The TENG Company

The TENG Company is a leading not-for-profit Singaporean arts company that reimagines the possibilities of Chinese music to expand creative boundaries, enrich the lives of the vulnerable and empower lifelong learning.

Our Vision

Inspiring and impacting by fusing a Chinese musical heritage with our unique Singaporean identity.

Our Mission

Innovate and collaborate to inspire engagement through our music.

Our Work

TENG fulfils its mission through three key areas: artistically innovative projects, social impact programmes and industry empowerment efforts.


Artistic Innovation

Marked by innovation and excellence at its creative core, the company continues to build a uniquely Singaporean musical identity with The TENG Ensemble. Since its inception, the company has produced several original and adapted works and projects that strive to reinvent perceptions of Chinese music and stretch the art form beyond its traditional roots.

Social Impact

The company’s social impact programmes include creating and performing music that aids healing, brings comfort and uplifts spirits amongst the vulnerable. Since 2018, the company has been working with nursing homes, hospices, treatment centres and specialised schools to reach out to the elderly and ill, as well as youths who are at-risk or have special needs. The company also produces and conducts research into music created specially to promote mental wellness. TENG is also proud to be a member of the National Council of Social Service.

Industry Empowerment

From being the largest Chinese instrumental music accreditor in Singapore to publishing literature on Chinese music and training Chinese orchestras in schools, the company aspires to raise the standards of music performance, creation and appreciation amongst all ages, regardless of their circumstances. Learners are encouraged to continue honing their skills through TENG’s educational offerings, network and performance platforms.


Our Logo

鼟 (pronounced ‘tēng’) – as one of the most complex characters in the Chinese language – is an ancient Chinese representation for the sound of a drum. It is a symbol of TENG’s tenacity and our commitment to producing work that is timeless, authentic and refined.


 

Company Milestones


2004

  • The TENG Chinese Chamber Ensemble clinched First Prize at the National Chinese Music Competition Ensemble Category


2005

  • The TENG Company was founded.

  • Launch of QI: An Instrumental Guide to the Chinese Orchestra.


2006 - 2008

  • QI: An Instrumental Guide to the Chinese Orchestra was sold to worldwide libraries and education institutions.


2009

  • The TENG Ensemble was formed and invited to perform at the inaugural opening of the Singapore Night Festival.


2010-2011

  • The ensemble performed extensively in Singapore and around the region and was invited to esteemed performances such as the Asean Tourism forum in Manila and world expo in Shanghai.


2012-2014

  • Held two sold out concerts at the Esplanade Recital Studio titled “Su” and “Eight”.

  • TENG’s inaugural music album “Eight” was released.


2015

  • The TENG Company became full-time non-profit arts company and a registered charity.

  • The company was awarded the National Arts Council Seed Grant and received patronage from Temasek Holdings.

  • The TENG Company was mentioned by Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s National Day Rally speech.


2016

  • The TENG Company presented a concert at the Esplanade Concert Hall titled “Stories from an Island City” and released its second album of the same name.

  • Initiation of The Forefathers Project to explore dialect music in Singapore.

  • The TENG Ensemble was Invited by Sino Land to perform in Hong Kong and held two sold out concerts at the Fringe Club.

  • Commenced the annual “Where the River Always Flows” series in conjunction with Singapore Heritage Festival, with support from the Fullerton Heritage.

  • Performed for the Star Awards organised by Mediacorp and was broadcasted on national television. 


2017

  • Launch of the Chinese Music Instrumental Grading Examinations in partnership with the Confucius Institute, Nanyang Technological University. 

  • IPC status was granted to The TENG Company.

  • The TENG Ensemble performed internationally at Penang’s Georgetown Arts Festival and Singapore Day in Melbourne.

  • The TENG Ensemble also participated at the President’s Star Charity Concert in collaboration with Mediacorp Artiste - Rebecca Lim.

  • The release the music video of "Evolution of Disney Princesses” was well received by international press and garnered more than 1 million views worldwide.


2018

  • The TENG Company received the CHT International Award.

  • Commencement of Mapletree TENG Academy Scholarship program and the academy supported four young scholars.

  • TENG Gives Back series was initiated to give back to the community through intimate performances in homes and hospices.

  • Launched in-school programmes for targeted students.

  • Started an outreach concert series “Once Upon a” concert series in Vivocity to bring music to the community, with support from Mapletree Investments.

  • The TENG Company was a recipient of the Major Grant Scheme of National Arts Council.


2019

  • The TENG Company presented its first major fundraising concert titled “Mind The Music!” in collaboration with Caregivers Alliance with guest of honor President Halimah Yacob.

  • The TENG Guide to Chinese Orchestra was launched and released.

  • The “Heirlooms” concert, a culmination of the Forefathers’ Project, was presented at the Esplanade Concert Hall.


2020

  • A collaboration with Shabir, a renowned Indian musician, leading to the release of the “Triptych series” – in response to the Covid-19 situation in Singapore.

  • “TENG Goes Digital Campaign” was initiated.

  • The TENG Ensemble performed for its first ever digital concert supported by the Fullerton Heritage.


2021

  • The Gift of Music Gala was held as a fundraising digital concert for TENG’s social outreach initiatives.

  • A brand new digital series was launched - titled TENG Insider. The series has the Executive and Creative Directors of TENG hosting various personalities from the local arts scene to share their insights and personal stories from the industry.

  • The TENG Backstage digital series was launched as an ongoing collection of jovial educational and entertainment content.

  • Where the River Always Flows VI digital concert was presented alongside Fullerton Hotels and Resorts.

  • TENG released its first Extended Play Release - “天地人合 (Tian Di Ren He)” on all major Digital Streaming Platforms.


2022

  • TENG presented it’s first physical show since the pandemic - “Once Upon A Time 2022” at VivoCity’s amphitheatre.

  • Official change of name from “The TENG Ensemble” to “The TENG Company” - with aims for a clearer representation of the diverse efforts undertaken.

  • Publication of positive results from TENG X Singapore Institute of Technology’s Health and Social Sciences Department research on Binaural Beats.

  • Commencement of TEAM TENG fundraising initiative, an appeal to empower us to inspire and impact Singapore by fusing cultures together, and bring our Chinese musical heritage with our unique Singaporean identity.

  • TENG held a fundraising concert, “More Than Music!”, highlighting TENG's emphasis on social impact, youth empowerment and artistic innovation.


2023

  • Release of Music for Mindfulness, a groundbreaking album with fusion of Binaural Beats with TENG’s signature East-West sound, promoting mental wellness.

  • The TENG Ensemble performed internationally in Bangkok, Thailand.

  • Kickstarted efforts in updating examination syllabus for Chinese Instrumental Music Grading Examinations to include staff notation and pieces which showcases music from Singapore’s cultural landscape

  • Partnered with Singapore Airlines' In-flight Entertainment (KrisWorld) to feature TENG’s Music for Mindfulness album and a curated playlist of TENG's iconic music videos, extending our reach to audiences worldwide.