The President’s Performers

The President’s Performers

By Haslina Hassan

Oct 2019

Chloe Chua performing at the Istana's 150th Anniversary celebrations

Across two weekends, the SSO had the opportunity of performing two special concerts for the President, both at the Istana and Victoria Concert Hall, Home of the SSO — with local compositions and young Singaporean musicians.

SSO ISTANA 150 COMMEMORATIVE EVENT

On 6 October, the SSO performed on the Istana grounds as part of the Istana’s 150th Anniversary celebrations. The 45-minute concert included performances by Singaporean musicians Kevin Loh and Chloe Chua.

The celebrations were sponsored by DBS Bank and proceeds were donated to charities supported by the President’s Challenge.

Here’s a snapshot of what went down on the Istana Lawn.

The Singapore Symphony Orchestra performed at the Istana 150 Commemorative Event. As the finale to a year-long anniversary celebration, the Istana grounds were opened to members of public for the first time at night, on 6 October 2019. All proceeds of the ticketed event were donated to the President’s Challenge.   
© Chrisspics photography

Conducted by Joshua Tan, the night’s programme included Kreisler’s *Tambourin Chinois*, Hong Hin Fun’s *Vanda Miss Joaquim* Kelly Tang’s *Symph Suite on a Set of Local Tunes. *
The Singapore Symphony Orchestra performed at the Istana 150 Commemorative Event. As the finale to a year-long anniversary celebration, the Istana grounds were opened to members of public for the first time at night, on 6 October 2019. All proceeds of the ticketed event were donated to the President’s Challenge. © Chrisspics photography Conducted by Joshua Tan, the night’s programme included Kreisler’s *Tambourin Chinois*, Hong Hin Fun’s *Vanda Miss Joaquim* Kelly Tang’s *Symph Suite on a Set of Local Tunes. *
Conducted by Joshua Tan, the night’s programme included Kreisler’s Tambourin Chinois, Hong Hin Fun’s Vanda Miss Joaquim and Kelly Tang’s Symph Suite on a Set of Local Tunes. The SSO were also joined by two local rising stars.   
© Chrisspics photography
Conducted by Joshua Tan, the night’s programme included Kreisler’s Tambourin Chinois, Hong Hin Fun’s Vanda Miss Joaquim and Kelly Tang’s Symph Suite on a Set of Local Tunes. The SSO were also joined by two local rising stars. © Chrisspics photography
Kevin Loh performed Concerto for Guitar No.1 in D: III. and Introduction & Fandango.   
© Chrisspics photography

Kevin Loh performed *Concerto for Guitar No.1 in D: III.* and *Introduction & Fandango*.
Kevin Loh performed Concerto for Guitar No.1 in D: III. and Introduction & Fandango. © Chrisspics photography Kevin Loh performed *Concerto for Guitar No.1 in D: III.* and *Introduction & Fandango*.
Chloe Chua delivered Massenet’s Meditation from Thaïs with the SSO.   
© Chrisspics photography

Chloe Chua delivered Massenet’s *Meditation from Thaïs* with the SSO.
Chloe Chua delivered Massenet’s Meditation from Thaïs with the SSO. © Chrisspics photography Chloe Chua delivered Massenet’s *Meditation from Thaïs* with the SSO.
It was an evening thoroughly enjoyed by audience.    
© Chrisspics photography
It was an evening thoroughly enjoyed by audience. © Chrisspics photography

On 27 September, President of Singapore Madam Halimah Yacob graced the SSO President’s Young Performers (PYP) Concert at the Victoria Concert Hall. The annual concert, established to showcase young talented local musicians and give them a chance to share the stage with our national orchestra.

This year’s concert featured guitarist Kevin Loh.

President's Young Performer Kevin Loh with President Halimah Yacob. The President’s Young Performers Concert began in 2001 and has grown into a major platform to showcase Singapore’s young and promising musical talents, many of whom have gone on to pursue successful careers in music, both locally and overseas.
President's Young Performer Kevin Loh with President Halimah Yacob. The President’s Young Performers Concert began in 2001 and has grown into a major platform to showcase Singapore’s young and promising musical talents, many of whom have gone on to pursue successful careers in music, both locally and overseas.
Youths from Beyond Awesome were invited to the concert as guests. Complimentary and subsidised tickets are a way for the SSO to spread the love for music and reach out to diverse communities.
Youths from Beyond Awesome were invited to the concert as guests. Complimentary and subsidised tickets are a way for the SSO to spread the love for music and reach out to diverse communities.
Students from Bukit Panjang Primary School (pictured here with President Halimah) also attended the concert with complimentary tickets from the SSO. These are made possible through the generous support of donors like Swire, Santa Lucia and Keppel Corporation.
Students from Bukit Panjang Primary School (pictured here with President Halimah) also attended the concert with complimentary tickets from the SSO. These are made possible through the generous support of donors like Swire, Santa Lucia and Keppel Corporation.
The students were thrilled to meet President Halimah at the concert. They got to chat with President Halimah and Kevin Loh.
The students were thrilled to meet President Halimah at the concert. They got to chat with President Halimah and Kevin Loh.
President Halimah met with Kevin’s family, the SSO team, and guests Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister, and Baey Yam Keng, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth.
President Halimah met with Kevin’s family, the SSO team, and guests Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister, and Baey Yam Keng, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth.

For more pictures of the event, click here.

To read a review of the President’s Young Performers Concert, click here

If you are a musician raring to take the stage with the SSO, we have news for you!

The Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) will be conducting open auditions for its “President’s Young Performers” concert. Successful candidates get to perform as soloist in a concerto with the SSO at the Victoria Concert Hall in 2020 (date to be announced).

Applicants are invited to send in their application by 31 December 2019.

For more details on the auditions, click here

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