Temasek Foundation SSO National Day Concert 2023

TEMASEK FOUNDATION SUPPORTS INITIATIVES BY ORGANISATIONS THAT PLAY A CRITICAL ROLE IN PROMOTING MULTICULTURALISM IN SINGAPORE

Temasek Foundation supports a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and communities in Singapore and beyond Temasek Foundation’s programmes, made possible through philanthropic endowments gifted by Temasek, strive towards achieving positive outcomes for individuals and communities now, and for generations to come Collectively, Temasek Foundation’s programmes strengthen social resilience, foster international exchange and regional capabilities, advance science, and protect the planet For more information, visit www.temasekfoundation.org.sg.

Credit: Asian Cultural Symphony Orchestra

TEMASEK FOUNDATION

SSO NATIONAL DAY CONCERT 2023

THE SINGAPORE SOUND

Sun, 13 Aug 2023

Esplanade Concert Hall

Concert will be streamed live on SSO YouTube channel (youtube.com/singaporesymphony)

Singapore Symphony Orchestra

Singapore Symphony Chorus

Singapore Symphony Youth Choir

Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir

Ng Tianhui conductor

Eudenice Palaruan Choral Director

Wong Lai Foon Choirmaster

Lily Goh deaf artist-performer

Adora Sarah host

Accessibility: Singapore Sign Language Interpretation will be available for portions of the concert.

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.

POST-CONCERT SURVEY

To help us improve your concert experience, we invite you to participate in our survey. Be the first 140 to show up at the foyer on level 1 with proof of completing the survey, and you’ll receive an SSO merchandise.

Mass Rapid City: A Kiasu Overture for Our Home

by Sulwyn Lok

SSO Commission / World Premiere

Day In The Lion City

by Kelly Tang

World Premiere. With the support of the National Arts Council’s Cultural Medallion Fund

Intermission

Pasat Merdu

by Felix Phang

SSO Commission / World Premiere

Where That River Always Flows

by Chua Jon Lin

SSO Commission / World Premiere. Dedicated to Shared Services for Charities

Singaporean Folk Medley

by Zechariah Goh

SSO Commission / World Premiere

The Road Ahead

by Linying and Evan Low

arr. Elliot Teo, Wong Lai Foon

SSO Commission

Concert Duration: approximately 1 hr 40 mins (including 20 mins intermission)

Our Vision

To be the one-stop leading provider of sustainable, professional and cost-effective resources to all charities.

Who We Are What We Do

Known as “A Charity for Charities”

Shared Services for Charities is a registered charity with an IPC status. We are also a full member of the National Council of Social Service (NCSS).

&We provide professional and cost-e ective governance services to charities to enhance their operational capabilities.

By doing so, we enable them to focus on their service delivery to their bene ciaries.

MESSAGE FROM SHARED SERVICES FOR CHARITIES

Dear guests

Shared Services for Charities (SSC) thanks donors and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra for providing this opportunity to participate in celebrating Singapore’s 58th National Day. Every year, it is a joy to look back on how far we have come, as well as to look forward to a bright future. Reflecting on what has enabled such advance, governance easily comes to mind.

Singapore is often associated with good governance. It is a distinguishing trait, which tends to be associated with companies and which is as important for charities. As a charity for other charities in governance, SSC is committed to delivering our services to all charities to strengthen resilience in order to support outreach to those in need of help.

SSC is grateful for your support. Funds raised enable our work – generally behind the scenes – in internal audit, risk management and other consultation services, but with tangible effects in safeguarding the use of donor contributions as well as the welfare of beneficiaries.

We look forward to partnering SSO and likeminded organisations towards ensuring that charities operate at the highest standards of governance.

Ms Yeo Lian Sim Executive Director Shared Services for Charities Ltd

OUR SINCERE THANKS TO THE SSC-SSO JOINT FUNDRAISER SUPPORTERS

Shared Services for Charities (SSC) and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) are grateful to the donors who have adopted our special fundraising seats at this concert.

Your donation will be split equally between SSC and SSO. Funds raised will help us continue SSC's programmes to improve accountability and risk management while strengthening processes in the non-profit sector, as well as helping the SSO to continue bringing the joy of music to all.

Mr Robert Chew

Mr Gan Seow Ann

Ms Yap Su-Yin

Ms Choo Lim

Mr Teo Joo Wah

Mr Philip Tan Eng Seong

Ms Yeo Lian Sim

Mr Teng Yeow

To find out more or donate, please visit www.giving.sg/shared-services-for-charities-limited/ssonationaldayconcert2023

ORGAN

Acoustic Shock – An Organ and Electronic Music Spectacular

Sun 20 Aug, 4pm

Anne Maria Lim organ

Benjamin Ang electronic music producer

INTIMATE MOMENTS

琴云秋乐 Nocturne

Wed 13 Sep, 7.30pm

Victoria Concert Hall Dance Studio

Yao Xiao Yun piano

of the SSO

SCAN TO BOOK

S

ORGAN

Unboxing the Organ with Dr

Phoon Yu and the Lorong Boys

Sun 1 Oct, 4pm

Phoon Yu organ

The Lorong Boys

CHAMBER

Sun 15 Oct, 4pm

Leonidas Kavakos violin

Enrico Pace piano

Musicians

Tue 12 Sep, 7.30pm

This programme features conversations in Mandarin only.

Leonidas Kavakos in Recital

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 Scriabin’s Poems of Ecstasy and Fire and Shostakovich’s Jazz & Variety Suites. In 2023, a Four Seasons album on Pentatone and a complete Mozart Violin Concerto cycle with Chloe Chua and Hans Graf will be released. The SSO also leads the revival and recording of significant works such as the Kozłowski Requiem, Ogerman’s Symbiosis (after Bill Evans) and concertos by Paul von Klenau.

SINGAPORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

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

The mission of the Group 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.

Singapore Symphony Orchestra

The Orchestra

HANS GRAF

Music Director

RODOLFO BARRÁEZ

Associate Conductor

CHOO HOEY

Conductor Emeritus

LAN SHUI

Conductor Laureate

EUDENICE PALARUAN

Choral Director

WONG LAI FOON

Choirmaster

FIRST VIOLIN

(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*

SECOND VIOLIN

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

VIOLA

Manchin Zhang Principal

Guan Qi Associate Principal

Gu Bing Jie* Fixed Chair

Joyce Huang

Marietta Ku

Luo Biao

Julia Park

Shui Bing

Janice Tsai

Dandan Wang

Yang Shi Li

CELLO

Ng Pei-Sian Principal, The HEAD Foundation Chair

Yu Jing Associate Principal

Guo Hao Fixed Chair

Chan Wei Shing

Jamshid Saydikarimov

Song Woon Teng

Wang Yan

Wu Dai Dai

Zhao Yu Er

DOUBLE BASS

Yang Zheng Yi Associate Principal

Karen Yeo Fixed Chair

Olga Alexandrova

Jacek Mirucki

Guennadi Mouzyka

Wang Xu

FLUTE

Jin Ta Principal, Stephen Riady Chair

Evgueni Brokmiller Associate Principal

Roberto Alvarez

Miao Shanshan

PICCOLO

Roberto Alvarez Assistant Principal

OBOE

Rachel Walker Principal

Pan Yun Associate Principal

Carolyn Hollier

Elaine Yeo

COR ANGLAIS

Elaine Yeo Associate Principal

CLARINET

Ma Yue Principal

Li Xin Associate Principal

Liu Yoko

Tang Xiao Ping

BASS CLARINET

Tang Xiao Ping Assistant Principal

BASSOON

Liu Chang Associate Principal

Christoph Wichert

Zhao Ying Xue

CONTRABASSOON

Zhao Ying Xue Assistant Principal

HORN

Austin Larson Principal

Gao Jian Associate Principal

Jamie Hersch Associate Principal

Marc-Antoine Robillard Associate Principal

Bryan Chong^

Hoang Van Hoc

TRUMPET

Jon Paul Dante Principal

David Smith Associate Principal

Lau Wen Rong

Nuttakamon Supattranont

TROMBONE

Allen Meek Principal

Damian Patti Associate Principal

Samuel Armstrong

BASS TROMBONE

Wang Wei Assistant Principal

TUBA

Tomoki Natsume Principal

TIMPANI

Christian Schiøler Principal

Mario Choo

PERCUSSION

Jonathan Fox Principal

Mark Suter Associate Principal

Mario Choo

Lim Meng Keh

HARP

Gulnara Mashurova Principal

With deep appreciation to the Rin Collection for their generous loan of string instruments. Musician on temporary contract

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.

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.

Guest Musicians

TEMASEK FOUNDATION SSO NATIONAL DAY CONCERT 2023 | 13 AUG 2023

FIRST VIOLIN

Ikuko Takahashi

BASSOON

Marcelo Padilla Guest Principal

PERCUSSION

Thaddeus Chung

Lee Yu Ru

PIPA

Gildon Choo

The Straits Ensemble

REBANA

Nizarfauzi

The Straits Ensemble

OUD

Azrin Abdullah

The Straits Ensemble

TABLA Govin Tan

The Straits Ensemble

DOUBLE BASS

Felix Phang

The Straits Ensemble

PIANO

Eugene Ang

The Straits Ensemble

SINGAPORE NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA MEMBERS

FIRST VIOLIN

Khloe Gui

Aidan Kwek

SECOND VIOLIN

Lim Jing Rui

Raeanne Song

VIOLA

Lareina Lim

Ethan Ong

CELLO

Zachary Lau

Aidan Yeong

NG TIANHUI conductor

Hailed by The Boston Globe for elevating the experience of new music from “great to unforgettable”, conductor Ng Tianhui is fast becoming one of the most sought-after interpreters of new music in the United States.

Since 2020, Ng has served as the Music Director of White Snake Projects, where he has led more than 40 premieres, including Cerise Jacobs and Jorge Sosa’s Alice in the Pandemic which was chosen by the Library of Congress for their special collection recognizing the production as one of the most significant works of art in the United States during the pandemic.

This season, Ng released his first album with the Lviv National Philharmonic of Ukraine on Nimbus, launched a series of performances with the Victory Players in collaboration with the Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts, New England Public Media and WGBH on National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service, with tours to Puerto Rico and Illinois.

EUDENICE PALARUAN 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.

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. 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.

© MICHELLE TNG YING

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.

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.

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 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 LAI FOON Choirmaster

© MICHELLE TNG YING

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.

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SINGAPORE SYMPHONY CHORUS

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

SINGAPORE SYMPHONY YOUTH CHOIR

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

© MICHELLE TNG YING

SINGAPORE SYMPHONY CHILDREN'S CHOIR

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

The Choruses THE CHORUSES

SINGAPORE SYMPHONY CHORUS

SOPRANO

Karen Aw

Laurence Biard

Tertois

Janice Chee

Selina Kwek

Sarah Santhana

Andrea Yenny Sjah

Nelia Soelistia

Stacey Wang

Espera

Sarah Tang

Yeo Mui

ALTO

Grace Angel

Dorothy Lee-Teh

Wendy Lim

Dorcas Lo

Sharon Low

Daisy Natalia

Ng Beng Choo

Elsie Tan

Tan Seow Yen

Wang Jiunwen

TENOR

Jean-Michel Bardin

Jesse Cai

Chng Chin Han

Jeroven Marquez

Ronald Ooi

Samuel Pazicky

Rac Roldan

Ian Tan

Ben Wong

BASS

Ang Jian Zhong

Vincent Chiu

Winsen Citra

Arthur Davis

Paul Kitamura

Wong Hin Yan

SINGAPORE SYMPHONY YOUTH CHOIR

SOPRANO

Yixian Chen

Serene Cheong

Janice Lim

Ivanna Pasaribu

Desiree Seng

Samyukta

Sounderamann

Carine Tan

Ellissa Sayampanathan*

ALTO

Erin Ho

Trinetra Kumarasan

Violet Ong

Tan Yulin

Tan Yuqing

TENOR

Andre Ang

Cris Bautro

Gaston Liew

Amos Pan

Seifer Ong

BASS

Bryan Carmichael

Chai Chang Kai

Loy Sheng Rui

Joshua Tan

Wong Zhen Wei

*Choral Fellow

SINGAPORE SYMPHONY CHILDREN'S CHOIR

Miya Ang

Lisa Chang

Elizabeth Chern

Chin Yi Hao

Halyn Cho

Hailey Chua

Deng Handing

Emma Foo

Fu Yuqi

Colleen Fung

Megan Fung

Aureilee Gooi

Naomi Heng

Charlotte Ho

Abigail Ho

Isabelle Ho

Rachael Jong

Marian Koh

Emma Lee-Goh

Zoe Li

Eyzen Lim

Megan Montefrio

Ng Yi Poh

Alyssa Ng

Riann Ong

Sophie Ong

Jing Fei Pang

Suri Rao

Nadia Sri Kanda

Angeline Sun

Ashlynn Tan

Emily Tan

Tan Caewyn

Ilysa Tan

Shania Tay

Germaine Teo

Wang Xiangning

Matthew Wong

Cammi Yeo

Stanley Yuan

Zhang Yixuan

Alex Zhang

LILY GOH deaf artist-performer

Lily Goh is the founder of ExtraOrdinary Horizons, which is a learning platform where everyone learns Singapore Sign Language from Deaf. Having worked with the Singapore Association for the Deaf for 8 years as a facilitator, Lily decided to set up ExtraOrdinary Horizons, to promote arts, culture, heritage, language and music among the deaf and help to create a more inclusive Singapore. She advocates for the Deaf community through her Deaf music. She was a recipient of the Singapore Woman Award 2014 and won the

Humanitarian and/or Voluntary Leadership in Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World 2017.

Performing since 1989, she performs visual theatrics, Deaf Music and percussion. She has a Degree in Sociology with Communication at the Singapore University of Social Sciences. She wishes to continue making breakthroughs in the Deaf performing arts scene in Singapore.

Acknowledgements

Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) Interpreters:

Daniel Yong

Azzam Akbar

Adora Sarah has been Your Weekend Girlfriend over Singapore radio for the past fourteen years. A lifestyle presenter with close to two decades of experience in hosting and voiceovers.

At the tender age of 4, Adora discovered her passion for music as she started learning the violin and piano. At present, she plays music only by ear and enjoys Pop, 80s & 90s, Progressive Metal, Fusion and Electronica.

Professionally, Adora has had a distinguished career in the regional food and beverage industry with a background in Marketing, Branding, Digital & Operations.

ADORA SARAH host

SULWYN LOK (b. 1994)

Mass Rapid City: A Kiasu Overture for Our Home

Mass Rapid City is an overture dedicated to our most beloved and kiasu (a Hokkien term for “being afraid of losing out”, popular in Singapore) island city home. The title draws inspiration from the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, the backbone of Singapore’s public transportation system, and Southeast Asia’s oldest and busiest metro system.

When the SSO commissioned me to write a piece as a way of telling people about my Singaporean experience, the first thing I thought of was how we are all so ganchiong, so kiasu, everything also want, and always rushing forward in life. I set out to write a “kiasu overture” that was to be incredibly frantic, and with a recurring musical idea of constantly rising and rising.

The more I worked on the piece, however, the more I drew deeper from myself on being a Singaporean, and I started to get a lot more sentimental. There are so many things I miss from home while living in New York City. We have a positive community here in Singapore, and even the “kiasu-ness” is endearing. A new theme came to me, this time pensive, and it became the core of the work. All the frantic, exciting moments still exist, along with the rising musical idea that happens at multiple spots symbolising the constant desire to try to grasp for more, but what is now most central to the piece became reflecting on being a Singaporean. In expressing a love for this kiasu city, I hope that the piece calls out to other Singaporeans away from home as well.

As the overture nears its end, the music charges forward rapidly just like the MRT carrying our lives and aspirations daily. It gets more unhinged and wild, almost as if it will derail. Where will our “kiasu-ness” take us? Listen on to find out!

Notes by Sulwyn Lok

Instrumentation

flute, piccolo, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, bass trombone, tuba, timpani, triangle, cymbals, suspended cymbal, snare drum, bass drum, bongos, drum set, glockenspiel, tambourine, harp, strings

Sulwyn Lok (he/him non-binary) is a Singaporean composer based in New York City who advocates the human connection in music and going beyond cultural boundaries. With a deep interest in global cultures, he integrates folk and contemporary music elements in his works, which include music composed for media and the stage, weaving in influences from his extensive work across Southeast Asia and New York City.

Winner of Universal Music’s UCompose competition and Best Original Music at the National Youth Film Awards (Singapore), his works have premiered at the Cannes and Busan film festivals and toured festivals globally. His commissions include Samsung, the arts councils of New York and Singapore, the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Sulwyn is a recipient of the New York State Council on the Arts grant award (2023) for a multi-movement site-specific work exploring the Asian New Yorker identity and the silent residents of NYC – Asian artworks and artefacts in the Met.

Fully sponsored by the Singapore Digital Scholarship, Sulwyn graduated from New York University’s Master of Music Theory and Composition: Screen Scoring programme. He also graduated as valedictorian from the National University of Singapore, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music with a Bachelor’s

of Music, majoring in Audio Arts and Science.

Sulwyn is co-founder of Poco Productions, Southeast Asia Music Academy Online, and the Victoria Chinese Orchestra; resident composer of the Singapore Ruan Ensemble; executive member of the Singapore Chinese Music Federation Youth Chapter; and a part of the Society of Composers and Lyricists New York Mentorship Programme (2023). sulwyn-lok.com

KELLY TANG (b. 1961) Day In

The Lion City

Day in the Lion City is a five-movement suite for orchestra depicting various aspects of our lived experience in Singapore. The first movement, Daybreak, is inspired by the coming of dawn as it emerges from the mysterious stillness of night. The second movement, Traffic, bristles with the busy congestion we encounter during rush hour on our roads each morning.

The third movement, Runways, depicts the grace and grandeur with which sleek airliners land and take off at Changi Airport. A strict fugato section leads back to the lyrical theme played by solo trumpet, intertwining with woodwind countermelodies.

The fourth movement, Thunderstorm, is riddled with violent flashes of lightning and unpredictable pounding of thunder experienced during a storm at the Southern coast of Singapore. The storm vanishes as suddenly as it arrives.

The fifth movement, Holiday, paints a multi-cultural portrait of Singapore as we celebrate our rich and diverse traditions at festive feasts and gatherings. Featured at such gatherings is the tentative steps of toddlers, our next generation, captured by a playful scherzo or “musical joke”. The scherzo returns in the closing bars as the children’s tune “Three Blind Mice”, ending the suite on a jubilant note.

Day in the Lion City is premiered by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and supported by the Cultural Medallion Fund administered by the National Arts Council of Singapore.

Notes by Kelly Tang

We thank the following school partners for their artwork featured during the performance:

Mee Toh School

Naval Base Secondary School

Pathlight School

School of the Arts, Singapore

Yusof Ishak Secondary School

Zhenghua Primary School

Instrumentation

2 flutes (1 doubling on piccolo), 2 oboes (1 doubling on cor anglais), 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, tuba, timpani, snare drum, cymbals, suspended cymbal, chimes, glockenspiel, triangle, tam-tam, harp, strings

KELLY TANG

Kelly Tang’s compositions have been performed by international ensembles such as the Russian National Orchestra, Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Nagoya Philharmonic Orchestra, Ensemble Contemporain of Montreal, Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines (UK), and “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. In Singapore, Tang’s works are performed by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Singapore Chinese Orchestra, Singapore National Youth Orchestra and the T’ang Quartet. His Jazz compositions have been performed by pianist Jeremy Monteiro with Grammy® recipients Ernie Watts (saxophone) and Randy Brecker (trumpet).

Tang’s music has been presented worldwide at Berlin Konzerthaus, Musikverein Golden Hall (Vienna), Sydney Opera House, Suntory Hall (Tokyo), Palais de l'Élysée (Paris), Museum of Musical Instruments (Brussels), The Rodahal (Netherlands), Auditorium di Milano (Italy), St. Paul’s Cathedral (London), and Carnegie Hall (New York). To celebrate Singapore’s 50th anniversary in 2015, Tang’s Concerto in Three Movements was commissioned for a premiere by superstar pianist Lang Lang and the Metropolitan Festival Orchestra.

Tang received the COMPASS Artistic Excellence Award from the Composers’ and Authors’ Society of Singapore. For his contributions in the arts, Tang was conferred the Cultural Medallion in 2011 by the President of Singapore.

© HUAN STUDIOS

FELIX PHANG (b. 1983) Pasat Merdu

PASAT MERDU* is a theatrical piece that explores the themes of community, love, and multiculturalism in Singapore. The performance opens with a wayang, setting the stage for a community celebration, a celebration that features cultural elements from Chinese, Malay and Indian music, such as the Madhuvanti raga, Tihai, Inang and more. The celebration also includes an interaction section that symbolises the importance of connection between individuals and communities, as commonly found in folk idioms.

The next section delves into the theme of love and support, highlighting the importance of family, loved ones, and friends during difficult times. The section features Gildon Choo from The Straits Ensemble on pipa, warmly embraced by the orchestra.

The final section celebrates everything around us, our multi-cultural Singapore, with sounds that are uniquely familiar to Singaporeans. The piece aims to evoke nostalgia and a sense of belonging through the sounds of our community. The performance closes with the wayang motif, but the Singapore story is still in the writing.

The message of Pasat Merdu is for Singaporeans to stay close and connected to each other, through life experiences and cultures. Pasat Merdu encourages audiences to embrace the rich cultural diversity of Singapore and celebrate the things that make us unique.

*PASAT MERDU

/, pa ’ sat/ – A colloquial hokkien (Chinese dialect) word that means marketplace, specifically the wet market in Singapore context. Borrowed from the Singapore Mandarin equivalent “ba sha 巴刹”, which in turn borrowed from the Malay term “pasar”.

/’ m rdu/ – Bahasa Melayu (Malay) for melodious. Derived from Sanskrit. The wet market was where people of all ethnicities would congregate for daily necessities. Amidst a cacophony of languages and the bustle of life, the interaction of cultures allowed Singapore to develop our unique identity, one that is still evolving with the times. We love how the various languages spoken in Singapore have borrowed words from each other. It shows how we have adapted to get along. In this same spirit, we explore musically the richness of our cultures.

All are welcome at Pasat Merdu – a melodious marketplace.

Notes by Felix Phang

Instrumentation

2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, timpani, suspended cymbal, snare drum, bass drum, glockenspiel, marimba, piano, oud, pipa, tabla (doubling on wind chimes, frame drum, pandeiro), rebana (doubling on shaker), upright bass, strings

FELIX PHANG

Singaporean composer/musician Felix Phang grew up playing symphonic band music and discovered jazz at Berklee College of Music.

An independent artist navigating tradition, change and a confluence of cultures, he seeks to make sense of his environment by exploring the cultural musical landscape of Singapore with a suite of music composed around the themes of ‘diversity’ and ‘relationships’ for ensembles comprising of various folk instruments. Inspired by The Silk Road Project, Phang is motivated to share culture through composition, performance and education.

Phang has performed and presented his works at international music festivals and both 2017 & 2019 International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers Symposium clinics facilitated by Grammy winner and nominees, BIlly Childs, Bill Frisell and Ron Miles.

Phang currently heads the 150-strong Music & Drama Company (MDC), producing both live and digital content for Singaporeans and high-profile government events. He holds an adjunct position at LASALLE College of the Arts, and mentors young writers in his own time. For leisure and inspiration, Phang indulges in pottery at his compact home studio.

felixphang.com

THE STRAITS ENSEMBLE

The Straits Ensemble is a musical collective that champions Singapore cultural music exchanges, influenced by the ever-changing global music landscape and jazz sensibilities.

With an instrumentation that embodies Singapore’s cultural sound, The Straits Ensemble navigates the rich tapestry of Singapore's heritage and taps on a global kampung spirit to celebrate diversity.

The Straits Ensemble aims to deepen intercultural understanding through Teaching Artistry and present a distinctive Singaporean sound on the world stage.

Performing in the Temasek Foundation SSO National Day Concert 2023:

Eugene Ang, piano

Felix Phang, double bass

Gildon Choo, pipa

Azrin Abdullah, oud

Nizarfauzi, rebana

Govin Tan, tabla

CHUA JON LIN (b. 1986) Where That River Always Flows

The rise of any civilisation is usually credited to the existence of major rivers. Even as time passes, as people change, as civilisations rise and fall, these rivers still remain, and continue to flow as always. The Singapore River was a source of life and sustenance for the Orang Laut, saw the arrival of British colonialism, persisted through the horrors of the Japanese Occupation, and represented a key part of Singapore’s economic success. Today, it has become an iconic landmark in the heart of Singapore. Where That River Always Flows is a line borrowed from one of the most well-loved Singapore songs, and represents the resilience of the Singaporean spirit. Can you spot a few hidden musical quotations from a few of our favourite Singapore songs in this piece?

Notes by Chua Jon Lin

Instrumentation

flute, piccolo, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, bassoon, contrabassoon, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, bass trombone, tuba, timpani, suspended cymbal, crotales, vibraphone, harp, strings

Singapore-born composer Chua Jon Lin credits her versatility in traversing musical cultures and genres to her eclectic musical background. She has had works premiered and performed all over the world, and is the current Composer-in-Residence of the Ding Yi Music Company. In 2018, she received the First Prize (large ensemble category) as well as the Young Singaporean Composer award at the 3rd Singapore International Composition Competition for Chinese Chamber Music, “Composium 2018” organized by the Ding Yi Music Company, and also received a “Work of Excellence” award on the 2021 Dunhuang Awards for Chinese Chamber composition. Jon Lin studied composition and music theory at the Eastman School of Music, where she graduated with highest distinction. She is currently a doctoral researcher in composition at the University of Birmingham.

jonlinchua.com

ZECHARIAH GOH TOH CHAI (b. 1970)

Singaporean Folk Medley

Singaporean Folk Medley is a collection of four popular folk songs, Ondeh Ondeh, Suriram, Kopi Susu and Jinkly Nona. These folk songs are well-known in the Malay, Peranakan and Eurasian communities. The first three songs are performed in Malay and only Jinkly Nona is sung in Kristang, a creole language comprises of Portuguese, Malay and other languages spoken by a small Eurasian community in Melaka and Singapore. These songs are written with the beautiful sounds of Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Chorus, Youth Choir and Children’s Choir in mind. I hope that this medley of songs will awaken the kampong spirit in the audience.

Notes by Zechariah Goh

Instrumentation

2 flutes, oboe, cor anglais, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 3 horns, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, tuba, timpani, frame drum, triangle, suspended cymbal, snare drum, bass drum, bongos, tambourine, vibraphone, glockenspiel, harp, strings

From Ondeh Ondeh

Ondeh Ondeh isi kelapa

Kalau boleh nak bawa saja

Layang-layang terbang melayang, Sayang, sayang

Hinggap mari di panggong wayang

Siapa bilang saya tak sayang

Sayang, sayang

Siang malam terbayang bayang

Ondeh Ondeh is filled with coconut

If you like it, please help yourself to some

The kite is flying away

My dear, my dear

Come, let’s go to the cinema

Who told you that I do not love you?

My dear, my dear

Day and night, I dream of you

From Suriram

Suriram Suriram

Suriram ku yang manis

Oh aduhai Suriram sayang

Putih kuning dipandang manis

Lihat burung berkicau-kicauan

Suriram Suriram

Memuja alam di pagi hari

Bahagia hidup jika berkawan sayang

Aman dan damai kekal abadi

Suriram, Suriram

My sweet Suriram

My love and dearest Suriram

Pretty and fair skinned

Look at the birds chirping away

Suriram, Suriram

Appreciating nature in the early morning

Friendship brings happiness in life, my love

For life will always be peaceful

From Kopi Susu

Kopi susu gula pasir

Kopi susu gula di pancing

Satu, dua, tiga, empat kucing berlari

Aduh sayang mana sama kucing belang

larinya kencang

Dua, tiga sudah, sayalah mencari mana

sama si abang seorang

Coffee milk with granulated sugar

Granulated sugar from the pot

One, two, three, four cats run away

Oh my darling, as that one striped cat that runs away fast

Or two or three, I’m finding out if you are indeed my love

From Jinkly Nona

Jinkly Nona, Jinkly Nona

Yo kere kaza

Kaza nunteng potra nona kai logu pasa

Teng kantu teng

kantu teng fala nunteng

Amor minya amor

Amor minya korsang

Jinkly Nona, Jinkly Nona

I want to marry you

Your house has no door, how can I enter?

You’ve got what you’ve got

However much you have, you say you have nothing

Amor, my love

My love, my heart

Translations of Lyrics provided by Zechariah Goh

ZECHARIAH GOH

Zechariah Goh Toh Chai graduated from NAFA in 1989 and went on to finish his master in piano performance and doctorate in Composition at the University of Kansas in December 2005. He is also the recipient of the NAC Young Artist Award and NAFA distinguished Alumni Award.

His compositions for choir, wind ensemble, and orchestra are performed regularly across Asia, Australia, and America. Zechariah is the Head of Composition (NAFA) and the Artistic Director of the Singapore Saxophone Symposium since 2011. His other orchestral works include 承Flow (SSO, 2022), Blossoms (SSO, 2017), Iridescence (NAFA, 2015), Nuances: Soundscapes from a distant land (SNYO, 2014).

zechariahmusic.com

LINYING (b. 1994) EVAN LOW (b. 1990)

The Road Ahead

Arr.

Elliot Teo and Wong Lai Foon

The Road Ahead was written for the 2021 National Day celebrations by Evan Low and Lin Ying, its rousing and vitalizing lyrics capturing the indomitability of a country reemerging from the Covid-19 pandemic. My arrangement thus aims to recreate all the brightness, warmth, and upbeat energy of the original song, where moments of warm intimacy rub shoulders with that of grandeur and brilliance.

Notes by Elliot Teo

One man on an island

One drop in the sea

All it takes to set a wave in motion

Is a single word, an action

A hope that we can be

The change that we've been longing to see

For our home, our land, our family

It's all within our reach

See this island, every grain of sand

Hear this anthem, it's the voices of our friends

Come whatever on the road ahead

We did it before, and we'll do it again

When the moments turn to hours

And the day's last light is gone

Look around us always and remember

There were times we were uncertain

But we just kept walking on

It's always darkest just before the dawn

Instrumentation

2 flutes (1 doubling on piccolo), 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, bass trombone, tuba, timpani, vibraphone, glockenspiel, suspended cymbal, cymbals, harp, strings

See this island, every grain of sand

Hear this anthem, it's the voices of our friends

Come whatever on the road ahead

We did it before, and we'll do it again

Our home, the home we share

Where the garden always grows toward the light

Though the road ahead is daunting

I know we're gonna be alright

See this island, every grain of sand

Hear this anthem, it's the voices of our friends

Come whatever on the road ahead

We did it before, and we'll do it again

See this island, every grain of sand

Hear this anthem, it's the voices of our friends

Come whatever on the road ahead

We did it before, and we'll do it again

We did it before, and we'll do it again

Singaporean singer-songwriter Linying was a newcomer when her first single, “Sticky Leaves”, went unexpectedly viral on Spotify’s global, US and UK charts, landing her a spot on their Asia’s 25 Most Influential Artists Under 25 list.

Before releasing her own music, Linying’s topline collaborations with European DJs Lost Frequencies and Felix Jaehn had already amassed over 100 million streams. After touring Europe, she continued to perform at festivals like Summer Sonic in Tokyo and SXSW in Texas, with a sold-out headline show in the iconic Camden Assembly in London. Following that, she staged her own headline concert in Singapore at the Esplanade Concert Hall in 2022.

Her confessional style of songwriting has struck a chord with a diverse and passionate audience, receiving critical praise from BBC Radio 1 and Billboard with syncs on HBO’s Industry and Netflix’s Terrace House. She soon became the face of Spotify’s 2021 global EQUAL campaign, which celebrates women in music all over the world.

Her debut album There Could Be Wreckage Here was named one of NPR’s top albums in the week of its release, while her songwriting work for international artists earned her the 2019 COMPASS Award for the most royalties accrued on an English song.

© RONAN PARK

EVAN LOW

Evan is a music producer, director and is currently Warner Music’s Regional A&R Manager.

Throughout his ever-growing career, his versatility has seen him take on multiple leading roles in every aspect of the music industry. From engineering for David Foster and Nathan East, to composing for brands such as OkCupid and eBay.

Evan has produced and performed alongside artists such as Nathan Hartono, Linying and The Sam Willows with hit songs amassing millions of streams. He has also collaborated with other creatives in the industry, creating multidisciplinary works in collaboration with the likes of visual artist, Sam Lo (SKL0), and urban dance crew, O School.

He is also Music Director for Singapore music heavyweights Benjamin Kheng and iNCH, and was recently part of the team awarded Best Sound at The Straits Times Life Theatre Awards for his work in ‘Til The End Of The World, We’ll Meet In No Man’s Land’ (2020).

Evan continues to hit hard in both commercial and artistic realms. Having taken strides as former creative lead and co-Founder at Zendyll Productions, Evan has also co-arranged and coproduced the 2018 – 2021 National Day Parade Music under the direction of Dr. Sydney Tan. Most recently, Evan

penned and produced the well-loved 2021 NDP Theme song “The Road Ahead” with Linying.

evanturetime.com

ELLIOT TEO

Elliot Teo is an award-winning composer currently based in London. His music is widely celebrated across the world, having received performances in renowned venues in New York, Hong Kong, London, as well as his home country of Singapore.

Several of Elliot’s works have been honoured with prizes at various competitions, notably the Alan Bush Prize Competition (Royal Academy of Music), the English Art Song Competition (Association of English Speakers and Singers), the Hong Kong International Composition Competition for Chromatic Harmonica, as well as the prestigious Muriel Dawson Prize (Richmond Concert Society, London). Additionally, he has collaborated with many celebrated musicians and ensembles – of note among them are the saxophonist Samuel Phua, harmonicist CY Leo, the Britten Sinfonia, Ding Yi Music Company (Singapore) and the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.

Elliot is currently pursuing a degree in composition at the Royal Academy of Music, under the tutelage of Professors Christopher Austin and Morgan Hayes.

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

CONCERTO CIRCLE

Bloomberg Singapore Pte Ltd

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

JKhoo Consultancy Pte Ltd

Lee Foundation

Paige Parker & Jim Rogers

The Santosa Family

The New Eden Charitable Trust

Jacqueline Yeh

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)

GU BING JIE FIXED CHAIR VIOLA

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

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

Liu Chee Ming

Logos Holdco Pte Ltd

Marina Bay Sands

Christopher & Clarinda Martin

Devika & Sanjiv Misra

Kai Nargolwala

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

Ho Bee Foundation

Steven & Liwen Holmes

Shawn Jeon

Katherine Kennedy-White

Dr & Mrs Adrian Koh

Lorinne Kon

Kelvin Leong

Dr Leong Keng Hong

Charmaine Lim

NEON Global

Nomura Asset Management Singapore

NSL Ltd

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 (10)

Mak Hoe Kit

Frans & Marie-Pierre Mol

msm-productions

Ms Oang Nguyen & Dr Dang Vu

nTan Corporate Advisory Pte Ltd

Ong Kong Hong

Poh Tiong Choon Logistics Limited

PropertyGuru Group

David Ramli

Robin & Katie Rawlings

Ian & Freda Rickword

Bernard Ryan & Michael Rowe

Sembcorp Energy For Good Fund

Tan Seow Yen

The Gangoso Family

Manju Vangal & Arudra Vangal

David & Catherine Zemans

Anonymous (8)

RHAPSODY PATRONS

Marcelo Viccario Achoa & Silvia Bordoni

Jeanie Cheah

Evelyn Chin

Adrian Chua Tsen Leong

Hartley & Hong Lynn Clay

Coleads Business Consultants Pte Ltd

Guo Zhenru

Mr & Mrs Winston Hauw

Angela Huang & Geo Chen

Judy Hunt

Joumana Ariss Hamiyeh

Kaiyan Asplund & Family

Sajith Kumar

Lee Shu Yen

Lee Yeow Wee David

Viktor & Sonja Leendertz

Dr Darren Lim

Lim Kok Leong

Dr Victor Lim

JN Loh

Richard Loh

Prof Tamas Makany & Julie Schiller

PRELUDE PATRONS

Welby Altidor

Nicolas Amstutz

Brenda Ang

Ang Jian Zhong

Pauline Ang

Ang Seow Long

Oliver Balmelli

Lawrence & Celeste Basapa

Selina Boey

Chan Ah Khim

Cynthia Chee

Dr Jonathan Chee

Dr Christopher Chen

Chen Yang Chin & Margaret Chen

Cheng Eng Aun

Cheng Wei

Jase Cheok

Jason & Jennifer Chew

Peter Chew

Dr Faith Chia

Bobby Chin

Nicholas Chor

Chor Siew Chun

Lenny Christina

Kevin & Dr Iroshini Chua

Francoise Mei

Esme Parish & Martin Edwards

Preetha Pillai

Daniel Poller

Charles Robertson

Dr June & Peter Sheren

Dr Oskar & Linda Sigl

The Sohn Yong Family

Tibor Szabady

Tan Choon Ngee

Christopher SC Tan

Gillian & Daniel Tan

Tang See Chim

Anthony Tay

Teo Lay Lim

Amanda Walujo

Kris Wiluan

Eric Wong

Wicky Wong

Wong Yan Lei Grace

Anonymous (8)

Pierre Colignon

Khushroo Dastur

DCP

Linn de Rham

Dong Yingqiu

Mr & Mrs Jeremy Ee

Jamie Lloyd Evans

Henning Figge

Stephen Ray Finch

John & Pauline Foo

Fort Sanctuary

Christopher Franck

Gallery NaWei Pte Ltd

Gan Yit Koon

Goh Chiu Gak

Christopher & Constance Goh

Mrs Goh Keng Hoong

Michael Goh

P Goh

Prof Goh Suat Hong

Parthesh Gulawani

Richard Hartung

Linda Heng

Henry & Tiffany

Ho Jun Yi

KAREN YEO FIXED CHAIR DOUBLE BASS

Dr Ho Su Ling

HypeonHype

Jiang Wenzhu

Arjun Jolly

Duncan Kauffman

Ad Ketelaars

Ernest Khoo

Khor Cheng Kian

Belinda Koh Yuh Ling

In Memory of Timothy Kok Tse En

Winston & Valerie Kwek

Colin Lang

Lau Soo Lui

Dr & Mrs Winson Lay

Eugene & Caslin Lee

Kristen Lee

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

Low Boon Hon

Alwyn Loy

Jin Lu

Bahareh Maghami

Mak Mei Zi April

Andre Maniam

Norbert Meuser

Dr Tashiya Mirando

Daniel Ng

Ng Wan Ching & Wong Meng Leong

Ngiam Shih Chun

Joy Ochiai

Matthew Ong

Monique Ong

Phua Siyu Audrey

Chris Pinnick & Josephine Jung

Lerrath Rewtrakulpaiboon

Robert Khan & Co Pte Ltd

Danai Sae-Han

Gayathri & Steven Santhi-McBain

Thierry Schrimpf

Farhana Sharmeen

Omar Slim

Small Story Singapore

Marcel Smit & Hanneke Verbeek

Soh Leng Wan

Sharon Son

Songs

Linda Soo Tan

Serene & Lars Sorensen

Bernard Tan

Tan Cheng Guan

Tan Chin Beng

Edwin Tan

Dr Giles Tan Ming Yee

Gordon HL Tan

Jane Tan

Casey Tan Khai Hee

K.H. Tan

Lincoln Tan

Tan Pei Jie

Prof Tan Ser Kiat

Tan Yee Deng

Zeena Tan

Alex Tesei

Alicia Thian & Brian Bonde

Paul Verge

Vidula Verma

Stephan Wang

Retno Whitty

Dr Wong Hin-Yan

World Future Enterprise Pte Ltd

Wu Peihui

Marcel & Melissa Xu

Peter Yap Wan Shern

Ye Xuan

Yong Seow Kin

Lei Zhang

Zhu Yulin

Anonymous (67)

This list reflects donations that were made from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 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.

SUPPORT THE SSO

With You, WE CAN BUILD 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.

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

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

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.

SSO CONCERTMASTER GK GOH CHAIR

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.

SSO PRINCIPAL CELLO THE HEAD FOUNDATION CHAIR

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.

SSO PRINCIPAL FLUTE STEPHEN RIADY CHAIR

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.

JIN TA PRINCIPAL FLUTE

CORPORATE PATRONAGE

Form a special relationship with Singapore’s national orchestra and increase your brand recognition among an influential and growing audience.

SPONSORSHIP

We provide our Corporate Patrons with impressive entertainment and significant branding opportunities. Through our tailored sponsorship packages, corporates may benefit from:

• 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.

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

VALIRAM

Far East Organization

United Overseas Bank Ltd

Bloomberg Singapore Pte Ltd

Holywell Foundation

Kris Foundation

IN-KIND SPONSORS

Raffles Hotel Singapore

SMRT Corporation

Singapore Airlines

Conrad Centennial Singapore

Symphony 924

Sponsorship 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.

ADVERTISING

Our corporate advertising packages start at $2,500, with platforms such as the Corporate E-newsletter Bravissimo, SSO’s website and concert booklets.

For more details, please write to Chelsea Zhao at chelsea.zhao@sso.org.sg.

GAO JIAN ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL HORN

BOARD OF DIRECTORS & COMMITTEES

CHAIR

Goh Yew Lin

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

NOMINATING AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Goh Yew Lin (Chair)

Prof Arnoud De Meyer (Treasurer)

Geoffrey Wong

Yong Ying-I

HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE

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

Yee Chen Fah (Chair)

Warren Fernandez

Lim Mei Jovi Seet

SNYO COMMITTEE

Liew Wei Li (Chair)

Prof Qin Li-Wei

Benjamin Goh

Vivien Goh

Dr Kee Kirk Chin

Clara Lim-Tan

SSO MUSICIANS’ COMMITTEE

Mario Choo

David Smith

Wang Xu

Christoph Wichert

Yang Zheng Yi

Elaine Yeo

Zhao Tian

SSO COUNCIL

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

SINGAPORE SYMPHONY GROUP ADMINISTRATION

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Kenneth Kwok

CEO OFFICE

Shirin Foo

Musriah Bte Md Salleh

ARTISTIC PLANNING

Hans Sørensen (Head)

Artistic Administration

Jodie Chiang

Jocelyn Cheng

Michelle Yeo

Lynnette Chng

OPERATIONS

Ernest Khoo (Head)

Library

Lim Lip Hua

Avik Chari

Wong Yi Wen

Orchestra Management

Chia Jit Min (Head)

Peck Xin Hui

Kelvin Chua

Production Management

Noraihan Bte Nordin

Nazem Redzuan

Leong Shan Yi

Asyiq Iqmal

Ramayah Elango

Khairi Edzhairee

Khairul Nizam

Digital Production

Jan Soh

COMMUNITY IMPACT

Kok Tse Wei (Head)

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

Tang Ya Yun

Tan Sing Yee

Ridha Ridza

ABRSM

Patricia Yee

Lai Li-Yng

Joong Siow Chong

Freddie Loh

May Looi

William Teo

PATRONS

Development

Chelsea Zhao (Head)

Nikki Chuang

Sharmilah Banu

Digital and Marketing Communications

Cindy Lim (Head)

Chia Han-Leon

Calista Lee

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

CORPORATE SERVICES

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

Organisation Development

Lillian Yin

The mission of the Singapore Symphony Group is to create memorable shared experiences with music. Through the SSO and its affiliated per forming groups, we spread the love for music, nur ture talent and enrich our diverse communities. The Singapore Symphony Orchestra is a charity and not-for-profit organisation. You can suppor t us by donating at www.sso.org.sg/donate.

Stephen Riady Group of Foundations