Held in appreciation of donors, partners and supporters who have long championed SCO, this year’s gala moved beyond the traditional fundraising format and featured an engaging performance to mark SCO’s 30^th anniversary.

SINGAPORE, 6 September 2026 — The Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) held its 30^th Anniversary Gala Dinner & Concert on 6 September 2026 at the Grand Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, bringing together more than 300 donors, Friends of SCO (FSCO), partners and supporters for an evening, thanking them for three decades of support.

In line with the theme of “Looking Back, Giving Back” for the orchestra’s six-month anniversary season, this year’s gala dinner was held as a celebration of and appreciation for the donors, partners and supporters who have contributed to the orchestra’s journey over the past three decades. Guests attended by invitation, including donors, Friends of SCO (FSCO), partners and supporters.

The Guest-of-Honour was SCO’s Patron, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, joined by Minister of State for Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and Ministry of Transport Baey Yam Keng, alongside Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Mrs Goh.

In his message for the evening, SM Lee said that SCO had “played an important role in enriching Singapore’s cultural landscape” over the past three decades, pointing to its artistic excellence, innovation and community engagement.

“I wish to recognise and thank all the individuals and organisations whose vision, dedication and generosity have enabled SCO’s success. With their steadfast support, SCO has grown, innovated and thrived, enriching our cultural landscape and inspiring generations through its music,” added SM Lee. “I look forward to SCO continuing to inspire audiences, nurture talent, and strengthen community bonds through the power of music for many years to come.”

In his welcome address, SCO Board Chairman Ng Siew Quan tied the evening to SCO30’s theme of “Looking Back, Giving Back”. “As we look back, we honour the generations of

Board members, management, music directors, conductors, musicians, staff, donors, sponsors, partners and supporters whose vision, dedication and generosity have shaped SCO’s remarkable journey. Their unwavering belief in the power of music has enabled SCO to grow, innovate and inspire countless lives over the past three decades,” he said. “As we look ahead, we remain committed to nurturing talent, advancing Chinese orchestral music, strengthening community engagement, and creating meaningful musical experiences for future generations.”

The evening featured a specially curated concert led by Principal Conductor Quek Ling Kiong, showcasing a selection of Singapore-inspired works and audience favourites. Guests were also invited to participate in a musical segment, creating a shared performance experience that reflected the spirit of SCO’s 30^th anniversary celebrations.

A highlight of the evening was a special birthday tribute to SCO. Patron and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and members of the SCO Board of Directors officiated the cake-cutting ceremony, featuring a customised 82kg cake specially designed to look like a biangu, a traditional Chinese flat drum. The celebrations concluded on a festive note with a rousing finale by the orchestra.

.As a token of appreciation, SCO presented donors with a commemorative gong (堂锣), inspired by one of the Chinese orchestra’s most iconic instruments and symbolising the orchestra’s 30-year journey. The commemorative gong was sponsored by Shanghai No. 1 National Musical Instruments Factory Co., Ltd. Guests also received a Little Treble Makers plushie and Treble Boost keycap as a keepsake of the evening.

SCO extends its heartfelt appreciation to its donors, Friends of SCO (FSCO), partners and supporters for their continued generosity and belief in the orchestra. Their support enables SCO to fulfil its mission of being a world-renowned Chinese orchestra with a uniquely Singaporean character.

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Minister of State for Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and Ministry of Transport, Mr Baey Yam Keng, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Mrs Goh, in a group picture with the SCO Board of Directors

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong arriving at the Grand Ballroom as musicians from SCO welcome him with grand fanfare.

SCO Board Chairman, Mr Ng Siew Quan, delivering his welcome remarks.

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong was all smiles at SCO’s 30th anniversary gala dinner, sharing in the joy of the celebrations.

Guests clicking SCO30-exclusive Treble Boost keycaps during the audience-engagement segment.

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong strikes the commemorative gong, conveying his well wishes to SCO.

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and SCO Board of Directors cutting the anniversary cake to a performance of “Happy Birthday，SCO!”.

SCO performing for guests at the 30th Anniversary Gala Dinner & Concert.