Artists Line-Up for Tidal Streams by

RaghaJazz For Kalaa Utsavam 2024

1. Raghavendran s/o Rajasekaran (Ragha) – Artistic Director, Composer, Flutes

Raghavendran Rajasekaran, fondly called Ragha, is an accomplished flautist and composer known for his mastery of the Indian classical flute and innovative compositions. As the Artistic Director of RaghaJazz, he blends Indian classical music with jazz, creating unique multi-ethnic ensembles. He has performed extensively across Singapore and internationally at festivals, theatre productions, and wellness events. A dedicated educator, Ragha is a flute teacher at the Temple of Fine Arts and also conducts music composition workshops at various institutions such as LASALLE College of the Arts and School of the Arts (SOTA) Singapore. His works have been featured in prominent performances and recordings, earning him recognition in the global music scene.

2. Tim De Cotta – Electric Bass & Vocals

Tim De Cotta is a dynamic Singaporean singer-songwriter, bassist, and producer known for his soulful blend of R&B, hip-hop, and funk. Drawing inspiration from artists like Maxwell and Mos Def, Tim has performed at major festivals, including the Singapore International Jazz Festival and St. Jerome’s Laneway. He is also a sought-after collaborator, working with renowned acts like iNCH, Sezairi, and The Good Life Project. Beyond performance, Tim co-founded Getai Group and Warrior Productions, contributing to Singapore’s music scene through events, artist mentorship, and music production for artists and corporate clients.

3. Chee Wah Yong – Upright Bass

Chee Wah Yong is a seasoned bassist, excelling in both double and electric bass across various musical genres. With performances in over 20 major musicals, including The Phantom of the Opera and The Lion King, his versatility extends to operas and ballets such as Turandot and Swan Lake. Wah Yong has also graced concert stages with renowned artists like Sarah Brightman and Russell Watson. As a dedicated music educator, he has inspired the next generation through his teaching roles in schools and music institutions across Singapore.

4. Lee Jit Seng – Drums

Jit Seng has over 18 years of teaching experience, having educated more than 800 drum students from various countries. After receiving his Bachelor’s in Music from LASALLE College of the Arts, he furthered his drum studies at the Collective School of Music in New York City. Jit Seng was invited to judge the Asian Youth Arts Festival Competition in 2017 and the Asian Supreme Drum Competition (2018-2024). He is also one of the key members of RaghaJazz.

5. Joel Chua – Keyboards

Joel Chua is a versatile Singaporean pianist, composer, and arranger with a career spanning performances across Southeast Asia, India, China, Australia, and New Zealand. A Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology graduate, Joel has played at prestigious events, including Singapore’s Celebrate 2019 & 2020 and the Mediacorp Star Awards. As an alumnus of the SAF Music & Drama Company (MDC), Joel has performed for dignitaries such as Lee Hsien Loong.

6. Kailin Yong – Violin

Kailin Yong is an internationally acclaimed violinist, composer, and educator known for his innovative fusion of world music, jazz, and classical traditions. Trained at the prestigious University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, Yong has won multiple accolades, including the Daniel Pearl Memorial Violin Award for promoting world peace through music. His compositions have been performed globally as a Music Director for various dance and music collectives. Yong’s versatility extends from solo performances with renowned orchestras to collaborative works in theatre, film, and multi-disciplinary arts.

7. Jeffrey Tan – Violin

Jeffrey Tan is a multi-talented music artist based in Singapore, known for his prowess as a music producer, composer, and performer. He has cultivated a vast sonic repertoire, producing and composing for artists spanning diverse disciplines. Collaborators include Flame Of The Forest, Kailin Yong and Vivien Yap. Most recently, he produced Astronauts’ single collaboration with Thai artist Lukpeach titled Peanut Butter Crackers and currently oversees the band’s live performances as their music director. Known as a violinist specialising in contemporary musical styles, Jeffrey has played for various international and local artists, including Courtney Conway (Australia), Jun Sung Ahn (Los Angeles), Flame Of The Forest (Singapore) and the Litmus Jazz Ensemble (Singapore).

8. Sabrina Tsou – Violoncello

Sabrina Tsou is an accomplished cellist with over 15 years of experience performing across Asia and North America. A graduate of the University of British Columbia, where she served as Principal Cello of the UBC Symphony Orchestra, Sabrina has played with prestigious orchestras like the Taipei Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Festival Orchestra in Singapore. Her versatility extends to pop concert tours with artists such as Jam Hsiao. As a passionate educator, Sabrina continues to inspire young musicians through her teaching at AIS School and privately. Recently, she was the cellist for the musical Miss Saigon.

9. Lalit Kumar Ganesh – Tabla

Lalit Kumar Ganesh is an accomplished tabla player, percussionist, and educator, blending traditional Indian classical rhythms with contemporary global influences. A Berklee College of Music graduate, he has performed at prestigious international festivals, including the Singapore Chinese Music Festival and the International CHIME Conference in Germany and Portugal. Lalit has collaborated with leading artists across genres, from Indian classical to Flamenco. As a dedicated teacher at the Temple of Fine Arts Singapore, he nurtures the next generation of musicians while continuing to push the boundaries of world music with innovative compositions and performances.

10. Trivandrum D. Rajagopal – Ganjira

Trivandrum D. Rajagopal is a renowned sixth-generation Mridangam virtuoso celebrated for his mastery of Indian percussion. He first trained under his father, B Doraiswamy, a Mridangam maestro. Then, with the legendary Thiruvananthapuram R. Vaidyanathan, Rajagopal accompanied top Indian classical musicians from India, Singapore, the Middle East, and Europe. With over 32 years of teaching experience in institutions such as the Temple of Fine Arts Singapore and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, he has nurtured numerous award-winning students. Recognized as an A-Grade Mridangist by All India Radio, Rajagopal was honoured with the prestigious Sangitha Kala Bhushna award in 2021 for his contributions to music.

11. Riduan Zalani – Malay Percussion

Riduan Zalani is an award-winning percussionist and cultural ambassador from Singapore, renowned for his dynamic performances and innovative fusion of traditional and contemporary rhythms. As a recipient of prestigious accolades such as the Young Artist Award, ASEAN Youth Award and Singapore Youth Award, Riduan has performed globally at events like the Montreux Jazz Festival and collaborated with leading artists. His passion for Southeast Asian ethnic drumming has led him to co-found NADI Singapura, a collective dedicated to preserving and evolving Malayan percussion. Riduan’s work continues to inspire through performances, education, and cross-cultural exchanges.

12. Julian Wong – Artistic Advisor

Julian is a composer, arranger and music director. Selected works include Don’t Call Him Mr. Mari Kita (2021-2024), Marina Bay Singapore Countdown (2014-2016), Goh Lay Kuan’s Returning (SIFA 2015), Mark Chan’s Flight of the Jade Bird (Hong Kong), Liao Zhai Rocks! (Shanghai) and Spotlight Singapore (Mexico City), as well as productions for Wild Rice, The Theatre Practice and Esplanade. Julian has conducted and arranged music for Joyful Strings, Metropolitan Festival Orchestra, Orchestra of the Music Makers, Bossa Celli, and many more. He is grateful to be a part of RaghaJazz’s 15th anniversary!

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