Neil Chua

Ruan

Graduating from the prestigious Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Neil is the first and the youngest musician of the Conservatory to receive a Masters degree in Ruan. Currently a Permanent Resident in Singapore, Neil is the Founder of RuanAtWorkz Musical Arts, a registered Charity in Singapore which promotes traditional culture, music, art and traditional values. Neil is also the first musician to be invited to represent Malaysia to participate in the acclaimed OneBeat Programme, an exchange programme by the U.S State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in 2014. Through the programme, Neil had the opportunity to interact, educate and promote the ruan to students and musicians from around the world in the United States of America. Neil’s passion also led to an invitation to participate in the Silkroad Ensemble’s Global Musician Workshop 2015 & 2017 supported by cello Maestro Yo Yo Ma.

Neil staged his first solo performance under the invitation of the Malaysia Professional Cultural Centre Chinese Orchestra in June 2005 at the Kuala Lumpur City Government Concert Hall. Since then, Neil has been invited to perform in numerous events and festivals around the world, including the Asian Performing Arts Market (APAM) in Japan, Setouchi Triennale (Japan) and the Solo International Performing Arts (SIPA) in Indonesia.

Neil is also the Director for the sold-out Sesaji Segoro – The Daughter of the Ocean, where he infused 5 different cultures in a groundbreaking opera. Neil’s dedication in using music to break borders is clearly reflected in his most recent project BREVE where he brought together 7 internationally renowned musicians across Asia and USA to Singapore for a 11-day music-cultural exchange with a series of engagement activities with local arts groups, schools and communities.

Neil dedicates his time to promoting the ruan and works closely with composers and young musicians. He also conducts regular classes to impart his skills to the younger generation.