programme programme
Finlandia
Jean Sibelius
A Childhood Remembered
Rossano Galante
Themes from “The Planets”
Gustav Holst, arr. by Kenny Bierschenk
Gravitas
Soon Hee Newbold
Concerto for Four Violins in B minor, RV580 (First Movement) from L’estro Armonico, Op. 3 No. 10
Antonio Vivaldi
The Best of ABBA arr. by Ted Ricketts
Intermission (15mins)
We Won’t Stop Dreaming
Pinkzebra
Music from Glee
Adam Anders and Tim Davis
Moonlight in the City
Tan Kah Beng
Origins
Brian Balmages
Voyage
Bono Jakub Gajdek
The Greatest Showman
Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, arr. by Sean O’Loughlin
rincipal’s foreword rincipal’s foreword
echoes through time: A Refection Trough Sound
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to this year’s orchestral showcase, echoes through time: A Celebration. This annual performance is a much anticipated highlight in our school calendar, where we celebrate musical excellence and creative expression. Tonight, our talented musicians invite you on a reflective journey through sound, where each piece serves as an echo of emotion, memory, and imagination.
The theme echoes invites us to consider how music reverberates through time, how melodies from the past and present intertwine, and how personal and cultural memories can be stirred by a single phrase or motif. Whether drawing from centuries old classical traditions or modern popular arrangements, tonight’s programme ofers a rich tapestry of sound that connects generations and cultures.
Guided by the expert hand of Mr Lim Soon Lee, our musicians take us on a musical journey that echoes the grandeur and subtle beauty of human expression. From the stirring emotion of A Childhood Remembered to the grandeur of Finlandia, the ACS (International) Philharmonic Orchestra paints with a broad emotional brush, inviting listeners into moments of memory, wonder, and reflection. The evocative Origins and Gravitas lend a sense of mystery and introspection, while Themes from The Planets and Voyage lift us into realms of the cosmic and unknown.
Complementing the orchestral selections, the String Orchestra presents the timeless elegance of Vivaldi’s Concerto for Four Violins, alongside infectious energy from The Best of ABBA. The Wind Band brings a contemporary pulse with Music from Glee and Moonlight in the City, adding vibrant colour and familiar echoes of modern life to the evening. Adding to this dynamic mix, the Contemporary Singers will perform Pinkzebra’s We Won’t Stop Dreaming, a hopeful and uplifting anthem that celebrates ambition, unity, and the power of shared dreams.
This evening is not only a tribute to the extraordinary dedication of our student musicians, but also a celebration of many people who have supported them along the way. Behind every performance lies the guidance of devoted teachers, constant encouragement of families, and unwavering belief of a community that values the arts. Your presence tonight afrms the importance of that support. We thank you for joining us as we honour not only the talent and perseverance of our students, but also the unifying power of music to bring us together, inspire us, and create lasting memories.
Join us for echoes, where every note is a reflection of where we’ve come from, who we are, and what we dream to be.
p hilharmonic o rches t ra p hilharmonic o rches t ra
The ACS (International) Philharmonic Orchestra is all about connecting people through music. It started out as a small String Ensemble and has grown over the years into a full orchestra made up of strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Our main goals are to explore diferent cultures through music, improve our musicianship, and give young talents the chance to grow and shine in a supportive community.
The String Orchestra has come a long way since it began in 2009. With the guidance of our conductor Mr Lim Soon Lee, and support from our teachers Ms Carol Ling, Ms Jasmine Teo, and Ms Grace Lim, we have continued to challenge ourselves with more advanced pieces. Every rehearsal and performance helps us grow not just as musicians, but also as a team.
The Wind Band started of in 2014 as a small Flute Ensemble. Over time, more students joined with other instruments, and it soon became a full Wind Band. Led by dedicated teachers like Ms Lai Ming Yoke, Mr Jacob Henstridge, Mr Lim Tse Ren, Ms Samantha Chong, Mr Vincent Goh, and Mr Augustine Chong, the Wind Band has become an essential part of school life, performing regularly at events like Liberté (our Arts CCA Festival), National Day, and Open House.
Together, the String Orchestra and Wind Band form the ACS (International) Philharmonic Orchestra, a big, vibrant group that blends all our musical voices into one. One of the most exciting things we do is travel to European cities for our annual concert tours. We have performed in amazing places like France, Austria, Italy, and the Czech Republic, playing in historic concert halls and sharing our music with international audiences. These tours are more than just performances; they are a chance to experience new cultures, bond as an orchestra, and grow as global citizens.
Our recent concert at the Esplanade’s DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre was another highlight. With the stunning Marina Bay skyline behind us, we performed a mix of classical pieces and flm scores to celebrate our school’s 20th Anniversary. It was a proud moment for everyone.
At the end of the day, being part of this orchestra means more than just playing notes on a page. It is about discovering the world through music, building friendships, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
c on t emporary s ingers c on t emporary s ingers
Established in 2017, the Contemporary Singers is a vibrant student ensemble formed out of a shared passion for singing. More than just a performance group, the ensemble ofers students a space to connect, express themselves, and celebrate cultural diversity through music.
Over the years, the Contemporary Singers have taken part in numerous key events, including the A Cappella National Championship (School Division), ACS (International)’s production of The Trojan Women, Melody Fantasy with the ACS (International) Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Resonance concert in collaboration with the Philharmonic Orchestra. These platforms have allowed the ensemble to explore a broad range of musical styles, from musical theatre to contemporary pop and gospel-inspired works, encouraging students to engage with the cultural roots and emotional depth of diferent musical traditions.
Led by Ms Freda Lim, the group is especially known for their polished and heartfelt performances during school celebrations such as Founder’s Day. Each piece is carefully selected to highlight the singers’ individual vocal strengths and their ability to harmonise as a cohesive ensemble, while also promoting empathy, creativity, and intercultural understanding through music.
In every performance, the Contemporary Singers reflect the spirit of community, where voices come together to celebrate diversity and inspire connection across cultures.
m aes t ro l im s oon
l ee
ee m aes t ro l im s oon
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Under a Public Service Commission/Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) Scholarship, Soon Lee graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Music (Distinction) from the Eastman School of Music University of Rochester, New York. It was here where he studied the viola under Atar Arad and Francis Tursi and completed a two-year conducting course with David Efron and Donald Hunsberger. In the summers of 1984 and 1986, Soon Lee was Principal Violist at Germany’s Heidelberg Music Festival and was awarded another scholarship to study the viola under Kim Kashkashian at the Lausanne Academy of Music in Switzerland.
A prominent violist, he was Singapore’s sole representative in the World Philharmonic Orchestra in Montreal, Canada in 1988 and from 1987 to 1997, he also served as the Sub-Principal Violist of the SSO.
Also a profcient conductor, Soon Lee is associated with many orchestras worldwide. He has conducted the New World Symphony Orchestra in Miami, the Plyzen Radio Symphony Orchestra of the Czech Republic, the Bakersfeld Orchestra in California, and the KLPac Sinfonietta in Malaysia. Locally, he has directed the SSO on several occasions, including the 17th SEA Games at the National Stadium and the World Trade Organisation First Ministerial Conference at Sentosa.
In 1995, Soon Lee was awarded the Jean Frederic Perrenoud Prize with a Certifcate of Distinction in Orchestral Conducting at the 4th Vienna International Music Competition. He was also the fnalist for the Outstanding Young Persons of Singapore Award conferred by the Orchid Jayceettes of Singapore for his contributions to social development in Singapore.
From 1994 to 2023, Soon Lee was appointed Music Director/Resident Conductor of the NUS Concert Orchestra, whose aim was to provide undergraduates with access to development in the arts and aesthetics. He has also undertaken the role of music director of the Singapore National Youth Orchestra from 2005 to 2011. Later on from 2006 to 2013, Soon Lee was the Associate Principal of String Performances at the School of the Arts.
m s s aman t ha c hong m s s aman t ha c hong
Samantha Chong has been holding the appointment of Music Director of several school bands. Under her baton, the bands have received Gold Awards at the Singapore Youth Festival Central Judging. Awarded a scholarship by the Singapore Public Service Commission to the University of Northern Colorado, USA, Ms Chong has studied under renowned musicians such as Buddy Baker and Jack Robinson, as well as professors of conducting, Eugene Corporon and David Wallace. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree (Performance) and later earned a Master’s degree in Education (Music) from the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University.
Formerly a Trombonist with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, and former Principal Trombonist with the Singapore Festival Orchestra, Ms Chong continues to be active in the music scene and performs a range of music, including classical, music from musicals, jazz, gospel, and contemporary works with various groups. She is currently the Principal Trombonist of the Singapore Lyric Opera Orchestra and the Wind Stars Ensemble, as well as the band leader of WindWorkz: The Big Band.
A much sought-after music educator, she has groomed many lower brass players of the Singapore Youth Orchestra, the National University of Singapore Symphony Orchestra, and the Singapore Armed Forces Bands. She has also served as adjunct lecturer at Temasek Polytechnic, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, and the Singapore Rafles Music College.
In addition to all these, she presently serves as the Vice-President of the Trombone Society (Singapore). She is active as an executive committee member of the Band Directors’ Association (Singapore). She also conducts the Methodist Festival Orchestra and the John Wesley Choir of Wesley Methodist Church.
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s freda l im m s freda l im
Freda is an artistic director at The Voice Company - Singapore’s leading vocal school for the versatile singer. She is a certifed IVA instructor, and was previously the voice instructor for the Singapore Teachers’ Academy for the Arts (STAR) Music Teacher Practitioner Programme as well as the conductor of PLMGS (Primary) choir.
Her notable singing engagements include performing at the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s 75th Anniversary in Canada.
She was part of the backup ensemble for Josh Groban’s Bridges Tour in Singapore, as well as the Singapore cast of the Sound of Music. She was also a choir accompanist for 15 years to some of Singapore’s top children’s choirs and was engaged as a keyboardist for musicals including The LKY Musical and RENT. Freda serves at her home church, Grace Assembly of God as a music director and vocal trainer. She teaches the vocals stream at the Worship Symposium at the Methodist School of Music and conducts vocal training for worship leaders at many churches in Singapore.
bono jaku b g a j dek bono jaku b g a j dek
Budding Composer and Young Conductor
Bono Jakub Gajdek is a talented young musician whose work as a composer, clarinettist, and conductor inspires musicians and mentors alike. A skilled clarinettist, Bono has performed widely in solo and ensemble settings, known for his expressive tone and technical precision. In 2023, he was awarded Top in the World for International General Certifcate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Music, a distinguished achievement that recognises his exceptional musical ability and dedication.
Bono recently completed Voyage as a composer, an original orchestral work written specially for the ACS (International) Philharmonic Orchestra. The piece captures a musical journey of exploration and discovery, and he had the honour of conducting its premiere with the orchestra, an experience that reflects his compositional vision and leadership on stage.
Bono’s musicality and versatility as a performer continue to shape his musical voice. In 2024, he won the Barrett Music Competition and earned the title of Musician of the Year.
Bono is currently studying conducting under Mr Lim Soon Lee’s tutelage, further developing his interpretative insight and leadership. As an emerging conductor, he brings passion, clarity, and a strong collaborative spirit to every rehearsal and performance.
Although still in the early stages of his musical journey, Bono shows great promise and passion for his craft. He continues to explore and develop his artistry, with a commitment to excellence and a deep love for music.
Lim Kay An
Song Jiashan
Kaylee Victoria Ng
Park Yeji
Oboe
*Li Xiuyuan
Noh Haju
m usicians l is t m usicians l is t
Piano
Zhang Chengqi
Rian Umeno
Flute
Kim Biah
Dahee Chang
Kim Sunyoon
Clarinet
Bono Jakub Gajdek
Seo Yuna
Kim Yoohyun
Rion Inoue
Huang Xinyao
Kim Hayul
Alto Saxophone
Ornaiya Jongsitthisatjakul
Aahan Wakharkar
Kokone Horiuchi
Tenor Saxophone
Dawn Tan Yik Sim
Mai Fujii
Kim Seoha
Cho Inyoung
Bass Clarinet
Harshini Sivasubramanian
Baritone Saxophone
^Vincent Goh
French Horn
Chung Choi U
Yukiko Yamano
Yui Dekura
m usicians l is t m usicians l is t
Trumpet
Fan Yingjie
Park Joonseo
Sheryl Lau Sin Kiu
Isaac Tan
Jin Seojun
*Lim Jia Rong
Hannah Tan Hui En
Matthew Quek Kai An
Cho Ayoung
Gnanasihamani Christian
Nina Isakova
** Concertmaster
+ Associate Concertmaster
* Section Leader
^ Guest Musician
Trombone
*Josie Lau Sin Ching
Edward Koh Zhen Yi
Mai Fujii
^Samantha Chong
Ethan Ng Wui Gwun
Percussion Euphonium
Kim Geonwoo
Rory Noelle Petrus
Chung Hoyoung
s ingers s ingers
Soprano
Liang Tingyu
Limanto Eugene Keith
Cha Hannah
Tenor
Nursalim Alex
Wei Jihong
Huang Jia Cheng
^Augustine Chong
Xie Yunlou
Zhou Suxi
group pho t os group pho t os
a cknowledgemen t s a cknowledgemen t s
The ACS (International) Philharmonic Orchestra would like to extend its warmest gratitude and appreciation towards the following individuals and organisations:
Mr Gavin Kinch, Principal
Mrs Tan Siew Hoon, Dr Kristopher Achter, Mr Christopher Hayward and Mr Chia Choong Kiat, Senior Leadership Team
ACS (International) Board of Management
Mdm Chang Hung Tho, Head of Te Arts
Mr Lim Soon Lee, Maestro
Ms Samantha Chong, Conductor of Wind Band
Ms Freda Lim, Conductor of Contemporary Singers Ensemble
Our dedicated Sectional Teachers, Mr Vincent Goh, Mr Augustine Chong, Mr Lim Hao Wei, Ms Kim Kyuri, Ms Yeo Zeng Ying, Ms Linh Trin Ha and Ms Loh Hsiao Shan
Staf of ACS (International)
Ms Grace Lim Zining, Stage Manager
Ms Jessie Yeung, Co-Stage Manager
Mr Lingesh Segar and Mr Rajendran Elancheliyan, Videographers
Thaddeus Luke Shen, Stage Crew
Our Amazing Alumni Emcees, Ms Larissa Chan and Ms Summer Yew
ACS (International) Peer Leaders and Ms Kasturi Bai Ramanathan Pannir Selvam
Teacher-advisors team,
Ms Carol Ling, Ms Grace Lim, Ms Jasmine Teo, Ms Lai Ming Yoke, Mr Lim Tse Ren, Mr Jacob Henstridge, Ms Sabeena Sareena and Ms Jamuna Madhav
Parent School Partners, ACS (International)
Our families, friends, members of the audience, and all who have directly or indirectly helped to make this evening’s concert a reality
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!