Breakfast Across The Causeway is a choral work commissioned by Ren Sing Choir (任 Sing 合唱團) for their "A.K.A. A Music Story" concert based on the poem of the same title by Niu You Xiao Sheng (牛油小生). The two- movement work premiered at Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House on 12th July 2025, Saturday 7:30pm.

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I. you tiao cheung fun (上篇: 油條腸粉) 5'

The poetic analogies of food become entwined with feelings and daily life. Further wordplay in the musical setting attempts to capture the eclectic nature of the original text. The varying tempi is a playful take on the traffic jam sometimes experienced travelling up the causeway. This movement is an homage to the late Mr Leong Yoon Pin, the doyen of Singaporean composers. In particular, the food names in Cantonese reference one of his classic choral

works in Nanyang style - "Street Calls" (街頭巷尾) written in 1997.

 

II. kaya butter toast (下篇: 加椰牛油) 3'

A series of seemingly unrelated thoughts appear, but eventually settles for a grounded attitude toward life. The second movement maintains a regular lilt and a light-hearted mood throughout. A return-trip of sorts.

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- Chen Zhangyi 11 May 2025