“Basically Bass”: Lim Kiong Pin Brings Hidden Voices of the Orchestra to Life
- WOMCO
- Oct 6
- 3 min read
Lim Kiong Pin from Singapore was awarded the Platinum Prize at the World Grand Prix International Music Contest 2025 Season 3 for his arrangement Basically Bass. This arrangement creatively combines three iconic film themes: the James Bond 007 theme (Monty Norman, 1962), the Pink Panther theme (Henry Mancini, 1963), and the Cantina Band from Star Wars (John Williams, 1977).
The World Grand Prix International Music Contest 2025 Season 3 took place from 28 May to 28 August 2025, with results announced on 19 September. In addition to this achievement, Lim Kiong Pin also received the Gold Prize for his composition Summer Rain and for his conducting work on Mu Gui Ying.
What inspired you to highlight the alto and bass instruments in Basically Bass? How do you see the role of these instruments evolving in modern orchestral arrangements?
Lim Kiong Pin:
"I’ve been playing the Bass Sheng (a free reed instrument) with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) for many years. In music, the high-pitched melodies usually capture the audience’s attention, while the mid-to-low registers often go unnoticed. In Chinese orchestras, instruments like the Erhu, Dizi, Pipa, and Guzheng are well-known, but the lower-pitched instruments are less familiar.
That’s why I decided to create an arrangement focusing only on the mid-to-low instruments—such as the Zhongruan, Daruan, Bass Sheng, Bass Guan, Bass Suona, Cello, Double Bass, and a drum set for support. The goal was to give audiences a chance to better understand and appreciate these often-overlooked voices."
Could you share your perspective on what defines a great composer in today’s digital age, and what you consider to be the most significant artistic or professional challenges facing composer today and in the coming years?
Lim Kiong Pin:
"In this age of A.I., “composing” music might seem easier. But to me, A.I. is still just following formulas. It can copy the style of Beethoven, Mozart, or Debussy, but that’s imitation—not true composition. A.I. is great for producing something fast, like jingles or commercial material.
Real composition, however, is like writing your own story. It reflects your life, your experiences, and your philosophy—something no one else (and no machine) can replicate."
Biography
Lim Kiong Pin began learning the sheng during his secondary school years.
In 1985, he joined the People’s Association Chinese Orchestra as a freelance musician.
In 1996 he began his full-time career with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO), where he is currently the Di Yin Sheng player.
In June 2023, he performed the Singapore premiere of Tao Yuan Wonderland 世外桃园 by
composer Wang Chen Wei with the SCO.
Beyond performing, Lim has a strong passion for conducting.
In July 2000, he was appointed conductor of the Braddell Heights Community Club Chinese
Orchestra (BHCO). Under his leadership, both BHCO and the People’s Association Youth Chinese Orchestra won top prizes at the National Chinese Music Competition, organized by the National Arts Council.
In 2002, BHCO achieved another award under his direction. More recently, he conducted the
Nanyang Girls’ Ensemble to a gold medal at the 2019 Nanyang International Music Competition, and to 2nd and 3rd place awards at the 2022 Singapore Chinese Music Competition.
In 2002, Lim attended the 11th National Practical Course for Conductors in the Czech Republic. From 2002 to 2004, he served as Assistant Conductor and Arranger-in-Residence with the SCO, and in 2004 he conducted the orchestra at the Singapore Arts Festival. He later earned a Diploma in Conducting from the London College of Music (Thames Valley University) in 2008.
Lim’s interest in composition began in 1998. His debut work Taiwan Blues was performed by
the SCO in 2001 to strong reviews. Other works include Overture 2004 (National Day Mega
Concert), Bali Dreams (2012), Summer Rain (2024), and De Luna Palette (2025).
