Singapore Chinese Orchestra raised S$1,226,000 Fundraising Gala Dinner and Concert 2025: A Tribute to SG60

Singapore, 22 September 2025 (Monday) – The Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) successfully held its annual Fundraising Gala Dinner and Concert on 21 September 2025 at the Grand Ballroom of The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore. Themed “A Tribute to SG60”, the evening paid homage to Singapore’s 60th year of independence through music, unity, and celebration.

SCO’s Patron, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong attended the occasion as Guest-of-Honour. The event was also attended by Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Mrs Goh, Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Transport, Mr Baey Yam Keng, alongside 435 distinguished leaders from the arts and business communities, long-time supporters, and patrons of the SCO.

Through this event, SCO raised a total of S$1,226,000. All proceeds will go towards the development and operating costs of the Orchestra, of which S$1,226,000 will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Cultural Matching Fund (CMF) from the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY). As a non-profit organisation and an Institute of Public Character (IPC), SCO relies on grants and the generous support of individuals and organisations to sustain its mission and grow its artistic reach.

In a message for the SCO Souvenir Programme, Senior Minister Lee noted that,

“This year, Singapore celebrates 60 years of independence, and the journey that has shaped our nation – one built on resilience, unity, and a shared commitment to progress.”

“The Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO), our national Chinese orchestra, has played a vital role in this journey, enhancing our cultural landscape and strengthening our social fabric. Over the years, through its dedication to excellence and efforts to promote Chinese orchestral music locally and abroad, the SCO has connected communities and enriched our cultural heritage.”

Echoing this sentiment, fundraising committee chairperson Mrs Goh Chok Tong expressed her appreciation ：
“As we gather under the theme of celebrating our nation’s building journey andremembering our heritage, let us be reminded of the power of music to unite, inspire, and uplift.”

As a token of appreciation for our generous donors and supporting organisations, SCO specially commissioned a commemorative Merlion Gaohu, which was presented by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The keepsake was sponsored by Shanghai No. 1 National Musical Instrument Co. Ltd (上海民族乐器一厂). SCO also took this special evening to present tokens of appreciation to retiring Board of Directors for their dedication and contributions. They are Deputy Chairman Mr Wu Hsioh Kwang, Board Members Mr Chan Kok Hua, A/P Chan Tze Law, A/P Eugene Dairianathan, Mdm Heng Boey Hong, Mr Ho Tong Yen and Mr Jeya Poh Wan Suppiah.

The concert featured a vibrant programme that reflected the evening’s theme of national pride and cultural harmony. It opened with Celebratory Overture by composer Li Bochan , a rousing and lyrical piece that captured the spirit of unity, hope, and Singapore’s collective drive toward the future.

This was followed by a cross-cultural work, The Silent Strings, performed by SCO pipa principal Yu Jia on the sitar, together with SCO musician Wang Siyuan on the gaoyin pipa and tabla percussionist Joe Jayaveeran. The piece beautifully wove together Chinese and Indian instrumental timbres, reflecting the vibrancy and diversity of Singapore’s multicultural.

Next, the orchestra presented the third movement of Legend of the Merlion, Mvt 3: Nanyang’s Affection, featuring SCO Concertmaster/Section Leader (Strings) Li Baoshun on gaohu. The work evoked Singapore’s early years, painting scenes of resilience and nation-building through heartfelt melodies and flowing lyricism.

Another highlight was Spirit of Enterprise, composed by SCO Composer-in-Residence Wang Chenwei in 2024 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Fusing traditional Chinese music with symphonic expression, the piece symbolised the continued partnership between culture and enterprise.

The evening concluded with Di Tanjong Katong & Iyarkaiyin Kaatchi, a spirited and festive finale that brought the house to life, drawing thunderous applause and leaving a lasting impression.

SCO extends its heartfelt thanks to all individuals and organisations who generously supported this year’s fundraising gala. All funds raised would help the SCO fulfil its vision of being a world-renowned Chinese Orchestra with a uniquely Singaporean character, and to inspire both Singapore and the world with its music.

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong (Centre), Emeritus Senior Minister Mr Goh Chok Tong and Mrs Goh (Third and Fourth from right) in a group picture with the SCO Board of Directors and management.