Chew (周玮贤) |
| Seah Hui Xian | Melody | Dawei's niece and Monica's daughter |

### Special appearances

| Cast | Role | Description |
| Samuel Chong 张永权 | Master of Ceremonies 大会司仪 | Emcee for "Top 10 Outstanding Youths Award" |
| Alfred Sim 沈志豪 | Singing competition host 音乐比赛主持人 | Host of a singing competition |
| 何宇珊 | Yang Chengxi 杨承喜 | Xixi (喜喜) Yang Yiwei and Wang Yafang's daughter. Died while Yiwei was away in China. (Deceased) |
| Louis Wu 伍洛毅 | Reporters | |
| 黄彤 | Reporters | |
| Jo Wu 吴加欣 | Reporters | |
| 方宝钏 | Reporters | |
| 庄凯喨 | Reporters | |
| Stella Fang 冯琬心 | Lounge singer 驻唱歌手 | |
| Elton Lee 李泓伸 | Lounge singer 驻唱歌手 | |
| Hu Wensui | | |

## Original Sound Track (OST)

| Song type | Song title | Performer (s) | Lyrics | Composer | Arranger | Producer (s) |
| Theme Song | 好想告诉你 | A-do 阿杜 | Liang Wern Fook 梁文福 | Liang Wern Fook 梁文福 | James Yeo 杨奋郁 | Zennon Goh 吴剑泓 |
| Sub-theme songs | 梦想起飞 | Olivia Ong | Tan Kah Beng 陈佳明 | Olivia Ong & Will Peng | Will Peng | Tan Kah Beng 陈佳明 |
| Sub-theme songs | 静静看着你 | Chriz Tong 汤微恩 / Natalie Tan 陈佳琦 | Jo Heng 邢增华 | Li Feihui 黎沸辉 | James Yeo 杨奋郁 | Zennon Goh 吴剑泓 |
| Sub-theme songs | 快乐年轻人 | Gavin Teo 崇喆 | Veron Ho 何声蕙 | Michael Kek 郭渭棋 | Michael Kek 郭渭棋 | Zennon Goh 吴剑泓 |
| Other songs | 遗忘过去 | Fraser Tiong, Brian Ng, Elton Lee Fraser Tiong, Elton Lee Elton Lee Li Feihui | Muzi Lee 木子 | Eric Moo 巫启贤 | Wilson Tan 陈炯顺 | Zennon Goh 吴剑泓 |
| Other songs | 我不难过 | 杨梓艺 / Sellyne Chai 蔡违玲 / Tay Ping Hui | James Yeo 杨奋郁 | Lee Shih Shiong | Dayn Ng Chee Yao 黄志耀 | Zennon Goh 吴剑泓 |
| Other songs | 恋之憩 | Tay Ping Hui/Bonnie Loo /Olivia Ong/ Elton Lee | Liang Wern Fook | Liang Wern Fook | Zennon Goh 吴剑泓 | Zennon Goh 吴剑泓 |
| Other songs | 遗憾 | Chriz Tong 汤薇恩 / 高洁萍 | Tan Kah Beng | Tan Kah Beng | James Yeo 杨奋郁 | Zennon Goh 吴剑泓 |
| Other songs | 你的倒影 | Brian Ng, Bonnie Loo / Seah Hui Xian, Jacky Chew / Elton Lee, Bonnie Loo | Liang Wern Fook | Liang Wern Fook | Zennon Goh 吴剑泓 | Zennon Goh 吴剑泓 |
| Other songs | 心宇寂星 | Brian Ng / Gavin Teo | Ken Huang 黄元成 | Billy Koh | Zennon Goh 吴剑泓 | Zennon Goh 吴剑泓 |
| Other songs | 邂逅 | Chriz Tong/Sellyne Chai 蔡违玲 / Chriz Tong/ Jacky Chew | Huang Hui-zhen 黄惠贞 | Eric Moo | Wilson Tan 陈炯顺 | Zennon Goh 吴剑泓 |
| Other songs | 让夜轻轻落下 | Elton Lee / Gavin Teo, Charles Lee, Boon Hui Lu, Macy Chen | Liang Wern Fook | Liang Wern Fook | Zennon Goh 吴剑泓 | — |
| Other songs | Endless Road | Gavin Teo | JJ Lin | JJ Lin | — | Zennon Goh 吴剑泓 |
| Other songs | 明知道 | Chriz Tong 汤微恩 | Mavis Hee / Tan Kah Beng | Tan Kah Beng | James Yeo 杨奋郁 | Zennon Goh 吴剑泓 |
| Other songs | 写一首歌给你 | Elton Lee, Erika Tan / Gavin Teo / Macy Chen / Boon Hui Lu | Liang Wern Fook | Liang Wern Fook | James Yeo 杨奋郁 | Zennon Goh 吴剑泓 |
| Other songs | 说时依旧 | Erika Tan/ Bonnie Loo / Cynthia Koh, Natalie Tan 陈佳琦 | Sanmao 三毛 | Liang Wern Fook 梁文福 | Kee Khan Yang 纪康阳, James Yeo 杨奋郁 | Zennon Goh 吴剑泓 |
| Other songs | 细水长流 | Stella Fang 冯琬心/ Elton Lee 李弘伸 | Liang Wern Fook | Liang Wern Fook | Kee Khan Yang 纪康阳 | Zennon Goh 吴剑泓 |
| Other songs | 为了你 | Natalie Tan 陈佳琦 /Natalie Tan 陈佳琦, Gavin Teo 崇喆 /Gavin Teo / Charles Lee | Tan Kah Beng 陈佳明 | Eric Moo 巫启贤 | Kee Khan Yang 纪康阳 | Zennon Goh 吴剑泓 |
| Other songs | 水的话 | Erika Tan | Liang Wern Fook | Liang Wern Fook | James Yeo 杨奋郁 | Zennon Goh 吴剑泓 |
| Other songs | 一生的爱 | Macy Chen 陈美心 | Zennon Goh 吴剑泓 | JJ Lin | Wilson Tan 陈炯顺 | Zennon Goh 吴剑泓 |
| Other songs | 那一段日子 | 林岳正 / Tay Ping Hui | Eric Moo | Eric Moo | Wilson Tan 陈炯顺 | Zennon Goh 吴剑泓 |
| Other songs | 情谊藏心底 | 高洁萍, Ng Sze Min 黄丝敏/ Tay Ping Hui, Christopher Lee, Darren Lim | Jo Heng, Eric Moo | Eric Moo | Wilson Tan 陈炯顺 | Zennon Goh 吴剑泓 |
| Other songs | 从你回眸那天开始 | Darren Lim / Darren Lim, Chriz Tong | Liang Wern Fook | Liang Wern Fook | James Yeo 杨奋郁 | Zennon Goh 吴剑泓 |

### Soundtrack

A compilation album showcasing songs from Crescendo will be pre-released during the Crescendo Concert on 14 November 2015, and was subsequently released in CD-Rama stores on 16 November. It comprises 3 original songs, as well as 19 remakes of Xinyao songs.

## Production

Originally, the show title was going to be "Our Story" (我们的故事). The title was changed during pre-production, possibly to avoid confusion with the movie Long Long Time Ago, which has the same Chinese title.
* Boon Hui Lu played Huiru, a singer with the same Chinese name pronunciation but in the musical, she played Irene, a totally different character.

## Crescendo the Musical

In 2016, it was announced that a musical based on the series, titled Crescendo the Musical, would be presented at Kallang Theatre.

## Accolades

| Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominees | Result |
| 2016 | Star Awards | Best Programme Promo 最佳宣传短片 | Delon Poh | Nominated |
| 2016 | Star Awards | Best Theme Song | A-do (好想告诉你) | Nominated |
| 2016 | Star Awards | Best Actor | Christopher Lee | Nominated |
| 2016 | Star Awards | Best Drama Serial | — | Nominated |
| 2016 | Star Awards | Favourite Male Character | Christopher Lee | Nominated |
| 2016 | Star Awards | Favourite Onscreen Couple (Drama) | Tay Ping Hui and Ann Kok | Nominated |