A Chinese string quintet formed in July 2012, StringWerkz comprises of huqin (胡琴) musicians Wong Qin Kai, Goh Hock Jun Shunta, Chia Wan Hua, Hoong Rozie and cellist Eunice Koh Kai’En, all of whom are graduates from NAFA. Since its beginnings in 2012, the group has been actively involved in the local arts scene, performing at the community, schools, dinner events, theatre, and concert halls.
Other than performing, the quintet has also participated in competitions both local and abroad. They emerged as the only Asian finalist in the 3rd Terem Crossover International Music Competition held in Saint Petersburg, Russia in 2013 and won the “Achievements in the field of a live sound” award and the “Original Arrangement” award. In 2014, under the guidance of renowned erhu musician and educator - Mr Zhang Yu Ming and Head of NAFA Chinese Instrumental Studies - Mr Sunny Wong, StringWerkz took part in the Combined Ensemble Open Category of the National Chinese Music Competition organised by the National Arts Council and won the 2nd prize.
The quintet’s huqin musicians are all prize winners at the National Chinese Music Competitions (erhu solo category) and have extensive experience both as solo and orchestra musicians. Being in the same orchestra (Toa Payoh West Community Club Chinese Orchestra) for many years, they have developed good rapport and understanding of each other.
It is the quintet’s wish to constantly expand the repertoire for huqin quintet, to give our traditional Chinese instruments a contemporary voice and to bring local compositions abroad to audiences overseas.