LILY: Interweaving Dementia Awareness, Music Reminiscence and Opera Creation
The LILY project explores the relationship between singing, music reminiscence and dementia awareness, building on research into the potential relationship between singing and the delayed onset of dementia (Feng et al., 2020). Composer Chen Zhangyi will present the interwoven creative process behind LOSING LILY, a chamber opera exploring dementia and music. Dr Wong Su Sun, co-creator of the story and soprano in the title role, will perform excerpts from the opera with pianist Dr Frances Lee.
LOSING LILY (2024), with multilingual text by playwright Jean Tay, follows Lily’s experience of dementia, from early encounters with forgetfulness to the painful loss of recognition of loved ones. Across three scenes, the story unfolds through three characters: the Singer (Lily), the Son and the Caregiver.
Asst Prof Chen Zhangyi
Chen Zhangyi’s music has been described as “music from a voice of the future” by BBC Radio 3 and “a breath of fresh air on our musical landscape” by The Straits Times. His chamber operas frequently explore Singaporean socio-cultural themes, including A Singapore Trilogy, Kampung Spirit and Lily. Nature is another recurring source of inspiration in works such as Rainforest Refrains, Vanda and Rain Tree.
Chen is Associate Professor of Analysis and Composition at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music. He is also a conductor and violinist/violist, and a founding member of Red Dot Baroque.
YST Conservatory of Music
Dr Wong Su Sun
Soprano, co-presenter
Dr Frances Lee
Pianist