Singapore, 16 September 2024 (Monday), 1am – The Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) is delighted to share that our annual Fundraising Gala Dinner and Concert, titled “Joyous Reverberance”, was held successfully on September 15, 2024, at The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Hotel Singapore's Grand Ballroom.
SCO’s Patron, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, graced the event as the Guest-of-Honour, with the company of Mrs Lee. Through this event, SCO raised a total of $1,300,206, marking the highest amount raised since the COVID-19 pandemic. All proceeds will go into the development and operating cost of SCO, of which, $1,300,206 will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Cultural Matching Fund (CMF) from the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY). We have received donations from a total of 83 donors for this fundraising event, amongst whom 23 of them are new donors.
SCO’s annual fundraising gala dinner and concert is the most significant fundraising event for the national orchestra. As a non-profit organisation and an Institute of Public Character (IPC), SCO relies heavily on grants and donations from individuals and organisations for development and operations.
SCO’s Patron, Senior Minister Lee commended SCO for its pivotal role in reflecting Singapore's rich multiculturalism and strengthening social unity. “We can all take pride that SCO reflects our wider Singaporean society – diverse and multicultural, yet united and cohesive.” Chairperson of the fundraising committee, Mrs Goh Chok Tong expressed her gratitude for SCO's contributions to the development of Chinese culture in Singapore, “SCO continues to fulfil its role as the people’s orchestra and to make Singapore proud with its efforts to promote Chinese arts and culture, both locally and internationally.”
Each year, the concert programme and gala event is themed after different Chinese instrument, and this year, the spotlight is on percussion instruments - the Chinese drums or tanggu (堂鼓), sponsored by Shanghai No. 1 National Musical Instrument Co. Ltd (上海民族乐器一厂). The tanggu is one of the most important percussion instruments in modern folk ensembles and traditional opera music. Musicians achieve striking contrasts in volume and tone by striking the sides and center of the drum, controlling the intensity of their strikes. This not only highlights the drum's dynamic range but also brings out a variety of rhythmic patterns, showcasing the unique richness of Chinese orchestral music and creating a profound atmosphere.
Tonight's concert showcased a multi-cultural orchestral performance by SCO, featuring guest artists from diverse ethnic backgrounds to create a cross-cultural musical experience. The concert commenced with Power Singapura《动力狮城》, a piece collaboratively composed by Quek Ling Kiong and Phang Kok Jun, which was performed by over 4,500 drummers at the "Our People, Our Music" concert in 2014, setting both a Guinness World Record and a Singapore record. Under the leadership of Principal Conductor Quek Ling Kiong, the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, along with guest percussion groups Nadi Singapura and Swarhythm Singapore, delivered this emotionally charged and grandiose composition.The piece seamlessly blends Singapore’s multicultural percussion influences into a dynamic and cohesive performance. Starting with a powerful drum strike, the energy cascades like a Kallang wave, symbolizing Singapore's vibrant spirit and energy. The evening's next highlight featured percussionists Benjamin Boo and Derek Koh, who performed The New Millennium of the Dragon Year, Movement I: The Sun《龙年新世纪》 之第一乐章 《太阳》alongside with the orchestra. Symbolizing hope and strength, the sun inspired a series of passionate notes, expressing a longing for a bright future. The concert reached its peak with the world premiere of Percussive Jubilance《鼓乐融融》, a joyous composition by Chua Jon Lin, that incorporates tunes from various local cultures, close to the hearts of audience. This piece not only showcased the diversity of the percussion section but also masterfully utilized a variety of traditional percussion instruments and techniques used commonly in Singapore, creating a visual and auditory feast.
To express appreciation to all donors and sponsors, Fundraising chairperson Mrs Goh Chok Tong serenaded the crowd with the romantic Spring Dawn《春晓》, followed by Sérénade – Chantez, riez, dormez (Sing, Smile, Slumber)《小夜曲》 and the encore song The Moon Represents My Heart《月亮代表我的心》. The finale of the evening was Full Moon Blossoms《花好月圆》, a festive favorite celebrated for its vibrant and joyful melody. This piece closed the gala event on a high note, performed by SCO along with guest percussion groups Nadi Singapura and Swarhythm Singapore.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong (Centre), Mrs Goh Chok Tong (Fourth from right) in a group picture with the SCO Board of Directors and management.
Fundraising committee chairperson, Mrs Goh Chok Tong, addressing the guests with her speech
SCO Board Chairman, Mr Ng Siew Quan, addressing the guests with his speech
SCO Board Chairman presented Patron, Senior Minister Lee with a special tanggu as token of appreciation
Nadi Singapura and Swarhythm Singapore opening piece “Power Singapura”
The New Millennium of the Dragon Year, Movement I: The Sun
SCO Principal Conductor Quek Ling Kiong as lead percussionist for “Power Singapura”
Mrs Goh Chok Tong serenaded the guests with her singing
You may download more photos from:FRD 2024 PHOTOS
For more information, please contact the media officers below:
Media Contacts
June Teo
Head (Marketing Communications)
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Tel: 6557 4047 / 96167750
Lim Fen Ni
Head (Development & Partnerships)
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Tel: 6557 4045 / 9656 9219
Liu Xiaoxuan
Senior Marketing Executive (Marketing Communications)
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Tel: 6557 4020
Annex A: Bios
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