BRUCH VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 1
MAHLER SYMPHONY NO. 5
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KOZLOVSKY REQUIEM ASIAN PREMIERE
MOZART SYMPHONY NO. 25
SSO CHRIS TM AS F U N D R AI S I N G C O N C E R T A GIFT O F M U S I C Thu & Fri, 14 & 15 Dec 2023 Esplanade Concert Hall Singapore Symphony Orchestra Singapore Symphony Chorus Singapore Symphony Youth Choir Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir Rodolfo Barráez Associate Conductor Eudenice Palaruan Choral Director Wong Lai Foon Choirmaster
Vivace from A Christmas Carol Symphony
6 mins
by Patric Standford
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year*
3 mins
by Eddie Pola & George Wyle (arr. Mark Hayes)
Prelude from Hansel & Gretel
8 mins
by Engelbert Humperdinck
Shepherd’s Pipe Carol*
3 mins
by John Rutter
Waltz of the Snowflakes from The Nutcracker*
7 mins
by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
I Saw Three Ships*
3 mins
Traditional (arr. Mack Wilberg) Intermission
20 mins
Christmas on Broadway*
7 mins
by various composers (arr. John Higgins)
Wassail Dances
8 mins
by Phillip Lane
Calypso Carol*
4 mins
by Michael Perry (arr. Allen Pote, orch. Eudenice Palaruan)
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas*
4 mins
by Hugh Martin & Ralph Blane (arr. Mark Hayes)
A Christmas Carnival
12 mins
by Richard Bissill
Christmas Singalong*
9 mins
by John Finnegan Concert Duration: approximately 1 hr 50 mins (including 20 mins intermission)
*with choir
CHECK-IN TO TONIGHT'S CONCERT Scan this QR code with the Singapore Symphony Mobile App.
For the enjoyment of all patrons during the concert: • Please switch off or silence all electronic devices. • Please minimise noises during performance. If unavoidable, wait for a loud section in the music. • No photography, video or audio recording is allowed when artists are performing. • Non-flash photography is allowed only during bows and applause when no performance is taking place. Go green. Digital programme books are available on www.sso.org.sg. Photographs and videos will be taken at these events, in which you may appear. These may be published on the SSO’s publicity channels and materials. By attending the event, you consent to the use of these photographs and videos for the foregoing purposes.
SING APOR E SYM PH ONY O RCH ES T RA
Since its founding in 1979, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) has been Singapore’s flagship orchestra, touching lives through classical music and providing the heartbeat of the cultural scene with its 44-week calendar of events. In addition to its subscription series concerts, the orchestra is well-loved for its outdoor and community appearances, and its significant role educating the young people of Singapore through its school programmes. The SSO has also earned an international reputation for its orchestral virtuosity, having garnered sterling reviews for its overseas tours and many successful recordings. In 2021, the SSO clinched third place in the prestigious Orchestra of the Year Award by Gramophone. In 2022, BBC Music Magazine named the SSO as one of the 21 best orchestras in the world. In July 2022, the SSO appointed renowned Austrian conductor Hans Graf as its Music Director, the third in the orchestra’s history after Lan Shui (1997– 2019) and Choo Hoey (1979–1996). Prior to this, Hans Graf served as Chief Conductor from 2020. The orchestra performs over 60 concerts a year, and its versatile repertoire spans all-time favourites and orchestral masterpieces to exciting cutting-edge premieres. Bridging the musical traditions of East and West, Singaporean and Asian musicians and composers are regularly showcased in the concert season. The SSO makes its performing home at the 1,800-seat state-of-theart Esplanade Concert Hall. More intimate works, as well as outreach and community performances take place at the 673-seat Victoria Concert Hall, the Home of the SSO. Beyond Singapore, the SSO has performed in Europe, Asia and the United States. In May 2016 the SSO was invited to perform at the Dresden Music Festival and the Prague Spring International Music Festival. This successful fivecity tour of Germany and Prague also included the SSO’s second performance at the Berlin Philharmonie. In 2014, the SSO’s debut at the 120th BBC Proms in London received praise in major UK newspapers The Guardian and The Telegraph. The SSO has also performed in China on multiple occasions. The SSO has released more than 50 recordings, with over 30 on the BIS label. Recent critically acclaimed albums include Herrmann’s Wuthering Heights (Chandos) and Scriabin - Poems of Ecstasy and Fire (BIS). Following the Four Seasons album on Pentatone, a complete Mozart Violin Concerto cycle with Chloe Chua and Hans Graf will be released in 2024. The SSO also leads the revival and recording of significant works such as Kozłowski’s Requiem, Ogerman’s Symbiosis (after Bill Evans) and violin concertos by Robert Russell Bennett and Vernon Duke. 4
The SSO has collaborated with such great artists as Vladimir Ashkenazy, Gustavo Dudamel, Charles Dutoit, Joe Hisaishi, Neeme Järvi, Okko Kamu, Hannu Lintu, Andrew Litton, Lorin Maazel, Martha Argerich, Ray Chen, Diana Damrau, Stephen Hough, Janine Jansen, Leonidas Kavakos, Lang Lang, Yo-Yo Ma, Gil Shaham and Krystian Zimerman. The SSO is part of the Singapore Symphony Group, which also manages the Singapore Symphony Choruses, and the Singapore National Youth Orchestra, as well as the VCHpresents chamber music series, the Singapore International Piano Festival and the biennial National Piano & Violin Competition.
Our Story
Singapore Symphony Orchestra The Group’s vision is to be a leading arts organization that engages, inspires and reflects Singapore through musical excellence. Our mission is to create memorable shared experiences with music. Through the SSO and its affiliated performing groups, we spread the love for music, nurture talent and enrich our diverse communities. 5
SSO PRESIDENT’S YOUNG PERFORMERS 2024 CONCERT OPEN FOR AUDITIONS
Auditions will be held for shortlisted Singaporean instrumentalists performing concertos written for their instrument and Singaporean vocalists performing any vocal work with orchestra.
2023 soloist Hao Jia piano Rodolfo Barráez Associate Conductor
ELIGIBILITY Applicants should be Singapore citizens. Applicants should be no more than 25 years of age, as of 1 July 2024. APPLICATION DEADLINE Applicants are invited to submit their online application by 31 December 2023, with the following items: 1. Biography including their date of birth, musical background and contact information 2. A high-quality video featuring a recent performance of a complete concerto with either piano or orchestra accompaniment, with composer name, duration of each movement and edition (if applicable) of the work clearly labelled. For application enquiries, please contact: pypc@sso.org.sg
SCAN TO APPLY APPLICATION DEADLINE 31 December 2023
S S O CH RI S T M AS FU NDR AISING C ONC ER T | 14 & 15 DE C 2023
R O D OL F O B ARRÁE Z Associate Conductor
In 2023, Rodolfo was awarded first prize at the Hong Kong International Conducting Competition. He also won first prize at the 2018 Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México International Conducting Competition (OFUNAM), and second prize at the 2020 Siemens-Hallé International Conductor Competition in Manchester.
© PEDRO SIERRA
A natural communicator with infectious charisma, Berlin-based Venezuelan conductor Rodolfo Barráez brings remarkable vivacity, sensitivity, and zeal to his artistry. The 2023/24 season sees him join the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra as Assistant Conductor, his appointment of Associate Conductor of the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, as well as begin his second season as Associate Conductor of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Rodolfo is also Conductor-in-Residence at the Paris Opera.
Orchestra at the Verbier Festival 2022. Future highlights include performances with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, RTVE Symphony Orchestra, Gävle Symphony Orchestra, Simón Bolívar Symphony, among others.
He completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s conducting studies at Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin, and previously his Bachelor’s at the National Experimental University of the Arts in Venezuela. In 2022, he was selected as Conducting Fellow at the Verbier Festival.
Strongly influenced by his own remarkable education as part of El Sistema under the guidance of José Antonio Abreu and Teresa Hernández, Rodolfo is committed to contributing to music education. In 2019, Rodolfo founded the Falcón Conducting Workshop; an organization that nurtures and supports the development of emerging conductors through masterclasses and workshops in his hometown as well as worldwide at renowned institutions.
Rodolfo made his debut with Los Angeles Philharmonic in early 2023 at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. He joined the Münchener Kammerorchester on their tour of South America as well as the Appassionato 7
© MICHELLE TNG YING
SSO C H R ISTM AS FU NDR AISING C ONC ER T | 14 & 1 5 D E C 2 0 2 3
EU D E N I CE PAL A R UAN Choral Director Eudenice Palaruan studied at the University of the Philippines College of Music, majoring in composition and choral conducting. He took further training in choral conducting at the Berliner Kirchenmusikschule, Germany. He graduated doctor of musical arts at St. Paul University Manila.
In addition, he was the principal conductor of the San Miguel Master Chorale. For years, he has been the resident conductor of the International Bamboo Organ Festival, where he performed and recorded significant selections of Latin-American baroque music. With his active involvement in the choralization of Philippine and other Asian indigenous music, he premiered a substantial volume of new Asian choral works. In addition, he was often invited to give lectures on non-Western vocal aesthetics. Eudenice also arranges for the SSO choruses and the SSC community outreach programmes. In addition, the SSO choruses have premiered new choral works written by local composers and arrangers in Singapore under his direction. He taught composition and choral conducting in institutions such as the University of the Philippines College of Music, the Asian Institute for Liturgy and Music, and St. Paul University College of Music and the Performing Arts. In addition, he teaches at the Singapore Bible College School of Church Music and directs the SBC Chorale. Eudenice is often invited to adjudicate in international composition competitions and give masterclasses in choral conducting.
He was a singer, resident composer/ arranger, and assistant choirmaster of the Philippine Madrigal Singers. In addition, he performed with the Berlin Spandauer Kantorei, the World Youth Choir, and sang countertenor with the Berlin Monteverdichor. 8
S S O CH RI S T M AS FU NDR AISING C ONC ER T | 14 & 15 DE C 2023
Wong Lai Foon has been a driving force behind the development and growth of the Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir (SSCC) since its inception in 2006. Appointed Choirmaster in 2015 and armed with a mission to nurture young voices and inspire choral excellence, she led in the expansion of the SSCC’s training programme to include six preparatory ensembles, as well as the formation of the Singapore Symphony Youth Choir in 2016.
© MICHELLE TNG YING
W O N G L AI F O O N Choirmaster
With repertoire ranging from Baroque to opera to contemporary and popular music, she has directed the SSCC and SSYC in a wide array of concerts, often receiving praise for the choirs’ beautiful tone and sensitivity. She has prepared the choirs in collaborations with renowned conductors and performers such as Stephen Layton, The King’s Singers, and Sofi Jeanin and la Maîtrise de Radio France. The SSCC has also had the distinction of being invited to perform at state functions.
workshops, talks, as well as adjudicator, chorus-master and guest-conductor roles. Some ensembles that she has worked with include The Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Singapore Symphony Chorus, Singapore Lyric Opera, Hallelujah Singers, and Methodist Festival Choir. She holds a master’s degree in choral conducting from Westminster Choir College, USA.
Wong has commissioned and premiered treble choir works by local composers and has also arranged for the SSCC and SSYC. Her efforts to educate and inspire singers extend into the community through 9
SSO C H R ISTM AS FU NDR AISING C ONC ER T | 14 & 1 5 D E C 2 0 2 3
© MICHELLE TNG YING
S IN G APO RE SY MPHONY C HOR US Celebrating Choral Excellence For over four decades, the Singapore Symphony Chorus (SSC) has been bringing together passionate and talented choristers from all walks of life to celebrate the best of symphonic music-making, and to create music that moves, transcending language and culture. More than just a choir, the SSC is a warm and vibrant community for lifelong social connections beyond the stage. Seasoned performers at the Victoria Concert Hall and the Esplanade, the chorus’s committed group of singers come together week after week to hone their artistry and volunteer their time to deliver some of the most challenging choral classics to the highest standards. Led by world-class conductors including Okko Kamu, Lan Shui, Lim Yau, Masaaki Suzuki and Sofi Jeannin, the chorus has amassed an impressive repertoire such as Tippett’s A Child of Our Time, Arvo Pärt’s Te Deum, Britten’s War Requiem, and Bach’s St John Passion, amongst others, since its founding in 1980. With their dedication towards presenting outstanding performances, the SSC is the pinnacle of choral excellence in Singapore and a testament to the power of music and how it connects people across cultures and generations. Eudenice Palaruan Choral Director Shane Thio rehearsal pianist 10
S I N GAPO RE SY M PHONY YOUTH C HOIR Inspiring Choral Passion Energetic and full of dynamism, the Singapore Symphony Youth Choir (SSYC)’s choristers embody a zeal for artistic growth that inspires and pushes boundaries. Comprised of a myriad of vibrant personalities aged between 17 and 28, the cool collective welcomes like-minded singers to share their journey of youthful passion for symphonic choral music-making, alongside the national orchestra! Performing regularly at the Victoria Concert Hall and the Esplanade, the SSYC is a group of dedicated singers who enjoy coming together to explore some of the most challenging and beloved choral works across styles and genres. Since 2016, SSYC has had the privilege of performing under the baton of renowned conductors such as Lan Shui, Hans Graf, and Stephen Layton. Their repertoire boasts of musical highlights including Scriabin’s Prometheus, Puccini’s La Bohème, Tallis’s Why Fumeth in Fight, Faure’s Requiem and recordings of Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances and Mahler’s Symphony No. 2. With the unique opportunity to learn from world renowned musicians and be part of a community that inspires passion, all while creating a professional sound, SSYC is a social journey to reimagine classical music and choral excellence. Wong Lai Foon Choirmaster Evelyn Handrisanto rehearsal pianist 11
S S O CH RI S T M AS FU NDR AISING C ONC ER T | 14 & 15 DE C 2023
© MICHELLE TNG YING
SSO C H R ISTM AS FU NDR AISING C ONC ER T | 14 & 1 5 D E C 2 0 2 3
© MICHELLE TNG YING
S IN G APO RE SY MPHONY C HIL DR E N’S C HOIR Nurturing Choral Brilliance Established in 2006, the Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir (SSCC) is an exciting and unique opportunity for young singers to work alongside the national orchestra and world-class conductors! Based at the Victoria Concert Hall, Singapore’s leading children’s choir is dedicated to a holistic training approach that nurtures well-rounded artistic growth, cultivates discipline and confidence, and inspires a lifelong love for music and the arts. More than a choir, the SSCC is a life journey of learning, growth, lasting friendships, and music-making at its best. SSCC has performed great choral masterpieces under the baton of distinguished conductors such as Lim Yau, Sofi Jeannin and François-Xavier Roth, and even shared the stage with critically acclaimed vocal group, The King’s Singers. Most recently, the choir, together with the Singapore Symphony Youth Choir, premiered a treble arrangement of Faure’s Requiem under the direction of world-renowned choral conductor Stephen Layton. The SSCC’s commitment to musical excellence has enriched generations of singers and audiences, laying the foundation for choral patronage in the local music scene. Along with their fellow choruses, the SSCC is a key player in inspiring young musicians as well as shaping the future of choral music in Singapore and beyond. Wong Lai Foon Choirmaster Dale Huang rehearsal pianist 12
SINGAPORE SYMPHONY CHORUSES Delivering choral excellence since 1980 A premier body for classical choral singing, the Singapore Symphony Choruses comprise the Singapore Symphony Chorus, Singapore Symphony Youth Choir and Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir. Drawing membership from diverse ages, nationalities and walks of life, our Choruses embody a comprehensive singing ecosystem that nurtures the brilliance of our brightest young talents, inspires youthful passion for the art and celebrates the best of choral excellence! Scan the QR code and visit our website for more details on audition and training opportunities.
@ sgsymphonychorus @ sgsymphonyyouthchoir @ sgsymphonychildrenschoir
Scan for more information Or visit our website at sso.org.sg/choruses
THE CH O RU S ES
The Choruses S I N G A P O R E S Y M P H O N Y C H O RU S SOPRANO
ALTO
TENOR
BASS
Karen Aw Josephine Budiana Claire Byrne Janice Chee Alexis Chen Grace Goh Selina Kwek Sarah Santhana Ellissa Sayampanathan* Nelia Soelistia Stacey Wang Espera Sarah Tang Patricia Teng Gladys Torrado Wang Yu-Ann Yeo Mui
Grace Angel Chan Mei Yoke Joy Chen Chng Xin Bei Marie Amelie McKeand Kelly Cooke Friederike Herrmann Truly Hutapea Susan Kurniawati Dorothy Lee-Teh Wendy Lim Lin Wei Sharon Low Shoumin Low Daisy Natalia Natividad Solaguren Wang Jiunwen
Jean-Michel Bardin Jesse Cai Jeroven Marquez David Maund Ronald Ooi Samuel Pazicky Rac Roldan Ian Tan Ben Wong
Paul Ellison Andy Jatmiko Vladas Reikalas Jared Robertson Wong Hin Yan
S I N G A P O R E S Y M P H O N Y YO U T H C H O I R SOPRANO
ALTO
TENOR
BASS
Laura Lee Janice Lim Giselle Lim Lu Huaiyao Desiree Seng Carine Tan Raeanne Wong
Mashie Vanessa Agung Elizabeth Goh Trinetra Kumarasan Ong Sherlyn Violet Ong Tan Yulin Tan Yuqing Elizabeth Yeo Zhang Jingqi
Andre Ang Cris Bautro Alfonso Cortez Amos Pan
Leonard Buescher Chai Chang Kai Loy Sheng Rui Dominic Tang Tan Hee Wong Zhen Wei
*Choral Fellow 14
The Choruses S I N G A P O R E S Y M P H O N Y C H I L D R E N ’S C H O I R Miya Ang Riyan Ballesteros-Pattanayak Lisa Chang Elizabeth Chern Halyn Cho Hailey Chua Deng Handing Dylan Francis Fu Yuqi Colleen Fung Megan Fung Naomi Heng Charlotte Ho Abigail Ho Rachael Jong Marian Koh Emma Lee-Goh Melina Leong
Eyzen Lim Megan Montefrio Ng Yi Poh Sophie Ong Jing Fei Pang Suri Rao Nadia Sri Kanda Angeline Sun Emily Tan Tan Caewyn Ilysa Tan Shania Tay Germaine Teo Matthew Wong Stanley Yuan Zhang Yixuan Chloe Zhou
TH E C HO RU S ES
15
An Iconic Destination. A Legendary Welcome.
1 BEACH ROAD, SINGAPORE 189673 RAFFLESSINGAPORE.COM
TH E O RCH ES T RA
The Orchestra
SEC O N D V IOL IN Tseng Chieh-An Principal Michael Loh Associate Principal Nikolai Koval* Sayuri Kuru Hai-Won Kwok Chikako Sasaki* Margit Saur Shao Tao Tao Wu Man Yun* Xu Jueyi* Yeo Teow Meng Yin Shu Zhan* Zhao Tian
HANS GRAF Music Director RODOLFO BARRÁEZ Associate Conductor CHOO HOEY Conductor Emeritus LAN SHUI Conductor Laureate
VIO L A
EUDENICE PALARUAN Choral Director
Manchin Zhang Principal Guan Qi Associate Principal Gu Bing Jie* Fixed Chair Marietta Ku Luo Biao Julia Park Shui Bing Janice Tsai Dandan Wang Yang Shi Li
WONG LAI FOON Choirmaster FIRS T VI OL I N (Position vacant) Concertmaster, GK Goh Chair Kong Zhao Hui1 Associate Concertmaster Chan Yoong-Han2 Fixed Chair Cao Can* Chen Da Wei Duan Yu Ling Foo Say Ming Jin Li Kong Xianlong Cindy Lee Karen Tan William Tan Wei Zhe Ye Lin* Zhang Si Jing
C EL L O Ng Pei-Sian Principal, The HEAD Foundation Chair Yu Jing Associate Principal Guo Hao Fixed Chair Chan Wei Shing Christopher Mui Jamshid Saydikarimov Song Woon Teng Wang Yan Wu Dai Dai Zhao Yu Er D O U B LE BAS S Yang Zheng Yi Associate Principal Karen Yeo Fixed Chair Olga Alexandrova Jacek Mirucki Guennadi Mouzyka Wang Xu 18
FLUTE
H O RN
Jin Ta Principal, Stephen Riady Chair Evgueni Brokmiller Associate Principal Roberto Alvarez Miao Shanshan
Austin Larson Principal Gao Jian Associate Principal Jamie Hersch Associate Principal Marc-Antoine Robillard Associate Principal Bryan Chong^ Hoang Van Hoc
PICCOLO Roberto Alvarez Assistant Principal
TR U M P ET Jon Paul Dante Principal David Smith Associate Principal Lau Wen Rong Nuttakamon Supattranont
OBOE Rachel Walker Principal Pan Yun Associate Principal Carolyn Hollier Elaine Yeo
TR O M B O N E Allen Meek Principal Damian Patti Associate Principal Samuel Armstrong
COR ANGL AI S Elaine Yeo Associate Principal CLARINET
B A SS T R O MBONE
Ma Yue Principal Li Xin Associate Principal Liu Yoko Tang Xiao Ping
Wang Wei Assistant Principal TU B A Tomoki Natsume Principal
BAS S CL AR I NE T Tang Xiao Ping Assistant Principal
TIM P A N I
BAS S OON
Christian Schiøler Principal Mario Choo
Marcelo Padilla^ Principal Liu Chang Associate Principal Christoph Wichert Zhao Ying Xue
P ER CU SSIO N Jonathan Fox Principal Mark Suter Associate Principal Mario Choo Lim Meng Keh
CONTRAB AS S OON Zhao Ying Xue Assistant Principal
H A RP Gulnara Mashurova Principal
19
T H E O RC HE ST RA
* With deep appreciation to the Rin Collection for their generous loan of string instruments. ^ Musician on temporary contract 1 Kong Zhao Hui performs on a J.B. Guadagnini of Milan, c. 1750, donated by the National Arts Council, Singapore, with the support of Far East Organization and Lee Foundation. 2 Chan Yoong-Han performs on a David Tecchler, Fecit Roma An. D. 1700, courtesy of Mr G K Goh. Musicians listed alphabetically by family name rotate their seats on a per programme basis.
G U EST MU S I CI A N S
Guest Musicians SSO CHRIS TMA S FUN DRA I S I NG CONCE RT | 1 4 & 1 5 DEC 2023
FIRST VIOLIN Lim Shue Churn Martin Peh Helena Dawn Yah VIOLA Erlene Koh Yeo Jan Wea CELLO Lin Juan Wang Zihao DOUBLE BASS Chia Ying Yin Julian Li Tan Sipei CLARINET Jeremy Chua HORN Linnet Sim TROMBONE Hu Shaozhen PERCUSSION Thaddeus Chung Lee Yu Ru ALTO SAXOPHONE Samuel Phua TENOR SAXOPHONE Justin Ng CELESTA/PIANO Shane Thio
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SSO C H R ISTM AS FU NDR AISING C ONC ER T | 14 & 1 5 D E C 2 0 2 3
Vivace from A Christmas Carol Symphony by PATRIC STANDFORD (1939–2014) of carols” (Yorkshire Post) — doubtless his children would have been doing the same!
English composer Patric Standford wrote A Christmas Carol Symphony in 1978, a mélange utilising bits of various Christmas carols in order to show his children how a symphony worked. The use of carols familiar to British audiences made it easier for his audiences to pick out the melodies and see how these are developed creatively. See how many separate carol melodies you can spot in this “masterly blending of a galaxy
Instrumentation 2 flutes (1 doubling on piccolo), 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, bass trombone, timpani, triangle, cymbals, tam-tam, suspended cymbal, glockenspiel, chimes, harp, strings
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by EDDIE POLA (1907–1995) & GEORGE WYLE (1916–2003) arr. Mark Hayes It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year was written in 1963 by Edward Pola and George Wyle, and recorded and released by Andy Williams for his Christmas album that year. It has remained among the most popular Christmas pop songs ever since. Mark Hayes’s arrangement remains faithful to the spirit of the original while adding distinctively new elements such as lush harmonies, countermelodies, vocal jazz style and merry la-la-la passages. The classic is given additional layers of divisi, antiphonal melodies traded between the lower and upper voices, and sparkling orchestration.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year With the kids jingle belling And everyone telling you “be of good cheer” It’s the most wonderful time of the year It’s the hap-happiest season of all With those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings When friends come to call It’s the hap-happiest season of all There’ll be parties for hosting Marshmallows for toasting And caroling out in the snow There’ll be scary ghost stories And tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago
Instrumentation 2 flutes (1 doubling on piccolo), oboe, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, bassoon, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, 2 tenor trombones, timpani, drums, triangle, chimes, cymbals, suspended cymbal, sleighbells, glockenspiel, harp, piano, strings
It’s the most wonderful time of the year There’ll be much mistltoeing And hearts will be glowing When loved ones are near It’s the most wonderful time of the year 22
Hansel & Gretel puppet show at her home. These songs became the basis of the opera, which was conducted at its 1893 Weimar premiere by Richard Strauss and 1894 Hamburg premiere by Gustav Mahler. It has since become a seasonal favourite.
Practically every hotel has a gingerbread house display during the holiday season, and the fairy-tale opera Hansel & Gretel was written to be performed shortly before Christmas in 1893. The German composer Engelbert Humperdinck is primarily remembered today for this opera, but in his time he was assistant to Richard Wagner, and was thought of highly enough to be music tutor to Wagner’s son. In 1890, Humperdinck’s sister asked him to write music for four songs based on the fairy tale for her children, to be performed during a
Instrumentation 2 flutes, piccolo, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, triangle, tambourine, cymbals, strings
Shepherd’s Pipe Carol by JOHN RUTTER (b. 1945)
Going through the hills on a night all starry On the way to Bethlehem, Far away I heard a shepherd boy piping On the way to Bethlehem.
Shepherd’s Pipe Carol was written by English composer John Rutter as an undergraduate at Clare College, Cambridge, first performed by the college’s choir at a Christmas concert in 1966, and was to be his first published work. Appropriately for the title, the work features particularly lively parts for woodwind. The work tells of a shepherd boy playing his pipe on the way to Bethlehem and looking forward to playing for the Christ child when he reaches the manger after following the Star of Bethlehem.
Angels in the sky brought this message nigh: “Dance and sing for joy that Christ the newborn King is come to bring us peace on earth and he’s lying cradled there at Bethlehem.” “Tell me, shepherd boy piping tunes so merrily On the way to Bethlehem, Who will hear your tunes on these hills so lonely On the way to Bethlehem?”
Instrumentation flute (doubling piccolo), oboe, bassoon, 2 horns, harp, strings
Angels in the sky brought this message nigh: “Dance and sing for joy that Christ the newborn King is come to bring us 23
S S O CH RI S T M AS FU NDR AISING C ONC ER T | 14 & 15 DE C 2023
Prelude from Hansel & Gretel by ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK (1854–1921)
SSO C H R ISTM AS FU NDR AISING C ONC ER T | 14 & 1 5 D E C 2 0 2 3
Angels in the sky brought this message nigh: “Dance and sing for joy that Christ the newborn King is come to bring us peace on earth and he’s lying cradled there at Bethlehem.”
peace on earth and he’s lying cradled there at Bethlehem.” “None may hear my pipes on these hills so lonely On the way to Bethlehem; But a King will hear me play sweet lullabies When I get to Bethlehem.”
“May I come with you, shepherd boy piping merrily, Come with you to Bethlehem? Pay my homage too at the new King’s cradle, Is it far to Bethlehem?”
Angels in the sky came down from on high, Hovered o’er the manger where the babe was lying Cradled in the arms of his mother Mary, Sleeping now at Bethlehem.
Angels in the sky brought this message nigh: “Dance and sing for joy that Christ the infant King is born this night in lowly stable yonder, Born for you at Bethlehem.”
“Where is this new King, shepherd boy piping merrily, Is he there at Bethlehem?” I will find him soon by the star shining brightly In the sky o’er Bethlehem.”
Waltz of the Snowflakes from The Nutcracker by PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY (1840–1893) A work much associated with Christmas is Tchaikovsky’s music for The Nutcracker ballet. Set on Christmas Eve, at the foot of a Christmas tree in a child’s imagination, it was first performed shortly before Christmas in 1892 in St Petersburg. The Waltz of the Snowflakes occurs at the end of Act 1, after Clara is led by the Nutcracker Soldier (now transformed into a handsome prince) into a magical pine forest where the snowflakes dance to welcome them. The glissando effects on the harp effectively evoke snowflakes shimmering in the frosty moonlight.
Instrumentation 2 flutes, piccolo, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, bass clarinet, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, cymbals, triangle, harp, celesta, strings 24
I Saw Three Ships is an old English Christmas carol and the earliest printed version dates back at least to the 17th century. The meaning of the three ships referenced in the carol has been lost to time, and Bethlehem is a landlocked town far from any body of water, but scholars conjecture that they may refer to the three ships that bore the relics of the Biblical Magi (the Three Kings) to Cologne Cathedral in the 12th century. Alternatively, they may
refer to the camels (“ships of the desert”) used by the Magi as they rode to Bethlehem to see the Christ child. Mack Wilberg’s arrangement pairs the jaunty melody with a creative orchestration, producing a whimsical result.
I saw three ships come sailing in On Christmas day, on Christmas day; I saw three ships come sailing in On Christmas day in the morning.
And all the bells on earth shall ring, On Christmas day, on Christmas day; And all the bells on earth shall ring, On Christmas day in the morning.
And what was in those ships all three? On Christmas day, on Christmas day; And what was in those ships all three? On Christmas day in the morning.
And all the angels in Heav’n shall sing, On Christmas day, on Christmas day; And all the angels in Heav’n shall sing, On Christmas day in the morning.
Our Saviour Christ and His lady, On Christmas day, on Christmas day; Our Saviour Christ and His lady, On Christmas day in the morning.
And all the souls on Earth shall sing, On Christmas day, on Christmas day; And all the souls on Earth shall sing, On Christmas day in the morning.
Pray whither sailed those ships all three? On Christmas day, on Christmas day; Pray whither sailed those ships all three? On Christmas day in the morning.
Then let us all rejoice amain, On Christmas day, on Christmas day; Then let us all rejoice amain, On Christmas day in the morning.
O they sailed into Bethlehem, On Christmas day, on Christmas day; O they sailed into Bethlehem, On Christmas day in the morning.
On Christmas day!
Instrumentation 2 flutes, oboe, 2 clarinets, bassoon, 2 horns, harp, strings
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I Saw Three Ships Traditional (arr. Mack Wilberg)
SSO C H R ISTM AS FU NDR AISING C ONC ER T | 14 & 1 5 D E C 2 0 2 3
Christmas On Broadway by various composers (arr. John Higgins) Scored for choir, and orchestra, the sparkling Christmas on Broadway medley by American composer John Higgins includes such classic Christmassy songs as God Bless Us Everyone, It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas, March of the Toys, My Favourite Things, Pine Cones and Holly Berries, Toyland, and We Need a Little Christmas. Higgins’s work includes arrangements and productions of such Broadway classics as Annie, Guys and Dolls, Fiddler on the Roof, The King and I, and others. The schmaltzy brassy instrumentation
and the colourful range of percussion used give the unmistakable feel of a stage musical from the classic age of Broadway — guaranteed to lift up your spirits. Instrumentation flute, piccolo, oboe, 3 clarinets, bass clarinet, bassoon, 2 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, drums, sleigh bells, suspended cymbal, sandpaper blocks, wood blocks, mark tree, cymbals, temple blocks, shaker, chimes, glockenspiel, xylophone, vibraphone, strings
Toyland, Toyland, Little girl and boy land. While you dwell within it, You are ever happy then. Childhood’s joyland, It’s a mystical merry joyland. Once you pass its borders, You can never return again.
It’s time for the show, So light up the tree, And cue the snow! It’s Christmas time on old Broadway. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, Everywhere you go. There’s a tree in the Grand Hotel, One in the park as well, The sturdy kind that doesn’t mind the snow. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, Soon the bells will start. And the thing that will make them ring Is the carol that you sing right within your heart.
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens, Brown paper packages tied up with string, There are a few of my favourite things. Cream coloured ponies and crisp apple strudels, Door bells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles, Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings, These are a few of my favourite things. Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes, Snowflakes that stay on my
Pinecones and holly berries, Popcorn for you, apples for me. Red stripped candy, nutcracker handy, Kettle a bubblin’ holiday tea. Snow clouds hang low and threat’nin Maybe it won’t, prayin’ it may. The brightest fireplace glows in every face, Waiting for Christmas day. 26
In your heart there’s a light As bright as a star in heaven. Let it shine through the night And God bless us, everyone. Till each child is fed, Till all men are free, Till the world becomes a family. Star by star up above, And kindness by human kindness, Light this world with your love, And God bless us everyone.
Haul out the holly, Put up the tree Before my spirit falls again. Fill up the stocking I may be rushing things, But deck the halls again now. For we need a little Christmas, Right this very minute, Candles in the window, Carols at the spinet. Yes, we need a little Christmas, Right this very minute. It hasn’t snowed a single flurry, But Santa dear we’re in a hurry. So climb down the chimney, Turn on the brightest string of lights I’ve ever seen. Slice up the fruit cake, It’s time we hung some tinsel On the evergreen bough. For we need a little music, Need a little laughter, Need a little singing ringing through the rafter. And we need a little snappy “happy ever after,” Need a little Christmas now!
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nose and eyelashes, Silver white winters that melt into spring, There are a few of my favourite things. When the dog bites, When the bee stings, When I’m feeling sad, I simply remember my favourite things, And then I don’t feel so bad.
SSO C H R ISTM AS FU NDR AISING C ONC ER T | 14 & 1 5 D E C 2 0 2 3
Wassail Dances by PHILIP LANE (b. 1950) A traditional British Christmastide drink is wassail, which is hot sweetened wine, cider, or ale, simmered with orange and lemon slices, and spices including cinnamon, anise, cloves, and nutmeg. This is an integral part of wassailing, where bands of well-wishers go from door to door singing traditional songs and drink from each household’s wassail bowl in exchange for gifts. Wassailing is the precursor to the doorto-door carolling and still happens in some parts of the British Isles. In his Wassail Dances, English composer Philip Lane incorporates these traditional wassailing
songs from various regions into his three movements: The opening Vivace uses songs from Somerset, Andantino from Yorkshire, and the finale hails from Gloucestershire.
Instrumentation 2 flutes (both doubling on piccolos), 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 3 horns, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, timpani, snare drum, bass drum, xylophone, glockenspiel, suspended cymbal, cymbals, triangle, tambourine, tam-tam, harp, celesta, strings
Calypso Carol by MICHAEL PERRY (1942–1996) (arr. Allen Pote, orch. Eudenice Palaruan) Instrumentation 2 flutes, clarinet, bassoon, horn, 2 trumpets, marimba, claves, tambourine, maracas, harp, strings
Christmas music is inherently conservative — using traditional melodies, forms, and content — so Calypso Carol is something of an outlier. Written by Englishman Michael Perry for a college Christmas concert while a theology student in 1964, it draws on rhythms more commonly associated with the Caribbean and West Indies. Hastily included as a last-minute substitute for a missing recording by Cliff Richard during a radio broadcast, Calypso Carol became a runaway hit and was voted as one of Britain’s top ten favourite carols by listeners of the BBC programme Songs of Praise. Later a Church of England clergyman, Perry continued to write hymns but none ever reached the popularity of Calypso Carol.
See him lying on a bed of straw, A draughty stable with an open door. Mary cradling the babe she bore The Prince of Glory is his name. O now carry me to Bethlehem To see the Lord of love again. Just as poor as was the stable then, The Prince of Glory when he came! 28
O now carry me to Bethlehem To see the Lord of love again. Just as poor as was the stable then, The Prince of Glory when he came!
O now carry me to Bethlehem To see the Lord of love again. Just as poor as was the stable then, The Prince of Glory when he came!
Mine are riches, from your poverty, from your innocence, eternity, mine, forgiveness by your death for me, child of sorrow for my joy.
Angels, sing again the song you sang Sing the glory of God’s gracious plan. Sing that Bethl’em’s little baby can, Be the saviour of us all.
O now carry me to Bethlehem To see the Lord of love again. Just as poor as was the stable then, The Prince of Glory when he came!
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by HUGH MARTIN (1914–2011) & RALPH BLANE (1914–1995) (arr. Mark Hayes) Have yourself a merry little Christmas Let your heart be light. From now on our troubles will be out of sight. Have yourself a merry little Christmas Make the Yuletide gay. From now on our troubles will be miles away. Here we are as in olden days, Happy golden days of yore. Faithful friends who are dear to us Gather near to us once more. Through the years we all will be together If the fates allow. Hang a shining star up on the highest bough, And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.
First written by Martin and Blane for Judy Garland to sing in the 1944 film Meet Me in St Louis, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas was released as a single by Decca records and became a favourite among United States troops serving in World War II. Doubtless the lines “let your heart be light / Next year all our troubles will be out of sight” resonated with her audiences, as her performance of it at the Hollywood Canteen brought many war-hardened soldiers to tears. It was later further popularised by Frank Sinatra in his 1957 album A Jolly Christmas. Mark Hayes’s arrangement features lush jazzy harmonies and is a golden version of a classic.. Instrumentation 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, bassoon, 2 horns, 3 trumpets, 2 trombones, bass trombone, tuba, timpani, suspended cymbal, glockenspiel, mark tree, harp, piano, strings 29
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Star of silver, sweep across the skies, Show where Jesus in the manger lies. Shepherds swiftly from your stupor rise To see the saviour of the world.
SSO C H R ISTM AS FU NDR AISING C ONC ER T | 14 & 1 5 D E C 2 0 2 3
A Christmas Carnival by RICHARD BISSILL (b. 1959) Richard Bissill is an English composer, arranger, horn player and teacher. He joined the London Symphony Orchestra aged 22, was Principal Horn of the London Philharmonic Orchestra for 25 years and is now in the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and has taught at London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama since 1983. Commissioned by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, A Christmas Carnival won the first-ever Peter Knight Award for arranging, sponsored by the Musicians’ Union and Yorkshire TV. Bissill takes a mind-bogglingly wide selection of Christmas carols and joins them
irregularly in unexpected ways, creatively harmonised and full of jazzy syncopations, with influences varying from classic British organ music to Broadway.
Instrumentation 2 flutes, piccolo, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, glockenspiel, cymbals, triangle, suspended cymbal, snare drum, xylophone, wood blocks, sleigh bells, bell tree, swish cymbals, antique cymbal, tambourine, bass drum, shaker, mark tree, chimes, harp, strings
CHRISTMAS SINGALONG by JOHN FINNEGAN (1926–2007) 1. Jingle Bells
American composer John Finnegan’s Christmas Singalong invites you, the audience, to sing along with the choir and orchestra. A connection with each other lies at the heart of festive holidays and musicmaking, and what better way than to join together in song in our finale!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, Jingle all the way, Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh, Jingle bells, jingle bells, Jingle all the way, Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh.
Programme notes by Edward C. Yong
Dashing through the snow, In a one-horse open sleigh, O’er the fields we go, Laughing all the way, Bells on bobtail ring, Making spirits bright, What fun it is to laugh and sing A sleighing song tonight. Oh,
Instrumentation 2 flutes, piccolo, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, snare drum, bass drum, sleigh bells, cymbals, finger cymbals, chimes, glockenspiel, harp, strings 30
6. Away in a Manger
Joy to the world, the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King. Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room, And heav’n and nature sing, And heav’n and nature sing, And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.
Away in a manger, no crib for His bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head; The stars in the sky, looking down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay. The cattle are lowing, the poor Baby wakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes. I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky, And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
3. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth, To touch their harps of gold; “Peace on earth, goodwill to men, From heav’n’s all gracious King.” The world in solemn stillness lay, To hear the angels sing.
7. Deck the Halls Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la la la la la! ‘Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la la la la la! Don we now our gay apparel, Fa la la la la la la la la! Troll the ancient Yuletide carol Fa la la la la la la la la!
4. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” Joyful all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With th’angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
8. O Come, All Ye Faithful O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant; O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold Him, born the King of angels; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation; Sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest! O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
5. Silent Night Silent night, holy night, All is calm, all is bright, Round yon Virgin Mother and Child. Holy Infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.
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2. Joy to the World
To Our Donor Patrons We would like to express our deepest appreciation to the following individuals and organisations who support our mission to create memorable shared experiences with music in the past year. Without your support, it would be impossible for the SSO to continue to strive for artistic excellence and touch the hearts of audiences. PATRON SPONSOR Tote Board Group (Tote Board, Singapore Pools & Singapore Turf Club) MAESTRO CIRCLE Mr & Mrs Goh Yew Lin Stephen Riady Group of Foundations Temasek Foundation The HEAD Foundation CONCERTMASTER CIRCLE Yong Hon Kong Foundation Anonymous (2) SYMPHONY CIRCLE Audemars Piguet City Developments Limited Embassy of France in Singapore Dr & Mrs Antoine & Christina Firmenich Foundation Of Rotary Clubs (Singapore) Ltd Rod Hyland JKhoo Consultancy Pte Ltd Lee Foundation Paige Parker & Jim Rogers The New Eden Charitable Trust TransTechnology Pte Ltd Jacqueline Yeh
G U BI NG JI E FIX E D C H A IR V IOL A
CONCERTO CIRCLE Vivian Chandran Cara & Tamara Chang Chng Hak-Peng Geraldine Choong & Dennis Au Edrington Singapore Pte Ltd Far East Organization Holywell Foundation Kris Foundation Dr Julie Lo Dr Mendis Ajit Rohan
Ronald & Janet Stride TOP International Holding Pte Ltd Dr Paul Tseng United Overseas Bank Ltd VALIRAM Geoffrey & Ai Ai Wong Grace Yeh & Family Yong Ying-I Dr Thomas Zuellig & Mary Zuellig Anonymous (1)
OVERTURE PATRONS AIG Asia Pacific Insurance Pte Ltd ATLAS, Singapore Mahesh Buxani Cavazos Tinajero Family Prof Cham Tao Soon Alan Chan Prof Chan Heng Chee Chang Julian Robert Chew Mr & Mrs Choo Chiau Beng Dr & Mrs Choy Khai Meng CMIA Capital Partners Pte Ltd DSGCP Mgt Pte Ltd EFG Bank AG F J Benjamin (Singapore) Pte Ltd Karen Fawcett & Alisdair Ferrie Dorian Goh & Rathi Ho Hong Leong Foundation Vanessa & Darren Iloste Indosuez Wealth Management Olivia Leong LGT Bank (Singapore) Ltd Liew Wei Li Mavis Lim Geck Chin Logos Holdco Pte Ltd Marina Bay Sands Christopher & Clarinda Martin Devika & Sanjiv Misra
NEON Global Nomura Asset Management Singapore Dr Eddy Ooi Ooi Huey Tyng Pavilion Capital Petrochemical Corporation of Singapore Planworth Global Factoring (S'pore) Pte Ltd Prada Singapore Prima Limited Alexey Rumyantsev Priscylla Shaw Martin Siah & Wendy Long Prof Gralf & Silvia Sieghold Andreas & Doris Sohmen-Pao ST Telemedia Tan Kong Piat (Pte) Ltd Tan Meng Cheng Ivan Jamie Thomas Tower Capital Asia Dr Knut Unger/ Luther LLP Union Bancaire Privée, UBP SA Andrew & Stephanie Vigar Wong Hong Ching Woodlands Memorial Yee Chen Fah Yasmin Zahid ZEGNA Anonymous (9)
SERENADE PATRONS #GivingBack Foundation John & Eliza Bittleston Bryan Carmichael Dr Stanley Chia Alfred Chua Cheng Huat KC Chuang Prof Arnoud De Meyer Jerry Gwee Dr Guy Hentsch & G. Yu Steven & Liwen Holmes Shawn Jeon Katherine Kennedy-White Dr & Mrs Adrian Koh Lorinne Kon Kelvin Leong Dr Leong Keng Hong
Charmaine Lim Mak Hoe Kit Prof Tamas Makany & Julie Schiller Frans & Marie-Pierre Mol msm-productions Ms Oang Nguyen & Dr Dang Vu Ong Kong Hong Poh Tiong Choon Logistics Limited Ian & Freda Rickword Bernard Ryan & Michael Rowe Tan Seow Yen The Gangoso Family Manju Vangal & Arudra Vangal David & Catherine Zemans Anonymous (7)
RHAPSODY PATRONS Marcelo Viccario Achoa & Silvia Bordoni Hans Michael Brandes Jeanie Cheah Evelyn Chin Adrian Chua Tsen Leong Hartley & Hong Lynn Clay Coleads Business Consultants Pte Ltd Mr & Mrs Winston Hauw Angela Huang & Geo Chen Judy Hunt Joumana Ariss Hamiyeh Kaiyan Asplund & Family Sajith Kumar Lau Soo Lui Lee Shu Yen Lee Yeow Wee David Viktor & Sonja Leendertz Lim Kok Leong Dr Victor Lim JN Loh Richard Loh Francoise Mei
Esme Parish & Martin Edwards Preetha Pillai Daniel Poller Charles Robertson Dr June & Peter Sheren Dr Oskar & Linda Sigl The Sohn Yong Family Linda Soo Tan Tan Choon Ngee Christopher SC Tan Gillian & Daniel Tan Aileen Tang Tang See Chim Anthony Tay Teo Lay Lim Amanda Walujo Kris Wiluan Eric Wong Wicky Wong Wong Yan Lei Grace Anonymous (7)
PRELUDE PATRONS Welby Altidor Nicolas Amstutz Brenda Ang Pauline Ang Ang Seow Long Oliver Balmelli Lawrence & Celeste Basapa Selina Boey Chan Ah Khim Gavin Chan Cynthia Chee Christopher Chen Li Hsian Chen Yang Chin & Margaret Chen Cheng Eng Aun Cheng Wei Jase Cheok Jason & Jennifer Chew Peter Chew Dr Faith Chia Nicholas Chor Chor Siew Chun Lenny Christina Kevin & Dr Iroshini Chua Pierre Colignon Khushroo Dastur Linn de Rham Mr & Mrs Jeremy Ee Henning Figge Stephen Ray Finch John & Pauline Foo Foo Yunxuan Fort Sanctuary Christopher Franck Gallery NaWei Pte Ltd Gan Yit Koon Prof Goh Suat Hong Goh Chiu Gak Christopher & Constance Goh Mrs Goh Keng Hoong Michael Goh P Goh Parthesh Gulawani
Guo Zhenru Richard Hartung HC & Jennifer Linda Heng Henry & Tiffany Ho Jun Yi Dr Ho Su Ling HypeonHype Jiang Wenzhu Arjun Jolly Duncan Kauffman Ad Ketelaars Ernest Khoo Khor Cheng Kian Belinda Koh Yuh Ling Winston & Valerie Kwek Colin Lang Dr & Mrs Winson Lay Eugene & Caslin Lee Kristen Lee Lee Mun Ping Colin & Janet Leong SC & WY Leong Voon S Leong Li Danqi & Liu Yi Lisa Liaw Edith & Sean Lim Elaine Lim Lim Hui Li Debby Lim Yuin Wen Rachel Lin Angela Loh Sam & Claire Loh Low Boon Hon Alwyn Loy Jin Lu Bahareh Maghami Mak Mei Zi April Andre Maniam Norbert Meuser Dr Tashiya Mirando Daniel Ng
KA R EN YEO FIX E D C H A IR DOU BL E BA S S
Ngiam Shih Chun Joy Ochiai Matthew Ong Monique Ong Xinyi Ong Phua Siyu Audrey Chris Pinnick & Josephine Jung Lerrath Rewtrakulpaiboon Robert Khan & Co Pte Ltd Danai Sae-Han Jason Salim & Tan Hwee Koon Gayathri & Steven Santhi-McBain Thierry Schrimpf Farhana Sharmeen Shi Lei Omar Slim Small Story Singapore Marcel Smit & Hanneke Verbeek Soh Leng Wan Sharon Son Songs Serene & Lars Sorensen Bernard Tan
Dr Giles Tan Ming Yee Gordon HL Tan Jane Tan Casey Tan Khai Hee K.H. Tan Lincoln Tan Tan Pei Jie Tan Yee Deng Alex Tesei Alicia Thian & Brian Bonde Vidula Verma Stephan Wang Retno Whitty Dr Wong Hin-Yan World Future Enterprise Pte Ltd Marcel & Melissa Xu Peter Yap Wan Shern Ye Xuan Yong Seow Kin Lei Zhang Zhu Yulin Anonymous (61)
This list reflects donations that were made from 1 Oct 2022 to 30 Sep 2023. We would like to express our sincere thanks to donors whose names were inadvertently left out at print time. The Singapore Symphony Group is a charity and a not-for-profit organisation. Singapore tax-payers may qualify for 250% tax deduction for donations made. You can support us by donating at www.sso.org.sg/donate or www.giving.sg/sso.
S U P P O RT T H E SS O
With You, W E C A N B U I L D
The Future of Music. How can you help?
While SSO is supported partially by funding from the Singapore government, a significant part can only be unlocked as matching grants when we receive donations from the public. If you are in a position to do so, please consider making a donation to support your orchestra – Build the future by giving in the present. As a valued patron of the SSO, you will receive many benefits.
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DONOR RECOGNITION & PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Concert booklets and website
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OTHER BENEFITS Invitation to special events
Donations of $100 and above will entitle you to priority bookings, and discounts^ on SSG Concerts. For tax residents of Singapore, all donations may be entitled to a tax deduction of 2.5 times the value of your donation. *Complimentary ticket benefits do not apply to Esplanade & Premier Box seats, or supporters who give through a fundraising event. ^Discounts are not applicable for purchase of Esplanade & Premier Box seats. Through the SSO and its affiliated performing groups, we spread the love for music, nurture talent and enrich our diverse communities. The Singapore Symphony Orchestra is a charity and not-for-profit organisation. To find out more, please visit www.sso.org.sg/support-us, or write to Nikki Chuang at nikki@sso.org.sg.
S P EC I AL RE CO G NITION
A Standing Ovation
We recognise major gifts that help sustain the future of the Singapore Symphony Group. The recognition includes naming of a position in the SSO or in our affiliated performance groups such as the Singapore National Youth Orchestra and the Singapore Symphony Choruses.
S S O CO N CE RT M A S T ER G K GO H CH AI R In July 2017, the SSO established the GK Goh Chair for the Concertmaster. Mr Goh Geok Khim and his family have been long-time supporters of the national orchestra. We are grateful for the donations from his family and friends towards this Chair, especially Mr and Mrs Goh Yew Lin for their most generous contribution. Mr Igor Yuzefovich was the inaugural GK Goh Concertmaster Chair from July 2017 to June 2018. The position is currently vacant.
S S O P RI N CI P A L C ELLO T HE H E AD F O U N DATION C HAIR In recognition of a generous gift from The HEAD Foundation, we announced the naming of our Principal Cello, “The HEAD Foundation Chair” in November 2019. The Chair is currently held by Principal Cellist Ng Pei-Sian.
J IN T A PR INC IPA L FL U TE
S S O P RI N CI P A L FLU T E S TEP H E N RI AD Y C HAIR In recognition of a generous gift from Dr Stephen Riady, we announced in May 2022 the naming of our Principal Flute, “Stephen Riady Chair”. The position is currently held by our Principal Flutist Jin Ta.
For more information, please write to director_development@sso.org.sg.
C O R P O RAT E PAT RONAGE
Form a special relationship with Singapore’s national orchestra and increase your brand recognition among an influential and growing audience. CORPORATE GIVING We provide our Corporate Patrons with impressive entertainment and significant branding opportunities. Through our tailored packages, corporates may benefit from:
GAO J IAN A SSOCIATE PRINCIPAL H ORN
HEARTFELT THANKS TO OUR CORPORATE PATRONS Temasek Foundation The HEAD Foundation Stephen Riady Group of Foundations Yong Hon Kong Foundation Embassy of France in Singapore Audemars Piguet City Developments Limited Foundation Of Rotary Clubs (Singapore) Ltd JKhoo Consultancy Pte Ltd Lee Foundation The New Eden Charitable Trust TransTechnology Pte Ltd VALIRAM Far East Organization United Overseas Bank Ltd Holywell Foundation Kris Foundation IN-KIN D SPONSORS Raffles Hotel Singapore SMRT Corporation Singapore Airlines Conrad Centennial Singapore Symphony 924
• Publicity and hospitality opportunities at an SSO concert or your private event, • Acknowledgement and mentions in SSO’s key publicity channels, • National Arts Council (NAC) Patron of the Arts nominations, • Tax benefits. Packages start at $10,000 and can be tailored to your company’s branding needs. PARTNERSHIP We partner with various corporates through tailored in-kind sponsorship and exchange of services. Current and recent partnerships include Official Hotel, Official Airline, and we offer other exciting titles. For more details, please write to Chelsea Zhao at chelsea.zhao@sso.org.sg.
2023/24 SEASON UPCOMING CONCERTS
CHAMBER
CHLOE AND ISAAC GO BAROQUE 5 & 6 Jan 2024, 7.30pm Chloe Chua violin/Artist-In-Residence Isaac Lee organ
CHAMBER
FIGARO IN A POCKET 3 Feb 2024, 7.30pm 4 Feb 2024, 4pm Xiaoming Wang violin/concertmaster Musicians of the SSO
CHAMBER
SUNDAY AFTERNOON FANCIES 25 Feb 2024, 4pm Singapore Symphony Youth Choir Wong Lai Foon Choirmaster Musicians of the SSO
CHAMBER
SCAN TO BOOK
SMETANA, MOZART AND BARBER 14 Mar 2024, 7.30pm Musicians of the SSO
All concerts are held at the Victoria Concert Hall.
Supported by
Patron Sponsor
SING A P ORE S Y MP HON Y ORCHE S T R A Dedicated to
12 & 13 JAN 2024 Fri & Sat 7.30pm Esplanade Concert Hall
RACHMANINOFF PIANO CONCERTO 2 AND SYMPHONY 2 Dedicated to SSO founding patron
Singapore Symphony Orchestra Hans Graf Music Director Garrick Ohlsson piano
Dr Goh Keng Swee
18 & 19 JAN 2024 Thu & Fri 7.30pm Esplanade Concert Hall
RACHMANINOFF PIANO CONCERTO 3 AND SYMPHONY 3 Singapore Symphony Orchestra Hans Graf Music Director Jae-Hyuck Cho piano
Tickets from $15
BOA R D OF D IRE C T ORS & C OMMI T T E E S CHAIR Goh Yew Lin SSO COUNCIL
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Yong Ying-I (Deputy Chair) Chang Chee Pey Chng Kai Fong Prof Arnoud De Meyer Warren Fernandez Kenneth Kwok Liew Wei Li Sanjiv Misra Lynette Pang Prof Qin Li-Wei Geoffrey Wong Yasmin Zahid Yee Chen Fah Andrew Yeo Khirn Hin
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE
NOMINATING AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Yee Chen Fah (Chair) Warren Fernandez Lim Mei Jovi Seet
Goh Yew Lin (Chair) Prof Arnoud De Meyer (Treasurer) Geoffrey Wong Yong Ying-I
Yong Ying-I (Chair) Chng Kai Fong Prof Arnoud De Meyer Heinrich Grafe Doris Sohmen-Pao INVESTMENT COMMITTEE Geoffrey Wong (Chair) Sanjiv Misra David Goh Alex Lee AUDIT COMMITTEE
SNYO COMMITTEE Liew Wei Li (Chair) Prof Qin Li-Wei Benjamin Goh Vivien Goh Dr Kee Kirk Chin Clara Lim-Tan
S S O M U S I C I A N S’ C O M M I T T E E Mario Choo David Smith Wang Xu Christoph Wichert Yang Zheng Yi Elaine Yeo Zhao Tian
Alan Chan (Chair) Odile Benjamin Prof Chan Heng Chee Choo Chiau Beng Dr Geh Min Heinrich Grafe Khoo Boon Hui Lim Mei JY Pillay Dr Stephen Riady Priscylla Shaw Prof Gralf Sieghold Andreas Sohmen-Pao Prof Bernard Tan Dr Tan Chin Nam Tan Choo Leng Tan Soo Nan Wee Ee Cheong
SIN G A P OR E S Y MP HO N Y G ROUP A DMIN IS T R AT IO N CHIEF E XECUTIVE OFFICER Kenneth Kwok CEO OFFICE
C O M M U N I T Y I M PA C T
PAT R O N S
Shirin Foo Musriah Bte Md Salleh
Kok Tse Wei (Head)
Development Chelsea Zhao (Head) Nikki Chuang Sarah Wee Sharmilah Banu Eunice Salanga
ARTISTIC PL ANNING Hans Sørensen (Head) Artistic Administration Jodie Chiang Jocelyn Cheng Michelle Yeo Lynnette Chng O P E R AT I O N S Ernest Khoo (Head) Library Lim Lip Hua Avik Chari Wong Yi Wen Orchestra Management Chia Jit Min (Head) Charis Peck Xin Hui Kelvin Chua Production Management Noraihan Bte Nordin Nazem Redzuan Leong Shan Yi Asyiq Iqmal Ramayah Elango Khairi Edzhairee Khairul Nizam
Community Engagement Kua Li Leng (Head) Erin Tan Whitney Tan Samantha Lim Terrence Wong Choral Programmes Kua Li Leng (Head) Regina Lee Chang Hai Wen Mimi Syaahira Singapore National Youth Orchestra Ramu Thiruyanam (Head) Tang Ya Yun Tan Sing Yee Ridha Ridza ABRSM Patricia Yee Lai Li-Yng Joong Siow Chong Freddie Loh May Looi William Teo
Digital & Marketing Communications Cindy Lim (Head) Chia Han-Leon Calista Lee Germaine D’Rozario Myrtle Lee Hong Shu Hui Jana Loh Sherilyn Lim Elizabeth Low Corporate Communications Anderlin Yeo Elliot Lim Customer Experience Randy Teo Dacia Cheang Joy Tagore C O R P O R AT E S E R V I C E S Finance, IT & Facilities Rick Ong (Head) Alan Ong Goh Hoey Fen Loh Chin Huat Md Zailani Bin Md Said Human Resources & Administration Valeria Tan (Head) Janice Yeo Fionn Tan Netty Diyanah Bte Osman Organisation Development Lillian Yin
WIDEN OUR
MUSICAL HORIZONS
In the past year, the SSO presented over 100 live performances to 100,000 concertgoers, and garnered over 2 million views across its digital platforms. Forging on, we are eager to create more memorable musical experiences, and nurture the next generation of young artists from our affiliated performing groups. Your generous gift will help us attain our musical aspirations!
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SSO Mother’s Day Concert
Singapore National Youth Orchestra
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For Singapore taxpayers applying for 250% tax deduction, please submit your donation details to director_development@sso.org.sg
S UPPOR TED BY
PATRON SPONSOR
M ATCHED BY
MAJOR D ON ORS
Stephen Riady Group of Foundations
Mr & Mrs Goh Yew Lin
S EAS ON PAR TNERS Official Hotel
Official Radio Station
Official Community Partner
Official Outdoor Media Partner
Official Airline
S EAS ON PATRONS
The vision of the Singapore Symphony Group is to be a leading arts organization that engages, inspires and reflects Singapore through musical excellence. Our mission is to create memorable shared experiences with music. Through the SSO and its affiliated performing groups, we spread the love for music, nurture talent and enrich our diverse communities. The Singapore Symphony Orchestra is a charity and not-for-profit organisation. You can support us by donating at www.sso.org.sg/donate.