Before the Concert

In 1995 or Earlier……

      I had long heard of The Little Prince, but never had the chance to read the original. My first encounter experiencing it was in a black box theatre. Honestly, leaving the theatre, all I remembered was a ridiculously tossed-around umbrella used for comedic effect. I couldn't help but wonder, “Is this The Little Prince? Does it truly live up to its reputation?”

      Years later, I happened to buy a Chinese version of The Little Prince. Traumatised by the theatrical experience, the book sat on my shelf untouched; overshadowed by other titles. After a long time, I finally reached for it. But then, I read it in one breathless sitting, unable to put it down.

      From that moment, I began to dream.

      “The stars are beautiful because of a flower that cannot be seen.” – The Little Prince, Chapter 24

December 1998

      Zhang Xiaomei, a much respected mentor, readily agreed to lead a growth group activity at our December music camp. She had the students fold origami, tucking messages inside paper flowers.

      After the two-hour session, Xiaomei and I spent another two hours discussing the students' pervasive self-centred defensiveness.  They bore a lack of deep communication and trust; an inability to genuinely support each other.

      Why? Was it a lack of security? A lack of self-confidence? The unspoken competition among peers preventing openness?

Xiaomei summarized: “The group still needs time to develop.”

      “I have not yet awakened from my sleep, and my petals are still full of wrinkles.” – The Little Prince, Chapter 8

January 1999

      Host: “What did you learn at the recent music camp?”

      Student: “Nothing, it was a waste of time.”

      Host: “Why?”

      Student: “The camp activities weren't related to today's questions.”

      Host: “What would you have done if you hadn't attended?”

      Student: “Played computer games at home.”

      Host: “If you felt it was a waste of time, why do you think we organized it?”

      Student: “I don't know.”

      This exchange during an internal observation session was fascinating. It made us think...…

      First, we should be happy that these children were willing to express themselves honestly, without pretence.

      Second, we saw their need for practical, direct, fast-paced, and immediately rewarding learning methods.

      Then, we could ask:

      —Why is this so?
     —What kind of environment are we living in?
     —When did our values become so superficial?
     —If the heart is not beautiful, can the music be beautiful?

      I don't strive for superficial harmony or perfection. By exposing weaknesses, we find direction for improvement.

January 1999

      The Little Touch Ensembledistributed surveys asking how many students and parents supported the 1999 millennium concert, “Little Prince's Diary.”

      The responses were overwhelmingly positive. Parents and students, having been part of the society for a while, understood our goals. Their support wasn't just verbal; it was a commitment to action.

      The concert required balancing the budget, investing extra time and energy, sacrificing personal freedom for group collaboration. Especially during the financial crisis, their support was a promise, and potentially a burden.

      The Little Touch Ensemble had witnessed miracles with previous students. Would this new generation inherit that legacy? Would they rise to the challenge?

      As I received the forms, I felt gratitude for their commitment, but also a deep sense of pressure.

      I suddenly remembered a friend from my youth, whom I had lost touch with for years.       One day, a late night call out of the blue:       “I'm pregnant again,” she sobbed, and I, clumsy and tongue-tied, didn't know how to comfort her. At the time, I didn't understand why she who had prior childcare experience, a happy family, and another child already on the way would be so distraught.

      Two weeks later, calmer, she decided to keep the baby. “Five years,” she said.

      “Five years?”

      “Another prolonged confinement of five years. Do you understand?”

      “All grown-ups were once children, but only few of them remember it.” – The Little Prince, Preface

February 1999

      I met with Bee Tan to discuss the story's interpretation and adaptation. She saw two main characters, both on a quest. The stranded pilot and the Little Prince, both searching for a path forward, clarifying their inner journeys.

      Though I sensed we could do something, I felt uneasy, lacking confidence. Friends, students, and parents constantly inquired about the project's progress. Their concern became a pressure.

      “Even amongst a crowd, one can still feel alone.” – The Little Prince, Chapter 17

March 1999

      Amidst my anxiety, Xin Wei visited, bringing different English translations of The Little Prince. How could we make the story clear to the audience in a one hour concert?

      Trying to explain the story, I realized we should tell it from both the pilot's and the Little Prince's perspectives. Through diligent searching and discovery, the script took shape amidst struggle, oscillating between clarity and obscurity.

May 1999

      While organizing the story, I reread the Chinese, English, and French versions repeatedly. I consulted with Tshui Fang, asking for her English editing expertise. In an email, she quoted a source and raised a question: “You said, 'the stars are budding.' But stars don't bud. It should be, 'gazing at the stars, the rose within them is budding.'“

June 1999

      At the music camp, students whispered excitedly. Xiaomei had led them through a personality test, guessing each other's types.

      “Teacher, you should take the test too!” they urged, full of curiosity.

      The topic spread throughout the afternoon. Were they genuinely curious about my personality? Or were they testing the accuracy of their predictions?

      I'm not a believer in personality tests, but...…

June 1999

      At the camp, Chek Inn led a game dividing 30 students into three groups, each choosing a leader to complete tasks. One involved six members from each group tying their legs together and reaching a target.

Some groups chose strong students based on performance; others allowed volunteers of all ages. Some leaders participated, directed, and cheered. Others divided tasks equally.

      During the activity, a student cried out, “My foot is twisted!” Give up? Rest? Or switch members? Obstacles arose, actions became inconsistent, causing arguments and blame. The challenge was greater than anticipated. After 15 minutes, one group lagged significantly. Give up or persevere?

“Even if we lose, we'll finish the course. We'll lose with dignity.” They decided after discussion.

      The facilitator only asked questions and offered suggestions, not making decisions for them.

      The game ended, but the activity continued. We spent 30 minutes reviewing the process, with former students acting as observers, prompting reflection. We didn't evaluate; we asked questions:

      Why did this happen?

      Why were decisions made this way?

      What were your feelings?

      How did others react?

      Finally, the best group and individuals were chosen by the students themselves.

They truly came to know themselves and their friends. These were children no older than 13; I understood why the Little Prince needed a journey.

June 1999

      Over 90% of parents attended the parent meeting. Besides the administrative report, I emphasized that a successful concert's score lies only in technical skill. The spirit and the students' natural grace were key.

Bee Tan left the meeting early. Later, she told me she felt dizzy and didn't want to disrupt the meeting, so she lay down on a couch outside the meeting room. She fainted and waited to regain consciousness.

I realized many only see the stage's brilliance, expecting dazzling performances. But do the others know of the dizziness and lessons behind the scenes?

July 1999

      The script was finished. I met with Sew Wei for lunch. We talked about the end-of-century melancholy. . We talked about materialism, the loss of genuine feelings, human alienation, and restless hearts. How would humanity shape the new century? Were we heading in the right direction?

      In the dazzling end of the century, we had become incredibly wealthy. At the turn of the millennium, would we hear the call for spiritual construction? Did we have the strength to move forward, or would we succumb to indulgence?

      Sew Wei said, “While I still have some energy, if you need anything, please let me know.”

      We should be optimistic about the new century.

      Or at least, learn to be.

August 1999

      We received sponsorships from Goldbel Industrial, the Lee Foundation, and Gul Tech. My old classmate Heng Lee called, amidst his busy schedule: “I support your work.”

The musical composition was completed with the help of many friends. Thank you, Geok Choo, Yoon Ching, Kheng Hoon, Ying Wei, Chee Kong...…

      “If you love a flower that lives on a star, it is sweet to look at the sky at night. All the stars are abloom.” – The Little Prince, Chapter 26

September 1999

      After the music exam, I had two rehearsals with Esther. I thought she was a highly perceptive actress, capable of bringing the Little Prince to our world.

But she didn’t come to class. I called her home. The maid said, “They’ve all gone back to America.”

      Why the sudden departure? Vanished, like the Little Prince?

      Bee Tan comforted me: “She'll be back.”

I began a long wait, like the pilot.

September 1999

      “Thank you for arranging the video viewing for the students during the holiday. What was the content of the Schubert DVD?”

(Email from parent Dr. Pang, who missed the workshop due to an overseas meeting.)

October 1999

      I discussed the Little Prince's visual design with Ivy. Should we use student photos for the poster or the original illustrations? Realism or romance? How to balance them?

      The Little Prince is a fairy tale, yet not just a fairy tale.

      The issue isn't realism or romance.

      It's about balance and intention. What do we want to convey?

November 1999

      An early Christmas present arrived.

      It was a package from Esther whom migrated to Australia. I unwrapped the package and guess what was inside?

      It was Esther’s narration for the coming concert, recorded in a studio in Australia.

      What a pleasant surprise!

December 1999

      Each Little Notes Ensemble performance is a gift. a gift. A gift to ourselves and to our friends. We carefully wrap it, hoping they receive it with open hearts.

      Is our hope extravagant? Will it be fulfilled? Do modern people still possess this sensitivity?

      The Little Prince once visited our planet and left. Will he return?

After the concert

February 2000

—To Zhuang Yongkang, a thoughtful supporter of The Little Prince

      Reading your comments on The Little Prince in the newspaper on Sunday, I learned you attended our concert. My apologies for the inadequate hospitality, and sincere gratitude for your kind words. Your praise is an encouragement to continue our efforts.

      I hope more people will genuinely care about local arts and culture and introduce high-quality works to the public, helping to improve cultural standards. Let’s step away from our usual quick-profit mentality.

      I often think, even if the concert didn't attract a large audience, the participating students were touched by the experience. Even if the concert didn’t win universal acclaim, the parents who witnessed the rehearsal process would understand.

      The most common complaint about the December concert was the difficulty in selling tickets and the many competing events. I would respond: It's easy to talk about your difficulties, but it's more impressive to show how you overcame them. Through twists and turns, the “Little Prince's Diary” concert was successfully held on December 30th and 31st, achieving a full house for all three shows.

      

      Below are some letters from audience members, kept as a memento.

Letter 1

      Hello!

      My name is Rosalie and I saw your wonderful concert last week with my family. The performers' showmanship and enthusiasm was simply heart-warming. My husband is French and was touched by the unique way of telling the story of the little prince, which is a compulsory text for all French students.

      Thank you.

Rosalie Zins

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Letter 2

      Hi! I'm glad that 1999 ended on a happy note.

Christine Lim

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Letter 3

Dear Mr Wong,

      Congratulations on the success of the concerts and thanks a lot for the tremendous amount of work you have put in. As always, I think all your students have gained a great deal out of the concert, not only the stage experience but also through the preparation process. And they gain not only in the learning of music, but get to see how the whole process is put together and the amount of commitment and effort needed. For one thing, surely they must be impressed, as are all the parents, of the large number of ex-students who came back to help.

      As a parent, I thank all these helpers for the spirit they impart on their juniors......

Peter Pang

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