Goodbye, for now: Singapore Symphony Orchestra's outgoing music director Shui Lan

Chinese-American conductor Lan Shui spent 22 years as music director of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. The 61-year-old put down his baton after two farewell concerts on Jan 25 and 26.
In 1986, Shui received a scholarship to study at Boston University's Tanglewood Institute, where he trained with the late American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. Shui Lan, who retired from his position as music director of the Singapore Sy
In 1986, Shui received a scholarship to study at Boston University's Tanglewood Institute, where he trained with the late American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. Shui Lan, who retired from his position as music director of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, gave two farewell concerts last Friday and Saturday and was named the orchestra's conductor laureate for his 22 years of service. PHOTOS: TIMOTHY DAVID, COURTESY OF SHUI LAN, IVAN MALY, SINGAPORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, ST FILE
In 1986, Shui received a scholarship to study at Boston University's Tanglewood Institute, where he trained with the late American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. Shui Lan, who retired from his position as music director of the Singapore Sy
Shui Lan through the years: Shui Lan was born in Hangzhou in 1957 to a banker and a doctor and started learning the violin at age five. At age 13, he moved to Beijing to join the People's Liberation Army Song and Dance Troupe, a school for musical talent that enjoyed the protection of Mao Zedong. He trained in conducting and composition at the Beijing Central Conservatory of Music and became conductor of the Beijing Symphony Orchestra in 1985.
In 1986, Shui received a scholarship to study at Boston University's Tanglewood Institute, where he trained with the late American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. Shui Lan, who retired from his position as music director of the Singapore Sy
Shui Lan through the years: In 1986, Shui received a scholarship to study at Boston University's Tanglewood Institute, where he trained with the late American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein.
In 1986, Shui received a scholarship to study at Boston University's Tanglewood Institute, where he trained with the late American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. Shui Lan, who retired from his position as music director of the Singapore Sy
Shui Lan through the years: Shui (above, at his inaugural concert) took over as the Singapore Symphony Orchestra's music director in January 1997.
In 1986, Shui received a scholarship to study at Boston University's Tanglewood Institute, where he trained with the late American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. Shui Lan, who retired from his position as music director of the Singapore Sy
Shui Lan through the years: A portrait of Shui that appeared in SSO's 1997 calendar.
In 1986, Shui received a scholarship to study at Boston University's Tanglewood Institute, where he trained with the late American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. Shui Lan, who retired from his position as music director of the Singapore Sy
Shui Lan through the years: Shui with cellist Yo-Yo Ma in 2004, the year SSO toured the United States, giving concerts with renowned soloists such as Ma.
In 1986, Shui received a scholarship to study at Boston University's Tanglewood Institute, where he trained with the late American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. Shui Lan, who retired from his position as music director of the Singapore Sy
Shui Lan through the years: Shui with American-Israeli violinist Gil Shaham at the Prague Spring Festival in Smetana Hall, Prague, in 2016.

Shui Lan does not rule out returning to the Singapore Symphony Orchestra as a guest conductor but, for now, the SSO will need time away from him to evolve

Published: 
Jan 29, 2019, 5:00 am SGT
Arts Correspondent
akshitan@sph.com.sg
naraitai

Chinese-American conductor Shui Lan took up the baton by accident.

He started playing the violin at age five and wanted to be a violinist, but a football injury to his hand at 18 meant he could not practise the instrument for a long time.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 29, 2019, with the headline 'Goodbye, for now'. Print Edition | Subscribe
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