The warm, mellow, somewhat melancholic tones of the viola are known to invite quiet introspection. As Gu Bing Jie draws the bow across the strings of her instrument, the Fixed Chair Violist of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) cannot help but be transported to a more pensive state.
Zhang Manchin, Principal Violist
In these moments of self-reflection, Gu’s thoughts inevitably turn to her mentor Zhang Manchin and the profound bond they have forged over nearly two decades. Just as the viola’s timbre carries echoes of ancient lutes, their relationship resonates with the timeless traditions of artistic knowledge passed down through generations.
Hunan-born Zhang, 54, is the Principal Violist of the SSO and Head of Viola Studies at the Yong Siew Toh (YST) Conservatory of Music – roles she has played since moving to Singapore in 2005. Entering the Shanghai Conservatory of Music at the age of 10, the musical prodigy made her successful debut as a violist just two years later. She would go on to win prizes in international competitions and become the youngest member of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) in 1994.
Gu Bing Jie, Fixed Chair Violist
Zhang’s journey as a mentor was inspired by her own teacher in Shanghai, who motivated her to become both a better musician and person during her formative years. With a glittering career that balanced teaching and performing, she was driven to impart her vast knowledge to aspiring young musicians, becoming an inspiration herself.
Zhang and Gu, 37, first met at a masterclass in Shanghai in 2006, where the former was impressed by the latter’s openness and quick learning abilities. “I remember being struck by how she was very receptive to my feedback on her skills. She was a quick learner,” Zhang recalls. Recognising the then-high school student’s potential, Zhang encouraged Gu to apply to the YST, where their mentor-protégé relationship began.
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- NURTURING CONFIDENCE AND ARTISTRY
- A BOND BEYOND MUSIC
- PASSING THE TORCH
Nurturing Confidence and Artistry
As Gu’s teacher at YST, Zhang concentrated on shoring up her student’s confidence. “Bing Jie was a shy student in freshman year. As her teacher in YST, I focused on building her confidence, especially on stage,” Zhang explains. She encouraged Gu to participate in competitions and music festivals, often accompanying her and playing alongside her protégé.
A pivotal moment occurred at the YST Concerto Competition in 2009, where Gu transformed from a shy student into a strong, confident musician. During one of the last lessons before the competition, Gu was a bundle of nerves because they had a lot of ground to cover. “Manchin remained patient with me while pushing me beyond my limits to achieve greater heights. She deeply understood my progress, carefully giving me pointers in the finals. I am very grateful for her help,” she shares.
“It was a steep learning curve, but she took up the challenge, making me very proud of her,” Zhang says.
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“I try to give her much freedom to experiment and make her own artistic choices. I will provide her feedback and suggestions, but I will respect her choices.” – Zhang Manchin
Zhang's guidance shaped Gu's technical skills and artistic expression, helping her develop a deeper understanding of musical phrasing and dynamics. Her illustrious career as a soloist and orchestral musician, including her tenure with the DSO, informed her mentorship, inspiring Gu with real-life experiences of working with renowned conductors like Zubin Mehta and artists like Yo-Yo Ma.
“Manchin’s illustrious career as a solo and orchestra musician alone is enough to be an inspiration,” Gu affirms. “Hearing stories of her musical journey motivates me to strive for excellence in my own path.”
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- NURTURING CONFIDENCE AND ARTISTRY
- A BOND BEYOND MUSIC
- PASSING THE TORCH
A Bond Beyond Music
Over the past two decades, the mentor-mentee relationship between Zhang and Gu evolved into a familial bond. Zhang became a source of personal support, caring for Gu like a daughter during challenging times.
“Our relationship now goes beyond music, where we look after each other in our personal lives,” reflects Gu. “I had a surgery a few years back and she took care of me like I was her kin. I am fortunate to have Manchin in my life for the last 19 years.” Gu has since made a full recovery.
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“Her optimism and positive attitude to life and music continue to serve as valuable lessons to the way I attain my goals.” – Gu Bing Jie
Like a good mother, Zhang’s guidance instilled in Gu the values of humility, resilience, and maintaining strong professional relationships. “I believe she is talented enough to pursue her path on her own,” explains Zhang. “I try to give her much freedom to experiment and make her own artistic choices. I will provide her feedback and suggestions, but I will respect her choices.”
As for navigating the challenges and taking advantage of opportunities in the music industry, Zhang’s advice was to remain authentic, but also keep an open mind. “[She reminded me] to remain true to my musical voice while being open to new experiences and collaborations. There is no end to music excellence and she would encourage me to continue to explore new ways of music-making,” Gu shares.
- NURTURING CONFIDENCE AND ARTISTRY
- A BOND BEYOND MUSIC
- PASSING THE TORCH
Passing the Torch
As Gu’s career progressed, Zhang’s unwavering belief in her protégé's potential gave her the confidence to pursue ambitious projects and roles. A defining moment was when Gu auditioned for the Fixed Chair Violist position at the Singapore Symphony Orchestra in 2015.
“The audition carried more pressure [because I had to play] in front of all my fellow SSO colleagues and violists whom I've already known for so long. Manchin's unwavering faith in me was very encouraging and with her support, I passed the audition and earned the Fixed Chair title,” Gu recounts.
Looking ahead, Gu aspires to pay it forward and contribute to the musical community through teaching and collaboration, continuing to seek Zhang’s advice and feedback as she takes on new challenges.
“Her optimism and positive attitude to life and music continue to serve as valuable lessons to the way I attain my goals,” Gu says. “Of course, I would like to carry on making music with her, especially performing chamber music together. I look forward to many more years of musical adventures and spending time with her.”
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