Hua Yue : the Chinese Orchestra in contemporary Singapore.

The purpose of this study is to construct a comprehensive and authentic picture of the Chinese orchestral scene in Singapore by piecing its history and identifying the social characteristics and relationships within Chinese Orchestras (COs) In Singapore. Specifically, the dynamic interaction of the structural characteristics and the social processes within and without the COs, as well as its impact on the musicians, the orchestra and the quality of their work are analysed. This thesis shows that the formal structures, roles and tacit rules of interaction have not enabled COs in Singapore to produce music as a collective successfully and harmoniously. The disunity within the COs can be attributed to several factors identified in the research process. At the individual level, many of the professional CO musicians perceive that they are working in an oppressive environment characterised by excessive work with little creative stimulus and pay. Even CO musicians at the amateur level, especially school CO musicians, are not fulfilled creatively due to the absence of a nurturing learning environment. They lack enjoyable performance opportunities and suffer from stressful preparations for concerts and competitions. The CO musicians' unhappiness is also exacerbated by high levels of competitiveness and cliquishness within the COs. So instead of a unified CO, each CO is divided into microcommunities that are at odds with one another. Finally, external forces such as governmental agencies, schools and the general public exert a considerable influence over the existence and the development of these COs. Because of their focus on results, prestige and image, they have fostered an environment that is antithetical to the cultivation of love of CO among CO musicians at the amateur or professional levels.