Concert audience taken back to ‘shidaiqu’ era
Soprano enthrals fans with Chinese classics at fundraising event in aid of poor schoolchildren

THE “Delicate Dreams and Desires” charity concert transported the audience back in time.

Famed soprano Tan Soo Suan enchanted 600 fans with her rendition of cherished Chinese songs from the 1920s to the 1970s.

With strong vocals, she brought up fond memories of the early era of “shidaiqu” (Shanghai-origin songs of a mix of Chinese folk, US jazz and cinema) to the golden oldies.

Concert scriptwriter and narrator Ian Ng explained that the early shidaiqu era was when business people, triads and office bearers with political links were all working hard to improve their lives.

“All were optimistic, courageous and had aspirations of becoming rich.

“They had dreams and desires to achieve,” he said at the concert held at Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre in Bandar Utama, Selangor.

(Front row, from left) Maco treasurer Walter Yeoh, Dr Low, Toh and Lai share the stage with (back row, from left) Tan and Ng during the curtain call. — Photos: SS KANESAN/The Star

In the early part of the concert, Tan delivered music from Song of the Fishermen which tells of the hardship faced by the Shanghainese. This Chinese (silent) film won a prize at the Moscow Film Festival in 1935.

Tan continued on to jazz classics like Love Without End and Lover’s Tears, and then the lyrical Why Didn’t We Meet Earlier by Li XiangIan and Without You by Bai Guang.

Brilliant young musicians accompanied Tan as she delivered her concert repertoire of more than 20 yesteryear songs including Teresa Teng’s signature songs.

Guitarists Zairul Azreen and Muhamad Nurwafi Norzahan, drummer Sudin Nidus, pianist Loh Ui Li, erhu player Gan Boon We, flautist Foo Chie Haur and percussionist Lai Foo Yuen impressed all with their abilities to produce a beautiful backdrop to Tan’s vocals.

Concert production company Dama Asia took the opportunity to inform the audience of its fundraising in aid of Medical Awareness Camp Outreach (Maco) that have been collecting, fixing and giving repurposed computers to needy children in vernacular schools.

Maco president Toh Cheng Teik, who is an engineer, said proceeds from the concert would go towards Maco’s Computer Empowerment Programme.

Ong says the classic songs help preserve history.

“Over the years, 5,200 computers refurbished by Maco have been given out to schools,” he said.

Maco founding president and pediatrician Datin Dr Low Pek See said the concert was a success:

“It was wonderful as so many people wanted to contribute to the charity and at the same time, they were treated to a wonderful show that brought back a lot of nostalgia.”

Concert co-organiser Datin Susan Lai said the concert songstress outdid herself and she loved Maco’s idea of helping poor students get refurbished computers.

“I am so grateful for the chance to see Tan live in concert.”

Analyst Ong Wen Lin, 30, said she enjoyed all the songs.

Mai says the good songs of yesteryear made her evening.

“They evoke a profound connection to the past for many people.

“History is preserved through these beautiful classic songs.”

Lawyer Lee Cheng Eng, 70, who came from Port Dickson in Negri Sembilan to attend the concert, said she was an ardent fan of Tan.

“I wanted to hear her beautiful singing and also support the charity concert’s beneficiary.”

Marketing worker Olivia Mai, 48, from California in the US, said the lovely songs of yesteryear and good vibes really made her evening.
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THE “Delicate Dreams and Desires” charity concert transported the audience back in time.