Cellist Olivia Chuang never thought too much about what being Singaporean meant to her until she had to live abroad. “The meaning of being Singaporean evolved for me when I got to study at the Royal College of Music in London. There’s nothing quite like being away from home, to make you realise how special home is,” she muses.
“The four years I spent in London allowed me to meet people from such diverse backgrounds which often led to surprising or interesting differences in the way we would react or think about the same subject matter. I think these are the moments when you really start to question and understand how much the country and culture you represent has shaped you into who you are as an individual.”
Back home in her country and set to be a first-time performer at this year’s National Day Parade, Chuang will be performing an instrumental rendition of this year’s National Day song, ‘Not Alone’. Chuang reflects on her excitement at being asked to perform on Singapore’s biggest stage: “I was exhilarated. This opportunity came as a total surprise and I felt slightly apprehensive as this is unlike anything I’ve done before, but also excited to embark on this journey.”
“My piece accompanies a short film spotlighting Singaporeans who have gone the extra mile to uplift the community. It’s a very special and emotional chapter so I really hope my music helps to bring that across,” she says. Here, the musician gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the rehearsal process behind the big day.
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What does it mean to you to be a featured performer at NDP?
To me, being a featured performer at NDP is about being a part of something larger than myself. More than just playing my piece, I get to play a small part in a collective celebration of our shared identity. Additionally, as a classical musician, I hope that my participation in the show would allow more Singaporeans to be curious about and interested in classical music and start attending concerts at our beautiful Esplanade or Victoria Concert Hall.
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What does National Day signify for you, and how has your personal relationship with your Singaporean identity evolved over the years?
Personally, I think National Day isn’t just about the NDP. Its a special day in so many other ways as well. We learn about local brands that are spotlighted, we get to hear national stories past and present about fellow Singaporeans. I think being Singaporean is more than just a nationality, it’s a way of life. It’s in the small things—like my hawker centre lunches, my MRT rides home or the innate ability to instantly spot the food place with the longest queue and the insuppressible urge to join the line. It’s a blend of things we all share and a message that I think the show drives home through nostalgia for the past, pride in the present, and optimism for the future.
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Give us a behind-the-scenes look at the rehearsal process. What were some highlights?
Usually we arrive in the afternoon for soundcheck and then head to hair and makeup, which can take up to two and a half hours. (Thank you Doreen and Kelvin!) The most exciting part is finding out what’s for dinner (it’s a mystery box each week), getting changed then head off to the Padang to rehearse for my chapter, I try to get into the zone by going through the music a couple times and we are good to go.
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Tell us about the item you are performing. What is special about it for you?
I’m involved in Chapter 5 and I play an instrumental version of this year’s theme song ‘Not Alone’. It then goes into a short film that spotlights Singaporeans who have gone the extra mile to uplift the community, encouraging us to show more care and compassion to other fellow Singaporeans. It’s a very special and emotional chapter so I really hope my music helps to bring that across. The best part for me every week is being elevated onto the stage and getting to catch a quick glimpse of the beautiful set up right before playing.
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After it’s all over, what will be some of your fondest memories from your journey to NDP?
There are so many things I’ll miss about this experience but one thing I won’t miss is basking in the glorious scorching sun at the Padang every Saturday afternoon.
