Silent Night (arranged by Gabriel Cheow)

Chorus and string quartet score arranged by Gabriel Cheow
Performed on 20 Dec 2015
Performers
CHORUS: The Graduate Singers
STRINGS: T’ang Quartet
ORGANIST: Dr. Margaret Chen.
PHOTO CREDITS: AlvieAlive
Arranger’s Reflection:
I can remember how I was asked to liaise straight with Lionel on T'ang Quartet to sort out the arrangements of the current carols being performed by The Graduate Singers. Little did I expect that Lionel asked me to arrange the scores for them instead. Many thoughts crossed my mind. (1) I have NEVER arranged music for string. No music theory, knowledge or understanding at all. (2) even if I tried, A PROFESSIONAL QUARTET IS PLAYING IT. (3) Time line is short. But I took up the challenge in the end and worked on it, hoping very hard that musical inspiration will flow. Thankfully some little inspirations came and I quickly got it down, PDF-ed the scores and sent to both TGS and T'ang Quartet.
The day before the concert was the first time I heard my own arrangements being played the talented and disciplined professionals, along with professional organist Dr. Margaret Chen. The moment Silent Night came on, the apprehension and suspense I had was immediately taken over by the sense of overwhelming awe. The strings and the organ drew out the music so beautifully that I had to hold my tears back.
I'm really not good with words, especially when I want to express so much within me, but thank you very very much Lionel for opening this opportunity for me to explore my musically unchartered waters, and T'ang Quartet for making music out of my humble piece of work. :) Thank you too, TGS, for complimenting me (pretty precisely) on what I did well in arranging Silent Night. :) they shall serve as positive indicators should any more opportunities to arrange music come by. :) I'm still feeling really wowed and humbled by this whole musical experience. :')