LEE Yuk Chuan 李煜传
Performing Arts in Singapore (Music),
Accession Number 003448
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 11
Total Reels
- Lye Soo Choon 赖素春
Interviewer
- 09:52:42
Total Running Time
- Mandarin
Language
Copyright Notice
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Reel/Disc 1 of 11
Metadata
- 24 Dec 2009
Recording Date
- 00:58:42
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Born 1933 in Hong Kong. Maternal grandfather and father were Cantonese Opera artists. Family background. Living conditions and childhood memories in Hong Kong. Father was engaged by Shaw Brothers’ to perform in Singapore. Came to Singapore in 1937. First impression of Singapore. How theatre in Chinatown welcomed his father. Described performers’ quarters (xi guan戏馆) that they stayed. Opera was popular during pre-war period, father had good income. Travelled with father to various parts in Malaya for performances. Education background, studied in a couple of schools in various part of Malaya and Singapore. Recalled Japanese attacked Malacca and the marched in celebration of their victory. Described help that they received from opera fan during Japanese Occupation, life was better than others. Returned to Singapore, father performed in Great World Amusement Park. Stayed at Shanghai Road, opposite was a POW (Prisoners-of-war) camp. Recalled seeing Australian POWs. Activities in amusement park during Japanese Occupation. Life during Japanese Occupation.
1933年生于香港。外祖父与父亲为粤剧艺人，家庭背景。香港居住环境、童年记忆。父亲受邵氏机构雇佣到新加坡演出，1937年与家人一同来新的过程。对新加坡的第一印象。回忆牛车水的戏院欢迎父亲的情景。形容所住戏馆。战前戏班旺、收入好，家人随父亲到马来亚跑码头。教育背景，念过新马各地好几间小学。回忆日军来袭和形容其进入马六甲与庆祝战胜的游行情景。日治时期获得戏迷帮助，生活较他人好。日治初期父亲被调回新加坡大世界游艺场演出，随父亲回到新加坡，住上海路，对面为俘虏营。回忆见到澳军俘虏情景。日治时期的游艺场活动。日治时期的生活。
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Reel/Disc 2 of 11
Metadata
- 24 Dec 2009
Recording Date
- 00:43:44
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Described the performers’ quarters (xi guan戏馆) that they stayed during Japanese Occupation. Heard Allied troupe bombing Singapore. Chaotic state on the eve of Japanese surrender. Recalled Japanese were in POW (Prisoners-of-war) camp opposite their quarters. Continued his primary school education after war. Father was not popular as more Hong Kong actors came to Singapore. Family income was affected. Life after Japanese Occupation. Father lost his job, interviewee stopped schooling and started working. Back to study with the help from his teacher, but left not long to work in Johor Bahru. Missed his family, returned to Singapore. Recalled staying at Bukit Ho Swee and saw the first Bukit Ho Swee fire. Described the hard work as cleaner for cargo ship. Remained positive, did not feel that he was unlucky. Talked about people who had helped him.
形容日治时期居住的戏馆，听到联军轰炸新加坡。日军投降前夕引起的恐慌。投降后，日军被关在戏馆对面的俘虏营。和平后继续受小学教育。因香港粤伶来新加坡演出，父亲不再受欢迎，家中收入受影响。回忆和平初期的生活。小学五年级父亲失业，辍学去工作。在老师帮助下复学，但不久到柔佛工作。思念家人，回到新加坡。回忆居住河水山的情况及曾目睹的河水山第一次大火。形容清理货船仓库工作的艰辛。不觉不幸，保持乐观。谈当时帮助过他的人。
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Reel/Disc 3 of 11
Metadata
- 11 Jan 2010
Recording Date
- 00:55:42
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Life after Japanese Occupation. Talked about teacher who helped him before. Became office attendant in Bank of China in 1950, his job scope. Self studied music and English when he got interested in music. Recalled being transferred to Bank of China North Bridge Road Branch, in-charge of accounts. Problems he met. Conflict with colleagues, transferred to Katong Branch, became bank teller. Why he was transferred to Main Branch, working in sales department. Why he left Bank of China in 1974 and became instructor of the Choir of SAF (Singapore Arm Force) Music and Drama Company. Reflection of working in bank. Would have stayed in bank industry till retirement if he was not involved in music. Recall Bank of China moving from Cecil Street to Bank of China Building in 1951. Talked about bank run in Bank of China. People flocked to bank when Singapore announced stopped using Strait Settlement currency. In touch with Cantonese opera music when he was young. Influence of Rediffusion, art songs he listened. How he took part in Rediffusion’s audition in 1952.
战后五年的生活。帮助过他的老师介绍他到中国银行工作。1950年进入中国银行当实习生，负责的工作。接触音乐，勤于自修音乐、英文。回忆被调到中国银行小坡分行，负责帐务，所遇问题。与同事起争执，调往加东分行，负责出纳。为何被调回总行，负责营业部。1974年为何兴起离职念头，到国防部文工团合唱团当指挥。回顾银行工作。若未接触音乐，将在银行到退休。回忆1951年中国银行从丝丝街搬到中国银行大厦。中国银行挤提事件。举例说明中国银行乃中国在新加坡的代表处。回忆新加坡取消英殖民地货币时，人们到银行换钱的情况。自幼接触粤剧音乐。丽的呼声的影响，所听的艺术歌曲。如何会在1952年到丽的呼声参加试音。
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Reel/Disc 4 of 11
Metadata
- 11 Jan 2010
Recording Date
- 00:53:13
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Joined Rediffusion Choir in 1952 as Tenor. Talk about their activities. How he joined Gong Shang (Industrial and Commercial Continuation School) Alumni in 1954, became their choir conductor, performed in stage drama “Yi Guan Qin Shou”. Conducted “The Yellow River Cantata”. How he learnt how to conduct a choir. Learnt violin, his teachers. Self studied music theory. Recalled the form of performance and organizing work of “The Yellow River Cantata”. Full house for the three night’s performance though there were bus strikes. Choir performances in mid 1950s. Recall the plan of fund raising choir performance for Nanyang University jointly performed by four choirs in 1956. Withdrawal of Lee Howe Choral Society. Programme for the performance. The performance was banned, Tong Luo Yin Yue Hui (“Tong Luo Music Society”) was dissolved, Rediffusion’s Choir was disbanded and music composer Tie Feng was locked up. Why Gong Shang Alumni was not affected. Interviewee was interrogated for four days. Why the performance was banned due to the cover of the performance magazine. Less choir activities since then. How Metro Philharmonic Society was set up in 1959. Recall the Chinese orchestra group under Gong Shang Alumni in 1950s, the members were recruited by Lee Khoon Choy to PAP Chinese Orchestra later transferred to People’s Associations (PA) Youth Chinese Orchestra and now in Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO).
1952年进入丽的呼声歌咏队，唱男高音，谈当时的活动。如何在1954年加入工商校友会，负责指挥其合唱组，参与演出《衣冠禽兽》。如何学习指挥。1955年，指挥《黄河大合唱》。学习小提琴的经过，其导师。自修乐理。回忆《黄河大合唱》演出形式与筹备工作。刚好遇巴士工友罢工，但三天演出全场满座。数1950年代中期的合唱演出。回忆1956年创举，四个合唱团为南大义演，但李豪合唱团之后退出。准备的节目。演出前遭禁演，铜锣音乐会被封，丽的呼声歌咏队解散，作曲人铁风遭拘留。为何工商校友会可幸免。受访者遭盘问四天。叙述义演遭禁乃因演出特刊封面问题。此后，新加坡合唱活动减少。叙述1959年星市音乐会的成立过程。1950年代的工商校友会的华乐组，其组员后为李炯才招纳，加入人民行动党文化局华乐团，后转到人民协会青年华乐团，目前在新加坡华乐团。
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Reel/Disc 5 of 11
Metadata
- 4 Feb 2010
Recording Date
- 00:55:22
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Left Gong Shang Alumni and spent time in Metro Philharmonic Society. Interviewee was the founder of the Society, organized three performances to Malaysia in 1961, 1963 and 1965. How he brought performances to Malaysia. Recall the night spent in Muar in 1963 performance. Talk about one of their performance in Kuala Lumpur in 1965 was on the evening that PM Lee Kuan Yew announced the separation of Singapore and Malaysia. His group felt tense and worried. Development of culture and arts after Singapore Independence. Proposal and work that Lee Khoon Choy has done for culture and arts. How interviewee became music instructor of Ministry of Defence SAF Music & Drama Company. Why he resigned from Bank of China. Talked about his work and experiences in SAF Music & Drama Company. Launch music classes in National Theatre, high income from teaching violin, only rest on Wednesday. Teaching at Cecil Street and at home after he left National Theatre. Organization and activities of Metro Philharmonic Society.
离开工商校友会，专注在星市音乐会。对星市的贡献在于乃创会人之一，搞演出和于1961，1963，1965年，三次将演出带到马来亚。叙述如何将演出带到马来亚，这乃当时创举。回忆1963年因演出在麻坡过夜的情况。回忆1965年在吉隆坡演，获知李光耀总理宣布新加坡脱离马来亚共和联邦与团员们的紧张心理。新加坡独立后文化艺术的发展，李炯才的倡议与组织的文艺活动。如何成为国防部警卫队音乐教官。离职中国银行的原因与过程。谈在国防部文工团的工作与经历。于国家剧场开班教小提琴，收入高，仅星期三休息。离开国家剧场到丝丝街，后在家中授课。星市音乐会的组织与活动。
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Reel/Disc 6 of 11
Metadata
- 4 Feb 2010
Recording Date
- 00:52:49
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Profile of members of Metro Philharmonic Society. Lee Khoon Choy engaged interviewee to be conductor of National Theatre Choir. Setting up of the Choir and audition of members. Activities of the Choir and its song & dance drama “Miss Lingzhi”. Interviewee composed the lyric and music for that drama performed in 1973, which was the year that interviewee was at the peak of his music career. Talk about how he conducted choir and orchestra at the same time for that drama. Why National Theatre Choir was disbanded. The differences between National Theatre Choir and National Theatre Club Choir. His feeling towards National Theatre and how he felt when the building was torn down. Setting up of National Theatre Trust, how he felt about the Trust when he joined at its early stage. Joined Xie Qu Ren Xie Hui (society of music composers), organized Asian vocal competition and other activities. Why interviewee hopes to restructure The Society of Composers and set up Association of Musicians.
星市音乐会团员背景。受访者在李炯才相邀下成为国家剧场艺术合唱团受薪指挥。合唱团的成立与成员选拔，其演出活动。叙述其最大型的活动—歌舞剧《灵芝姑娘》。受访者为该歌舞剧作曲作词，1973年演出，乃受访者创作与指挥事业高峰。谈在歌舞剧中同时指挥合唱团与管弦乐团的方法。国家剧场艺术团解散原因。国家剧场艺术团与国家剧场俱乐部的分别。对国家剧场的情感和对拆掉剧场的看法。国家剧场信托局的成立， 加入信托局初期对其的看法。加入写曲人协会，办过亚洲音乐大赛与其它活动。想重组作曲家协会，成立音乐家协会的原因。
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Reel/Disc 7 of 11
Metadata
- 4 Feb 2010
Recording Date
- 00:58:49
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
How Sing Sheng Philharmonic Society was set up. The forming of Melo-art Choir, its activities, overseas performances and ‘public concerts’. Why interviewee had been actively organising activities for the Choir. Turnover of the members, most of them were senior citizens. Recall his experience in conducting in Yan’an, China while he was under Chemotherapy treatment. Music was part of his life. Talk about the resources of the Choir, sponsorship they had for overseas performance. Talked about structure of guard regiment music group and its four sub-groups and its performance at Kallang Stadium. Interviewee played cello for National Theatre Trust. How Lee Howe, Leong Yoon Pin and interviewee discussed and formed Shi Yi Choir, practised at Marine Parade Yamaha Music School. Organised joint performance for various choirs, inactive eventually due to conflicts among different choirs. Recall organizing Asia vocal competition. Interviewee was elected as President of Shi Yi Choir. Describe the process of forming up Shi Yi Choir with Lee Howe and Leong Yoon Pin. Recalled its first performance.
新声合唱团的成立经过。艺术合唱团的成立，其活动、海内外演出与所办的大众音乐会。为何一直为艺术合唱团搞活动与演出。团员的更替，年龄偏高。叙述艺术合唱团到台湾的两次演出与到中国各地多次的演出。回忆在化疗期间到延安担任指挥的经历。音乐为生活的一部分。诉说艺术合唱团的人力与物力。出国演出的赞助费与支出事宜。叙述人民警卫团音乐组及其属下四小组的组成结构。该团最大的演出在加冷体育场，可惜下雨，不少听众离开。为国家剧场信托局属下艺术团拉琴。与李豪、梁荣平等议成成立十一合唱团，在马林百列野马哈音乐学校活动。倡办联合演出，后因各团间的纠纷而不活跃。回忆办亚洲音乐赛事宜。十一合唱团后注册，受访者任会长，后成为新加坡合唱协会。详述与李豪、梁荣平将新加坡各合唱团组织成十一合唱团的过程。叙述该合唱团第一次演出的组织、排练、指挥。
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Reel/Disc 8 of 11
Metadata
- 17 Mar 2010
Recording Date
- 00:56:37
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Restructuring of Shi Yi Choir and its first performance in 1998. How the organizer was arranged. Shi Yi Choir registered as Choral Association, organized regional vocal competition. Recall delivering speech over a dinner and Poh Choon Ann opted to sponsor Asia vocal competition. Choir festival, ‘Voice of a Thousand’, concert with other choirs, evergreen (senior citizen) choir competitions were some activities held by the Association. Recall bringing a-hundred members’ choir to Qinghai and Tibet, China in 2007. Changed the Chinese name of the Association in 2009, firmed up three goals for the Association. Members of the Association’s members. Interviewee talked about his judging criteria for vocal competition. The subjectivity in judging. Recall being a judge of Asia vocal competition and cited examples to elaborate on it. How he started composing in 1950s. Recall the process of composing his first piece.
1998年十一合唱团的重组及其首个演出。演出负责团体的安排方式。正式注册为合唱协会，办大型活动如区域性音乐比赛。受访者在一晚宴上致词后，傅春安表示赞助复办亚洲音乐大赛。办过合唱节、千人大合唱、合唱交流、长青杯歌唱比赛等。详述2007年领100人队伍到青海、西藏布达拉宫演唱。2009年合唱协会中文名称改为合唱总会，设下的三项目标与展望。团员构成，年龄偏高。受访者谈自己当评审的评审标准。详述评审所会有的主观性。回忆某次亚洲音乐大赛的评审工作，举其它例子说明。如何在1950年代开始音乐创作，为所参加的合唱团体写歌。叙说第一首独唱曲的创作过程。
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Reel/Disc 9 of 11
Metadata
- 17 Mar 2010
Recording Date
- 00:53:24
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Early music works that interviewee composed and the background of composing them. Most of them were chorus. Cited examples to talk about various content of music that he composed. Published first collection of his music works in Taiwan. Second publication of his works. Recall bringing choir to Kuantan, Malaysia, how he was inspired and composed “Rainbow” during the journey. Background and content of his music works and his “Peace I, II & III”. Works that have local characteristics. His third music collections “Wishing you good health” was resulted from fund raising concert for Singapore Cancer Society. HIs recent works, some lyrics were written by China writers, some by local. “Spring has come” was the first song that he composer for specific singer.
谈其早期音乐创作及创作背景。多写合唱歌曲。举例说明其各类型的音乐创作。首本音乐作品集的出版，为何在台湾印刷。第二本音乐作品的出版。回忆带合唱团到马来西亚关丹旅程中，如何获取灵感创作了歌曲[彩虹]。叙述其创作的歌曲内容及它们的创作背景，所作的[和平三部曲]。受访者具新加坡本土特色的创作。第三本音乐创作集《祝你健康》的出版背景与内容。为癌症协会筹款作品。描述新近作品，有些词源自中国作家，也有本地作家的词。[春天来了]是第一首设定了演唱者才创作的歌曲。
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Reel/Disc 10 of 11
Metadata
- 29 Mar 2010
Recording Date
- 00:57:24
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
How interviewee composed the music for “The Great Compassion Mantra”. His relationship with Buddhism organizations and composed for Buddhism Study Society. How he composed Buddhism music. Wrote “Our hearts for Olympic” for the performances in China. Songs performed in Qinghai and Tibet Potala Palace, China. Why interviewee has never composed pop song. Characteristics of art songs, its literary values, its lyrics and tune. Most of his works were chorus when he started composing. How he started to compose solo songs. His first experience in conducting concert in 1950s. Choirs and large-scale concerts that he had conducted. Overseas performances. Talk Regional music competitions which had brought new blood to art songs circle. Why such competition stopped for few years. How the competition resumed.
音乐创作[六字大悲咒]的创作背景。受访者与佛教团体的联系，1996年为大众佛学研究会合唱团演出而创作。编写的佛曲，如何创作。为中国青海演出创作[我们心向奥运]。在青海、西藏布达拉宫演出的歌曲。为何没创作过流行歌曲。谈艺术歌曲的特色。艺术歌曲的文学价值、词的意境、曲的要求和所需知识。早期多为合唱团创作，如何开始写独唱曲。回忆1950年代首次指挥音乐会的感受。指挥过的合唱团与大型演出。海外演出。谈办过的区域音乐大赛，带动了年轻新秀到文艺歌坛。为何停办几年，如何在2000年复办。
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