
Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra
The Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra (SNYCO) is a cornerstone of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra’s (SCO) education and talent development portfolio. As a National Project of Excellence under the Ministry of Education and managed by SCO, SNYCO plays a pivotal role in nurturing young talents and shaping the future of Singapore’s Chinese music scene. Since its inception in 2004, SNYCO has cultivated over 600 young musicians, many of whom have gone on to pursue music professionally or contribute actively to the arts ecosystem.
Quek Ling Kiong
Quek Ling Kiong is the first Principal Conductor of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) to have been born and bred…
Crafting educational experiences
SNYCO represents SCO’s long-term commitment to excellence in arts education and youth development. Many of SNYCO’s tutors are SCO musicians, creating a direct mentorship bridge between young performers and seasoned professionals. Through regular rehearsals, masterclasses, chamber music, and solo opportunities, SNYCO offers its members a rigorous, well-rounded musical training aligned with professional standards.
Bridging Cultural Borders
In addition to its national role, SNYCO has earned a premier position internationally. The orchestra has been invited to perform at major overseas festivals including the ASEAN Youth Ensemble, the Taiwan Hsinchu Chinese Music Festival, and the Macao International Youth Music Festival. In 2023, SNYCO embarked on a concert tour to East Malaysia, presenting full-length performances in Sabah and Sarawak, and collaborating with nine local orchestras as part of the Sabah Ethnic Music Festival. These cultural exchanges allow SNYCO members to serve as youth ambassadors, representing Singapore’s vibrant Chinese music scene on the global stage.
Fostering future musicians
Through SNYCO, SCO ensures a strong and sustainable pipeline of culturally grounded, technically skilled young musicians. The orchestra not only extends SCO’s artistic vision to the next generation, but also affirms SCO’s role as a leader in Chinese orchestral music education, outreach and innovation—both in Singapore and beyond.