Dr. Ling Hock Siang is an accomplished erhu performer with a doctoral degree in art studies. He is a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the 2004 Young Artist Award and the Singapore Youth Award (Culture and Arts Team Category, The Huqin Quartet). In 2021, he received the Commendation Award by Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) and was recognized for his outstanding contributions by the China Yangtze River Delta National Orchestra Performance.

Dr. Ling’s musical journey began when he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music in 1998. He continued his studies under the tutelage of Professor Wang Yongde, becoming the first Singaporean to achieve a Master’s degree in erhu performance in 2005. In 2012, he earned a doctoral degree in arts studies (theory) from Beijing Normal University, studying under Professor Zhang Xiaomei.

Dr. Ling joined the SCO in 1997 as an erhu player and is currently the Erhu Associate Principal. He has performed with the SCO in various European and Asian countries. He has also held several solo and group recitals, including “Hock Siang & Friends” and “Oriental Folk Music” with ex-SCO guan musician Han Lei. He has performed as a member of the SCO Silk String Quintet “5trings” and the Huqin Quartet.

Dr. Ling also holds several teaching positions, including Artistic instructor of the City Chinese Orchestra (CCO), Erhu Instructor of the Singapore Youth Chinese Orchestra (SYCO), and Adjunct Instrumental Teacher (Erhu Performance) of the School of the Arts (SOTA). He has been an adjudicator for the National Arts Council’s biennial National Music Competition since 2006.

Dr. Ling has represented Singapore at international conferences on the erhu and frequently participates in workshops and arts meets in Asia. His passion for music and the erhu has taken him to various parts of the world, sharing his knowledge and skills with others.