SINGAPORE SYMPHONY APPOINTS HANS SØRENSEN AS DIRECTOR OF ARTISTIC PLANNING

The Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) has appointed Hans Sørensen to its newly created position of Director of Artistic Planning. Sørensen was most recently Artistic Planner and Orchestra Manager for the Göteborgs Symfoniker (the National Orchestra of Sweden).

Chng Hak-Peng, CEO of the Singapore Symphony Group (SSG), which manages the SSO, Singapore’s national orchestra, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Hans on board as one of the senior leaders in the Group. Hans will oversee the planning of SSO’s core programme, its education and community outreach events. He will also coordinate artistic plans for our other performing groups, including the Singapore National Youth Orchestra and Singapore Symphony Choruses, as well as curate the well-noted chamber music series at the Victoria Concert Hall, VCHPresents.

“Hans comes with a wealth of experience in programming with symphony orchestras, including close working relationships with international artistes and their managers, a deep knowledge of the symphonic repertoire, and the use of technology to streamline the planning needed for multiple performing groups and venues. His appointment is part of the Group’s recent strategy to strengthen its arts management expertise.”

Throughout his career, Sørensen has worked with the Danish National Symphony Orchestra and Universal Music. He was a conductor and producer of film music, and music history lecturer at the European Film College and the Danish Film Institute. Sørensen plays the violin. On his appointment, Sørensen said:

“I’m excited to be working with the performing groups within the SSG. Not only is the SSO a top orchestra in the region, the audience in Singapore is also one of the youngest in the world for classical music. There is a rising demand for established international artistes, as well as a growing sophistication to appreciate upcoming artistes from the region and outside of it. I’m also very encouraged by the passion of the musicians and the administrative team, and look forward to showcasing the talent of our musicians and choirs.”

His new position covers part of former SSO Music Director Lan Shui’s artistic planning role. Shui stepped down at the end of January, after conducting the SSO for 22 years, and was given the honorary title of Conductor Laureate. The orchestra is currently on a global search for its Chief Conductor.