Singapore, 19 January 2017 (Thursday) – The Singapore Youth Chinese Orchestra (SYCO) will be known as the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra (SNYCO) from 2017. With this new identity, SNYCO will see a renewed approach in efforts to promote its status as the only national youth Chinese orchestra and to advocate the appreciation of Chinese music in Singapore. SNYCO has more than 85 members between the ages of 11 to 26 and is recognized by the Ministry of Education under the National Project of Excellence (NPOE).
The SNYCO embraces a new vision, mission and five pillars of values:
Vision
To establish SNYCO as the leading youth Chinese orchestra in Singapore and internationally, recognised for its artistic excellence and rich Singapore heritage.
Mission
To inspire, nurture and develop our youth into exemplary music advocates to serve the community.
Values
Sincere attitude towards music making
Nurturing resilience
Yearning for creativity
Compassion for diversity of life
Optimising full potential towards excellent performance
SNYCO will also embrace a refreshed logo:
The new logo upholds the spirit and identity of its parent company – Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) – with a tinge of vibrancy. The “y” in the logo is emphasised to bring attention to the word “youth”. The letter “y” is designed in a bouncy and strong brushstroke to illustrate the vibrancy, determination and sophistication of the youth orchestra and its members. The “y” in lower caps symbolises youthfulness. Bright neon colours applied on “y” present SNYCO as a contemporary and innovative orchestra, against the contrasted grey circle which represents maturity and a solid foundation.
SNYCO is under the music directorship of Quek Ling Kiong with Tsung Yeh as the advisor and Moses Gay as the conductor. SNYCO members will be provided with more international exposure opportunities to go for Overseas Music Immersion Programme (OMIP) and overseas music camp. Each year, one outstanding SNYCO member will be selected to attend programmes at overseas music conservatories to gain an international perspective on music learning. In 2016, SNYCO percussionist Lim Rei was selected to attend lessons at the Central Conservatory of Music. In addition, SNYCO will also perform at more community concerts. SNYCO members will also get to attend masterclasses and workshops conducted by renowned musicians and conductors.
Since the youth orchestra’s debut concert in 2004, SNYCO members have performed at various local and overseas concerts. In 2013, SNYCO was invited to perform at the Taiwan Hsinchu Chinese Music Festival. SNYCO was also invited to perform at the Tainan International Qixi Art Festival in July 2006. The high standard of SNYCO is proven through its sell-out concerts such as the combined concert with Singapore National Youth Orchestra (SNYO) in SYCO & SNYO Concert: Symphonic Gifts. In addition, SNYCO has performed in SYCO Chamber Recital Concert and Beautiful Sunday in 2007 as well as the Singapore Night Festival in 2015. In 2016, SNYCO performed at the Chinese Cultural Centre in A Moment We Share – Moonlight Charms concert.
In the recent National Chinese Music Competition (NCMC) 2016, SNYCO members produced a stellar performance by clinching 16 awards across 22 categories. The professional guidance and performance opportunities that members experienced being a part of SNYCO have inspired several members to turn their passion for music into their career. Several SNYCO alumni have become professional musicians in SCO such as suona associate principal Chang Le, ruan associate principal Lo Chai Xia and zhongruan musician Koh Min Hui as well as Dingyi Music Company Assistant Conductor Wong De Li Dedric and musicians including Kenny Chan, Eugene Toh and Yvonne Tay.
SNYCO is managed by the Singapore Chinese Orchestra Company Limited, and is under the purview of the National Arts Council and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth since 1 April 2015.
SNYCO concerts in 2017:
– Dauntless Spirit – SNYCO & SCO Annual Concert
18 March 2017, 7.30pm, Esplanade Concert Hall
– SNYCO Annual Concert
22 July 2017, 8pm, Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre Auditorium
Please contact Media Officers for more information, photographs and interviews.
Media Contacts
Toh Wei Lin
Executive (Marketing Communications)
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Koh Mui Leng
Assistant Manager (Marketing Communications)
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