SSOOPENHOUSE2025
Singapore National Youth Sinfonia in Concert: Folklore
Sat 31 May 2025, 11am
Victoria Concert Hall
SNYS in Concert: Folklore
Singapore National Youth Sinfonia
Seow Yibin Associate Conductor
Joyce Lee Tung soprano*
BRAHMS 10 mins Academic Festival Overture
GRIEG 15 mins Peer Gynt Suite No. 1
STRAUSS
Morgen!* 3 mins
KODÁLY
Dances of Galánta 16 mins
Concert duration: 1 hr (with no intermission)
Photos, video and audio recording are strictly not allowed when artistes are performing. These are allowed during bows and applause.
The Singapore National Youth Sinfonia was formed from the rich heritage of the Singapore National Youth Orchestra (SNYO). Under the guidance of the Singapore Symphony Group (SSG), the orchestra was transformed, and the ensemble emerged as the Youth Sinfonia in 2016.
The SNYS consists of over 80 members aged 10 to 18 from more than 50 schools across Singapore, guided by professional musicians in rehearsals, sectionals, and masterclasses Recognised by the Ministry of Education as a National Project of Excellence, members of the SNYO have their participation in the orchestra recognised as a Co-Curricular Activity and is led by SNYO’s Associate Conductor, Mr Seow Yibin.
The SNYS actively engages in educational outreach initiatives to inspire the next generation of musicians through outreach concerts, and is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of musical talent, providing aspiring young musicians with a platform to hone their skills and express their creativity
This event is part of the SSO Open House, organised by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.
The Orchestra
Seow Yibin
Associate Conductor
First Violin
Kaden Khew CONCERTMASTER
Shannon Ong CONCERTMASTER
Giselle Ang
Cathy Chen
Phoebe Hamdani
Josephine In
Elliot Lim
Kate Lim
Alyssa Low
Ng Rui-Yi
Jonathan Tan
LeeAnn Tan
Stella Tan
Xia Ruoting
Second Violin
Matthew Chiu
Kylie Fong
Audrey Foo
Sophie Gu
Hwang Taehyun
Rebecca Oh
Charlotte Ong
Quek Chong En
Anastasha
Suchin
Rhy-Anne Tan
Viola
Cai Liang
Keira Chen
Chen Yuchen
Kobe Wei
Xu Hongmao
Zhang Yunhao
*Guest musician
Cello
Grace Chee
Daryl Heng
Hou Jiayi
Ji Yuanjun
Li Peilin
Keefe Toh
Natalie Yong
Zhu Jun Xi
Double Bass
Cao Junwei
Ryan Sam
Tay Si En
Joleigh Tjhin
Felix Zhang
Zhang Xin
Ian Lee
Yoki Leung
Chloe Tan
Tay Yu Jin
Grace Zhang Flute
Kirby Ching
Yoki Leung
Grace Zhang Piccolo
Horn
Okkar Aung
Evan Gwee
Leon Kwon
Gabriel Miguel
Aloysius Sin
Trumpet
Basil Lai
Kiriel Lim
Khayri Rayyan
Joshua Woodhead
Trombone
Matthew Chen
Katherine Gao
Linus Ng
Ariel Tan Oboe
Clarinet
Carrie Chai
Carson Rafiuly
Javan Tsang
Xiong Haoxuan
Bassoon
Dana Cervantes
Aurum Chen
Claire Goh
Contrabassoon
Zhao Ying Xue*
Avidan Koh
Davina Long
Noah Tan
Bass Trombone
Isabelle Lee
Tuba
Warren Chang
Edarius Latif
Timpani
Sean Ling
Alon Simmons
Percussion
Kanushi Ghuwalewala
Sean Ling
Piriya Phornpiriya
Alon Simons
Harp
Jerielle Kok
Programme Notes
BRAHMS Academic Festival Overture
Johannes Brahms was a composer whose music combined profound depth, wit and vitality. Known for his mastery of symphonic form and rich, expressive melodies, Brahms’ works often reflect his inner complexity. Despite his serious outward appearance, he had a playful side, frequently hiding little musical jokes and references in his compositions. In 1880, when the University of Breslau awarded him an honorary doctorate, Brahms responded with a spirited overture that broke away from tradition.
The Academic Festival Overture opens with a bold fanfare from the brass, setting the tone for an exuberant celebration Woodwinds and strings exchange playful, spirited melodies, while the brass lead with noble themes. As the overture builds, Brahms blends the contrasting moods of dignity and joy, culminating in the jubilant final chorus of “Gaudeamus igitur”. The Academic Festival Overture is a fitting tribute to academic achievement, full of youthful exuberance. To me, the name reflects the image, the tediousness of academia, the explosive burst of excitement when knowledge is attained, and the simple celebration of learning!
Written by Audrey Foo (violin)
GRIEG Peer Gynt Suite No.1
In 1874, Edvard Grieg was commissioned by playwright Henrik Ibsen to compose music for his dramatic poem Peer Gynt, which follows the adventures of it’s main character, Peer.
The music became one of the most famous orchestral suites ever written, with its memorable melodies still heard today in films, television, and commercials
Morning Mood begins with a tune on flute and oboe alternating before sweeping strings take over. It depicts a beautiful sunrise over a landscape of mountains and fjords. Clarinets trill and woodwinds suggest birdsong, set against french horns while the theme is taken up by several other instruments in turn. Finally, orchestral tutti brings this movement to a glorious close
The Death of Åse is an emotional movement written for (mostly) muted strings only. Peer, who is now an outlaw, risks capture to visit his ailing mother in a hut. The heart-rending theme is played thrice, each time at a higher pitch and crescendo. Finally the music fades away as Ase passes away.
Onward to North Africa where Anitra’s Dance is performed by the daughter of a Bedouin Chief. Our hero is charmed but later left high and dry in the desert after she robs him of all that he has. This rhythmic movement features use of pizzicato strings and also a tinkling triangle.
Perhaps the best-known work in the suite can be found In the Hall of the Mountain King Muted brasses begin, soon followed by bassoons and cellos with the theme which is to be repeated 18 times There is much suspense and a steady rise of tension as the music is worked up to a frenzy while Peer is chased through the caves relentlessly by the hideous trolls!
Written by Anastasha Suchin (violin)
STRAUSS Morgen! from Vier Lieder
Morgen! (Tomorrow) is one of the four songs from Richard Strauss’s “Vier Lieder”, Op. 27, which was composed in 1894 as a wedding gift to his wife, Pauline de Ahna
This serene lyrical song is a set to a poem by the German author John Henry Mackay, expressing a hopeful vision of love and the promise of tomorrow.
Morgen! begins with a gentle orchestral introduction, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and longing, which is beantifully enhanced when the voice enters The music unfolds with elegance, culminating in a peaceful resolution as the singer and orchestra convey the promise of a shared future
Translation of Mackay’s poem
And tomorrow the sun will shine again, and on the path that I shall take, it will unite us again, the happy ones, upon this sun-breathing earth
…and to the shore, broad, blue-waved, we shall quietly and slowly descend, speechless we shall gaze into each other’s eyes, and the silence of bliss will fall upon us.
Written by Cathy Chen (violin)
KODÁLY Dances of Galánta
Zoltán Kodály composed Dances of Galánta to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Budapest Philharmonic Society It consists of five movements, each showcasing different styles of Hungarian folk music
The music opens with a strong and sudden cello section that quickly fades to nothing. It is then chased by the fast and lively notes played by the strings. The horn, oboe, and flute join in, leading up to the first dance, Lento, featuring a grand entry of the solo clarinet as the star. The second dance, Allegro moderato, is more rhythmic and playful, spotlighting a solo flute
The third dance, Allegro con moto grazioso, begins with a light and nimble oboe, while the woodwinds and percussion create a magical atmosphere. The fourth dance, Allegro, is energetic and builds up with the violins leading to an exciting climax. The final dance, Allegro vivace, is lively and fun, closing the piece with a joyful and powerful finish.
Written by Rebecca Oh (violin)
SNYO Pre-Tour Concert
Sat 7 Jun 2025, 7.30pm
Esplanade Concert Hall
Tickets from $18 available at SSO ORG SG/SNYO
Another extraordinary performance proudly presented by SNYO
Check out other programme at the SSO Open House:
Spatial Sounds
Experience a futuristic and otherworldly soundscape with Chris Ang and his Theremin, the only musical instrument in the world played entirely without physical touch.
11.30am & 12:30pm / Dance Studio (Level 3) / $15
Make Some Noise!
Uncover the secrets of cinematic sound in this immersive and interactive Foley workshop! Guided by our artist, get hands-on experiences with the art of foley.
2pm / Dance Studio (Level 3) / $25
Chamber Music
An auditory journey to connect with your emotions through familiar melodies and light classical favourites performed by an SSO string quartet, companied with acting presented by performer Chloe Shyan.
3pm / Victoria Concert Hall / $20
Interested? Get your tickets online at: sso.org.sg/sso-open-house or in-person at the SSO Ticketing Counter (Level 1).
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