Singapore, 5 October 2014 (Sunday) – The Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) held its Fundraising Gala Dinner and Concert, titled Our Music Our Passion, on 4 October 2014, at the Ritz-Carlton Millenia Hotel. SCO has successfully raised $1,046,500 and all proceeds will go into the development and to fund the operating cost of the SCO. The event was graced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his wife, and many prominent Singaporean leaders and friends of the Orchestra.
SCO Patron, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, pen his message on this important occasion, “SCO is a jewel in Singapore’s cultural scene. It has developed its own style and identity, melding traditional and modern Chinese culture, and Singapore’s unique Chinese culture. SCO could not have achieved this without the generous support from individuals, the community, foundations and corporations. I thank them all.”
SCO board Chairman, Mr Patrick Lee expressed his appreciation, “The progress and achievements of the SCO could not be attained without the unfailing support and friendship of our donors, supporters and regular concert goers. I am confident that with their support and encouragement, SCO will continue to inspire Singapore and the world with our music.”
Contributions have been received from a wide group of donors, ranging from corporate sponsors to individual supporters, including Lee Foundation, Breadtalk Group Limited, Asia Industrial Development Pte Ltd and more. The fundraising event was filled with appreciation of great food and performances. 51 tables of guests enjoyed a five-course Chinese fusion dinner while under the baton of Music Director Tsung Yeh, Resident Conductor Quek Ling Kiong and Assistant Conductor Moses Gay with great music including Nanyang piece – A Stroll in the Lion City and uniquely SCO’s East-meets-West pieces – Strike Up the Band and Horse and Buggy. SCO’s young erhu musicians – Zhou Ruo Yu, Tan Man Man, Hsieh I-chieh, Yuan Qi and Qin Zi Jing performed Melodies of Yangzhou and Flight of the Bumblebee while sheng musician Zhong Zhi Yue, guan musician Han Lei and ruan musician Han Ying presented Grassland Fantasia – a piece originated from a famous Mongolia folk song. The concert also featured Singapore Youth Chinese Orchestra member, Megan Tan, performed the 3rd movement of ruan concerto Reminiscences of Yunnan, showcasing the spirit of “Chinese orchestra music succession”.
To express the appreciation to all the donors and sponsors, Mrs Goh Chok Tong serenaded the guests with four golden tunes – An Old Song, La Promessa, That’s meand A Glass of Fine Wine, piano accompaniment by Tsung Yeh.
SCO has achieved tremendous rave reviews from 28 June 2014’s Our People Our Music 2014’s mega concert at the National Stadium. At the Gala Dinner and Concert, Singapore Book of Records presented 3 awards to SCO for the Largest Erhu Ensemble of 949 performers, the Largest Percussion Ensemble of 4,557 performers and the Largest Chinese Orchestra Performance of 3,345 performers.
SCO would like to express their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to donors and sponsors who have helped to make the fundraising event a success. Funds raised through this event would help the SCO to fulfill its vision of being a world renowned Chinese orchestra with a uniquely Singaporean character, to inspire Singapore and the world with its music and to promote the appreciation of Chinese orchestra music and achieve greater artistic excellence in its performances.
SCO Board Chairman, Patrick Lee, presents token of appreciation to PM Lee
51 tables of guests enjoyed a five-course Chinese fusion dinner with great music
Mr Ong Eng Huat (right) of the Singapore Book of Records (SBOR) presents 3 SBOR awards to SCO.
middle: SCO Chairman, Mr Patrick Lee
left: Our People Our Music 2014 Taskforce Chairman, Mr Patrick Goh
To express the appreciation to all the donors and sponsors, Mrs Goh Chok Dong serenaded the guests with four golden tunes
Singapore Youth Chinese Orchestra member, Megan Tan, performed the 3rd movement of ruan concerto Reminiscences of Yunnan
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