Asia-Pacific Improvisers Symposium

The Asia-Pacific Improvisers Symposium brings together a diverse group of artists and practitioners from across the region to engage in a critical exploration of improvisation through performance, dialogue, and collaboration.

Building on recent shifts in European music education over the past decade, where improvisation has gained recognition as both an art form and academic discipline, this inaugural symposium draws on the vibrancy of musical cultures and contemporary developments in the Asia-Pacific region — which provide a rich foundation for exploring improvisation, not only as a form of artistic expression but also as a useful tool for music education.

Look forward to two days of engaging showcases, with artists including Taceti Ensemble (Thailand), Hanoi New Music Ensemble (Vietnam), weird aftertaste music (Singapore), and the Bridge Ensemble which draws together faculty from YST and LASALLE College of the Arts (Singapore). Each day comprises performance-presentation showcases by artists, framed with an opening keynote as well as collective dialogue. The symposium culminates in a closing concert with the YST Orchestral Institute – featuring a dynamic programme of beloved orchestral works and collaborative creation inspired by the city and its soundscape.

PROGRAMME

Friday, 21 February 2025

AM Session

9:00–9:30am: Coffee

9:30–10:30am: Symposium Opening and Keynote by Timothy O'Dwyer

10:30am–12:00pm: Showcase by Black Zenith and Synap + Syafiq

12.00–1:30pm: Lunch Break (*meal not provided)

PM Session

1:30–3:00pm: Showcase by Robert Burke and Jeonghyeon Joo, Jiyun Song & Jisu Han

3:00–4:30pm: Forum – Improvisation around the Region

4:30–5:00pm: Coffee Break

5:00–6:30pm: Showcase by Bridge Ensemble and Yii Kah Hoe

6:30–8:00pm: Dinner Break (*meal not provided)

8:00–9:30pm: Evening Concert – weird aftertaste music and Taceti Ensemble

Saturday, 22 February 2025

AM Session

9:00–9:45am: Coffee

9:45–10:30am: Keynote by Franziska Schroeder on Improvisation and AI

10:30am–12:00pm: Showcase by Hanoi New Music Ensemble and Franziska Schroeder

12:00–1:30pm: Lunch break (*meal not provided)

PM Session

1:30–3:00pm: Showcase by Churen Li and Roberto Alonso, Roger Dean, and John Sharpley

3:00–4:00pm: Roundtable Discussion

4:00–4:30pm: Coffee Break

4:30–6:00pm: Showcase by Radar Suara and RedSpills

6:00–7:30pm: Dinner Break (*meal not provided)

7:30–9:30pm: Closing Concert – Ones To Watch: Sounds of the City

Out of respect for the participants and other spectators, no children under 6 years of age will be allowed admission.

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Host or Publisher Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music