SCO Image of the year: SCO performing outdoors in Shanghai's wintry freezing weather (10 Nov 7pm China Shanghai International Arts Festival (CSIAF) at Shanghai City Lawn Music Plaza). What a contrast to Singapore's sunny Music Oasis outings.
2023 began with an artistic leadership transition. On 1 January, Maestro Tsung Yeh, SCO's Music Director for past two decades, retired and he was re-designated as Conductor Emeritus. Quek Ling Kiong, since promoted to Principal Conductor, will head the artistic leadership of SCO for 3 seasons from 23/24 to 25/26, together with the Section Leaders and principal musicians from the Music Advisory Panel. In February, Ling Kiong conducted the Legends concert - his first as the Principal Conductor of SCO and presented 2 local premieres, each composed by Kong Zhixuan and Zhang Zhao. In April, Besancon awards winner Darrell Ang returned home to conduct the SCO in his maiden Chinese orchestra concert. In June, Maestro Tsung Yeh conducted For Our Dreams: Wang Chenwei‘s Composition Showcase, a concert that featured local premieres of our Composer-in-Residence and newly-minted Young Artist Award winner.
The 23/24 Season themed Affinity brought a series of riveting repertoire to our audiences. In September, season-opening concert Affinity featured Singapore premiere of Aleppo, a sanxian concerto by Composer-In-Residence Wang Chenwei. Chamber Charms: Night of Percussion kicks off a new series focusing on each of the 4 "吹拉弹打” winds, plucked-strings, bowed-strings and percussion section in the orchestra. SCO and SCCC jointly hosted the first Mid-Autumn Family FUN placemaking event to celebrate Mid-Autumn festival with families at our cultural hub in the heart of Shenton Way. In October, renowned huqin virtuoso George Gao performed a variety of works on the shaoqin, an instrument invented by Gao himself! We were also most delighted to see so many familiar faces, and heartened by the presence of new donors at SCO’s annual Fundraising Gala Dinner and Concert 2023 Strings Serenade. The unwavering support for sharing the beauty of Chinese orchestral music with Singapore and beyond, is the motivation for our mission.
As we aspire to be a world-renowned Chinese orchestra and people’s orchestra, SCO widens its outreach by performing regularly at various healthcare facilities, national parks, communities and schools with the Caring Series, Community Series, Music Oasis, and Lunchtime Series concerts. SCO stands alongside the nation for the past 20 years of Caring Series, bringing music to patients, caregivers, residents and medical workers in healthcare facilities. From 9-13 November, SCO showcased 3 concerts at the China Shanghai International Arts Festival (CSIAF). Similarly, SNYCO tours East Malaysia for the first time from 6-14 December. As an ideal capstone to the SNYCO 20th anniversary celebrations, this overseas exposure programme provides touring and cultural exchange experience for our budding musicians.
As we approach the festive holidays, SCO collaborated with Deutsche Bank to stage the ninth edition of the annual Dream Beyond concert featuring 6 student beneficiaries. They showcased their talent and newfound confidence in this inclusive music-making journey and shared musical joy, blessed harmonies for the yuletide holiday. Get into the festive spirit of Lunar New Year in January 2024 with Drum Feng and Taman Jurong CC Juboon Dragon & Lion Dance Troupe at the Rhapsodies of Spring 2024. Also, look forward to upcoming maestros Xu Zhijun, Qu Chunquan, Shao En, renowned vocalist Chyi Yu and popular performers of Liang Wern Fook's most well-known compositions at our 2024 concerts.
Join us and light up 2024 with joyous music! Happy Holidays!