Traditional Malay Music Consortium Presents GEMADAH – Traditional Malay Music Festival Rentas In Collaboration with Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay as part of Pentas

Synopsis

RENTAS is a collaborative residency programme as part of GEMADAH – Traditional Malay Music Festival. Under the mentorship of 2018 Young Artist Award Recipient Zulkifli Mohamed Amin, resident artists Danial Ariffin Azman and Muhammad Hardi Aris will be presenting new compositions inspired by the rhythms and melodies of traditional Malay music which embody the spirit and values of Malay culture. With a strong desire to refine and redefine the boundaries of traditional music, join us in discovering new musical creations at RENTAS!

About RENTAS
The participating musicians of the residency programme are handpicked based on their individual experience and interest in developing their craft within the sphere of traditional Malay music. After more than 20 hours of workshops, training and rehearsals, the residency programme culminates in a music showcase, featuring new works by the resident artists, solo performances as well as a creative composition by the participating musicians.

About Zulkifli Mohamed Amin
Zulkifli Mohamed Amin is widely acknowledged as a proponent of Malay music and traditional instruments, having served as music director of the youth section of Orkestra Melayu Singapura since its inception in 2005 till present. In 2015, he embarked on a new project, co-founding Nusantara Arts as a platform for young musicians to hone their musical sound and voice, and collaborate with artists from other disciplines. The company draws influences from the Malay Archipelago, moulding them into something that is uniquely Singaporean. He is the recipient of the National Arts Council’s Young Artist Award 2018.

About Danial Ariffin Azman
Danial Ariffin Azman is music director, music composer, music arranger and educator. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree (First Class Honours) in Music (Composition and Arranging) from Lasalle College of the Arts. Danial hopes to contribute to the growing repertoire of local composers who draw upon surrounding historical, geographical and socio-cultural resources to create an invigorating sound representative of the Asian identity.

About Muhammad Hardi Aris
Hardi Aris began his traditional Malay music journey in 2005 as member of Alunan Dondang Irama Melayu (ADIM). In 2012, he joined another traditional Malay ensemble called Nobat Kota Singa (NKS). Hardi is active in numerous local productions and overseas performances, playing an essential role as Music Director of NKS.

Pursuing his passion for traditional Malay music, he signed up as a member of Orkestra Melayu Singapura (Belia), where he was under the tutelage of Dzul Rabull, Azrin Abdullah, Arman Abdul Rahman, Fadhli Ramlee and many others. In Oct-2017, he completed the Malay Traditional Music workshop conducted by Ariffin Abdullah, a renowned traditional Malay accordionist in Singapore. Hardi currently attends private classes with Team Accordion Singapore.