Singkap Siaga (SSAA)

“Singka Siaga” (SSA) was commissioned in 2020-21 by Sonic Timelapse Project and members of its Conductors Commission Club. As a partner composer of the Project, I had the immense privilege of reading and absorbing the content submitted by the choral communities in Canada who are experiencing the global COVID-19 pandemic. This piece is based on my reflections of these submissions, as well as my own experiences.

I drew inspiration from the almost-extinct Malay tradition of shadow puppet theatre and its music – Wayang Kulit Kelantan. I remember learning how to make these puppets in school in Malaysia. This artform reminded me how light and shadow are equal in beauty, thus shifting my perspective of “shadow” and “darkness” having negative connotations. Throughout my research on this tradition, I have been drawn to a scene in the show where the Dewa Panah (two Arrow Gods, one good and one evil) descend from the sky and battle each other. Neither wins. Life goes on in a balance.

The piece is 5% text (Singkap Siaga) and 95% vocables, based on the pre-existing vocal equivalent of the stylings and tone of the traditional instruments used in the Wayang Kulit Kelantan shadow puppet theatre practice – gong, dak, ding, dong, tsak, tsng. The rhythmic elements and patterns are also inspired by the music accompanying the Dewa Panah scene. Together with body percussion, this piece has a gutsy and fiery energy that hopefully brings singers to a positive headspace, especially when practicing alone.

I am grateful to Sonic Timelapse Project and the following members of the Conductors Commission Club for funding the SSA version of this piece: Kathleen Allan (Toronto), Julia Davids (Chicago), Heather Fraser (Halifax), Laura Hawley (Edmonton), Jackie Hawley (Ottawa), U of A Augustana Music Program, and Sonic Timelapse Project.

My heartfelt appreciation goes to the choral communities who have participated in this Project. It is an honour to be a part of this memorable, vulnerable, brave, and collaborative music-making process. The voice is far from fragile!

-Tracy Wong