T'ang Quartet
The T'ang String Quartet (唐四重奏) is a Singapore-based classical string quartet that has played to critical acclaim. Formed in 1992, they are Singapore's first full-time professional chamber group. In April 2022, the Quartet opened their 30th Anniversary celebrations with a rousing performance at Victoria Concert Hall. The concert, "Humble Beginnings", also formally introduced their new members, Han Oh (viola) and Wang Zihao (cello). The quartet's new incarnation made its debut with contrasting string quartets by Joseph Haydn and Alexander Borodin to no less fanfare. To commemorate 30 years of music, the T'ang Quartet has  lined up a series of programmes in 2022, including the launch of their coffee table book, "Tang At 30", which will be released in July. Biography. The T’ang String Quartet comprises Ng Yu-Ying (1st violin), Ang Chek Meng (2nd violin), and new members Han Oh (viola) and Wang Zihao (cello). The Tang Quartet was formed in 1992 when the members were still performers with Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Trained individually in London and Moscow, the Quartet was awarded a fellowship to work in the USA with Paul and Martha Katz, Norman Fischer, Kenneth Goldsmith and Sergui Luca at the Shepherd  School of Music. After a two-year masters studies in Rice University as a pre-formed quartet, the T’ang Quartet started their professional career in 1999 with unanimity of purpose: to break new ground by extending the sheer fun and enjoyment of classical music to a larger audience, as well as setting new standards of artistic achievement. Critics have praised the T’ang Quartet as 'astounding' for its 'confidence', bravura and charisma' (Boston Globe) and for bringing ‘enthusiasm, energy and commitment...to all the music...' (The Times, London). They have added that 'this ensemble is outstanding. Unanimity of attack is uncanny , and intonation and internal balance both impress greatly. These are plainly minds which share a wavelength' (Evening Standard, London). Apart from recitals the Quartet is also very active in outreach and art education programmes. The T’ang Quartet is currently the quartet-in-residence at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music at the National University of Singapore and was on the faculty of the Boston University Tanglewood Institute from 2001 to 2005. In September 2006, it was accorded the prestigious honour of performing at the opening of Singapore Biennale, and to foreign dignitaries at the IMF and World Bank Annual  Meetings held in Singapore. ASEAN Summit in 2007 "T'ang" signifies that golden age of the arts in Asia – the T'ang Dynasty. The name is also an acronym of the players' last names – Ng, Ang and Tan. In 2007, T'ang Quartet premiered "Optical Identity", a collaborative production with Theatre Cryptic (Scotland) was commissioned by the Singapore Arts Festival. The European premiere took place at the Edinburgh International Festival in August, and the production then traveled to the Alicante International Contemporary Music Festival (Spain) in September, and tours Scotland in October and November 2007. T'ang Quartet was invited to perform Azerbaijan composer  Franghiz Ali Zadeh's Mugam Sayagi at a UNESCO award Ceremony in Paris on 3 April 2008, where she was receiving the honorary title of UNESCO Artist for Peace. Members of T'ang Quartet play instruments on generous loan from the Rin Collection and Mr Jiri Heger.