Operation Zero

"Operation Zero" is inspired by two separate but similar issues happening in Southeast Asia in the 1960s. In Vietnam, the conflict between local communism and the American-supported legislation was escalating into a full scale war, while in the south, the recent merger of Singapore and Malaya resulted in a strained and uneasy relationship between both parties. This composition begins with a slow section that reflects on the purpose of conflict and whether it is necessary for violence to intervene as an effective way to diffuse tension. Very soon, a war siren wails, and a march-like theme marks the start of the battle in Vietnam, as well as reminds us of the racial riots of 1964 in Singapore, leading up to a huge number of civilian casualties. A quieter section follows, and the march-like theme is motivically transformed into another procession, this time in the quest for peace. Unfortunately, the inevitable is destined to happen, and the march returns, now with counterpoint in the woodwinds, complicating the situation to a climatic point, when the entire ensemble chops repeatedly at the final strands of the cause of conflict in the lower brass. After a reflective passage, the original slow section returns, this time leading to a conclusive, yet bittersweet ending. Operation Zero was commissioned by the Ang Mo Kio Secondary School Symphonic Band, and received its first performance under the baton of the composer at the Esplanade Concert Hall (Singapore) on 7/4/2008.