On 26 October, Republic Polytechnic’s Wind Symphony (RPWS) took the stage at the Reflection Arts Festival, presenting a concert inspired by the theme of “Bhumi” (Earth in Malay). This year’s concert, On Atlas’ Shoulders, draws its theme from the Greek myth of Atlas, the titan sentenced to carry the world forever. Through three evocative acts, RPWS prompts audiences to ask: Who carries the weight of our planet today, and what responsibility do we hold?
The answer, beautifully conveyed through the music, is that we all share this burden—the duty of preserving the planet’s beauty and balance.
Act 1: “Yesterday”
The first act of the evening, titled “Yesterday,” took the audience on a nostalgic journey through our connection with the natural world. Consisting of four compositions, it highlighted themes of beauty, preservation, and the fleeting nature of our environment. The performance opened with a calming introductory piece that set a tranquil mood, slowly drawing the audience in and building anticipation.
The first piece, ‘City of Dreams’, made a striking impact with its powerful bells and vibrant green and pink lights, transitioning into a serene melody that emphasised the contrast between responsibility and peace.. This was followed by “Aquarium”, a mesmerising tribute to the underwater realms that stressed the importance of protecting these fragile ecosystems.
RPWS performing ‘Aquarium’ By Johan De Meij. (PHOTO: nils (@nil_not_found)/Photo Republic IG)
‘Chasing Sunlight’, the third piece, is RP Wind Symphony’s president Mary Angeline Lopez’s favourite, embodying a spirit of innocence with a light-hearted melody. For her, it’s about appreciating fleeting moments and embracing life fully. Act 1 closes with ‘And Then the Ocean Glows’, a reflective piece on harmony and coexistence with nature.
Act 2: “Today”
Act 2, titled “Today,” offered a distinct shift in tone, celebrating the existing beauty of the natural world. Featuring two pieces, it conveyed both the vibrancy and the vulnerability of the environment. Emcee How Jing Yi aptly explained, “Music is such an important way to showcase an idea. People remember it better than just words.”
The second act concludes with ‘Hymn to the Infinite Sky’, inspired by Satoshi Yagisawa’s vision of the sky as a symbol of peace and balance. Its melodies evoke empathy and kindness, urging listeners to cherish the Earth’s delicate equilibrium.
Set against a heartwarming backdrop of everyday quiet moments, RPWS performs ‘Hymn To The Infinite Sky’, a piece that celebrates peace and love in our time.
(PHOTO: Ashlyn (@capturedbylyn)/Photo Republic IG)
Act 3: “Tomorrow”
In “Tomorrow”, the concert shifts to a future-focused view of nature’s resilience. Opening with ‘Stormbreak’, the act bursts into high-energy percussion, involving the audience with a rhythmic, immersive experience. Audience member Ethan Wijaya remarked on the power of the percussion, which resonated as an expression of nature’s untamed force.
The concert’s crescendo is ‘Cavetown Cappadocia’, an evocative piece that transports the audience to Turkey’s Cappadocia region with its serene, mystic soundscape. Jing Yi, the concert’s emcee, described the piece as “a call to action, a cry for help.” For her, Cavetown Cappadocia carries a message of hope—a hope that resonated throughout the audience.
RPWS wrapping up Symphonie De République XVI with a powerful performance of ‘Cavetown Cappadocia’.
(PHOTO: Ashlyn (@capturedbylyn)/Photo Republic IG)
The encore featured Santana a Portrait and Earth, Wind, and Fire Mix, transforming the concert hall into a lively celebration. RPWS encouraged the audience to clap, wave their phone flashlights, and join in, creating a spirited end to an unforgettable night.
The Curtain Call
Thanks to the combined efforts of the Wind Symphony, CREATE team, and enthusiastic audience, Symphonie De Republique XVI was a resounding success The overarching message resonated deeply: “Atlas” is all of us, the people who call Earth home, and we share the responsibility of preserving its beauty.
Reflecting on the event, Angeline said, “Music is about having fun, expressing yourself, and making the audience feel a connection—the love you have for music. That’s what helped us get through this concert and put on an amazing show.” The night was not just a performance but an experience, reminding us that our planet is in our hands. We are Atlas, and it’s up to us to carry the world forward—with care, creativity, and love.
