Watch Charlie Lim & Ng Pei-Sian perform ‘Into Dreams’.
What ensues when two musical titans step into the same room? Snakeweed Studios opens its door to this promising opportunity, extending the lifespan of a collaboration between artistes who have melded their imaginations once before.
Beloved singer-songwriter, Charlie Lim, continues to show his versatility by cross-venturing with Ng Pei-Sian, the principal cellist of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Their fusion of worlds explores Utopia Reimagined, an initiative that redefined the Singapore-inspired “Utopia Symphony” recorded by the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 2019. The fruits of their labour are captured once more in this session, and it is testament to the borderless nature of music - no matter their origins.
Titled “Utopia Reimagined: Into Dreams”, their composition addresses the tension between ceaseless ambition and obstructions of the unknown. Charlie’s contemplative lyricism is buffed by vocals that exude his signature comforting warmth; a euphonious texture of soft edges that is instantly engrossing. It musically comes together with Charlie’s gravitas on the upright piano, complemented with the mellow resplendence of Pei-Sian on the cello, gliding and cascading with vibrato-coloured counter melodies. What you witness here is a cherished conversation between masters of their craft.
There is an element of awe when giants like these produce something so gentle and pristine. This is a placid, porcelain moment you just do not want to shatter.