Tangram is a boundary-pushing ensemble that blends Chinese and Western musical traditions, creating unique interdisciplinary performances. Founded in 2018, Tangram has evolved from a classical music ensemble into a collective that explores Chinese cultures and histories through innovative productions. In this exclusive interview, co-directors Alex Ho and Rockey Sun Keting share their journey, inspirations, and future ambitions for Tangram.
Nature Echo trailer:
Tangram was born from a desire to bridge cultural gaps and create a platform for Chinese and Western musical traditions to coexist. Alex recalls, “I co-founded Tangram with another musician, Reylon Yount, in 2018. At first, we were an ensemble of four – flute, yangqin, percussion, and piano – performing a mix of traditional Chinese folk arrangements and newly commissioned works. It was quite unconventional, which inspired us to work with composers like Rockey.”
Tangram’s Nature Echo Concert © Mike Skelton
The connection between Alex and Rockey deepened during their time on the London Symphony Orchestra’s Soundhub composer scheme. “We met through the scheme in 2018 and 2019. It was a two-year program where composers developed new works,” Alex explains. Their shared vision for creating meaningful and innovative art led Rockey to join Tangram as co-director in 2023.
Tangram’s name reflects its creative philosophy. “A tangram is a puzzle with pieces that form countless shapes,” Alex says. “It symbolizes versatility, creativity, and the melding of diverse elements – much like our approach to music and performance.” Initially focused on blending Chinese and Western instruments, Tangram has since widened its scope. Today, the ensemble incorporates disciplines like dance, visual art, and even live-action painting, creating a rich tapestry of sensory experiences.
Writing for both Chinese and Western instruments requires understanding and collaboration. “For composers, writing for unfamiliar instruments is about research and collaboration,” says Rockey. “It’s like orchestrating for a bassoon if you’ve never worked with one – you sit with the musician, watch videos, and learn their language.” Cultural awareness is equally essential. “It’s crucial to respect the histories and traditions of the instruments,” Alex adds. “We aim to create art that’s culturally sensitive and authentic while exploring new possibilities.”
Tangram’s Nature Echo Concert © Mike Skelton
Both Alex and Rockey draw on their personal experiences to inform Tangram’s work. Alex, born and raised in London to parents from Hong Kong, and Rockey, originally from China and now based in London, bring unique perspectives to the ensemble. “Chinese cultures and identities are vast and diverse,” Alex notes. “Tangram’s artists reflect that diversity. We’ve collaborated with musicians from Taiwan, the U.S., Canada, and beyond, sharing a connection to this expansive cultural heritage.”
Tangram’s transition from ensemble to interdisciplinary collective was a natural progression. “We started exploring new formats during our residency with the London Symphony Orchestra at St. Luke’s,” Alex explains. “It’s a versatile venue with excellent technical capacity, allowing us to experiment with staging, lighting, and projections. Over time, we began incorporating dance, opera, and visual art into our performances.” Rockey agrees: “Our growth has been organic. Each project builds on the last, deepening our collaborations and artistic bonds. We’ve moved beyond traditional concert formats to create productions that challenge and inspire.”
Tangram’s ambitions extend far beyond its current accomplishments. “We aim to expand our interdisciplinary work and reach new audiences,” Alex shares. “The opera and music theatre scene in the UK is challenging due to funding constraints, so we’re exploring opportunities abroad. North America and Hong Kong are particularly exciting prospects.” Rockey adds, “We’re also committed to fostering cultural openness. By collaborating with diverse artists, we challenge stereotypes and create space for unexpected, meaningful connections.”
Tangram’s Nature Echo Concert © Mike Skelton
Tangram’s upcoming UK tour, *Nature Echo*, embodies their interdisciplinary vision. Featuring live-action painting by performance artist Echo Morgan, the production explores humanity’s relationship with nature. Alex describes a highlight: “During George Crumb’s *Vox Balaenae*, Echo creates a stunning live painting on a massive canvas, complementing the music’s evocative themes. The program also includes other works that respond to nature, enhanced by Echo’s visual designs.” The tour will visit Leeds, London, Nottingham, Manchester, and York in early 2025. Tangram hopes to engage audiences with this sensory journey, blending sound and visuals to spark reflection and wonder.
Building relationships with audiences is central to Tangram’s mission. “At St. Luke’s, where we’ve performed for years, we’ve built a loyal following,” Alex says. “It’s heartening to see familiar faces and new ones at every show, all open and curious about our work.” Post-concert conversations are especially meaningful. “Audiences often linger to chat, sharing their thoughts and asking questions,” Rockey adds. “It’s a reminder of why we do this – to connect, inspire, and be inspired.”
As Tangram prepares for its Nature Echo tour, they are also planning new projects for 2025 and beyond. “We can’t reveal too much yet, but we’re excited about what’s next,” Rockey hints. For Alex and Rockey, Tangram is more than a musical endeavour. It’s a space for dialogue, discovery, and growth – a platform to celebrate diversity and push artistic boundaries.
As Tangram continues to evolve, their commitment to creativity, collaboration, and cultural exchange remains steadfast. Through live-action painting, interdisciplinary productions, and innovative new works, Tangram invites audiences to experience the richness of Chinese and Western traditions in ways they’ve never imagined.
Find more information about Tangram’s UK tour.
TANGRAM 七巧板組合 Official website
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