BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair
Mr Goh Yew Lin

Deputy Chair
Ms Yong Ying-I

Directors
Mr Ang Chek Meng
Mrs Odile Benjamin
Mr Chng Hak-Peng
Mr Lionel Choi
Mr Warren Fernandez
Prof Arnoud De Meyer
Mr Heinrich Grafe
Ms Liew Wei Li
Ms Lim Mei
Mr Sanjiv Misra
Mr Andreas Sohmen-Pao
Mr Paul Tan
Dr Kelly Tang
Mr Yee Chen Fah
S ING A P OR E S Y MP HON Y OR C HE S T R A
2019/20 CONCERT SEASON

Our Story / 04
Themes / 12
Concerts / 16
Community Concerts / 46
Our Donors / 48
Tickets & Packages / 60
Index / 70

Victoria Concert Hall: Home of the SSO
Esplanade Concert Hall: Performing Home of the SSO
Orchestra photography by Lertkiat Chongjirajitra.
The information in this publication is correct at press time but the SSO reserves the right
to change programmes or artists without prior notice.
 WELCOME TO THE 2019/20 SE ASON
Our place in the world
The Singapore Symphony Orchestra’s 2019/20 season
brings you both familiar and new music that help us
think about Singapore and our place in time and space.
The 200th anniversary of 1819 has heightened our
community’s sense of time in historical terms, and our
sense of space in geographical, cosmic, and cultural
terms.
Last season, we marked Singapore’s Bicentennial by
looking at music from the Age of Discovery, the period
of intensive European exploration that had a major
impact on our part of the world. In this second half of
2019, we reflect on the significance of Great Britain as
a point of origin and destination of travel throughout
history, in a set of concerts focused on British Journeys.
Our season opening concert highlights two European
composers inspired by their travels to London: Haydn
and Mozart. In October, we present British music from
Bax, Elgar, Vaughan Williams and Holst, and give a nod
to Scotland (homeland of William Farquhar, Singapore’s
first Resident and Commandant) with Bruch’s Scottish
Fantasy. For this pair of concerts, we team up with our
2019/20 Artist-in-Residence Rachel Barton Pine
under the batons of Principal Guest Conductor Andrew
Litton and Michał Nesterowicz.
Our sense of space is framed by our existence as a
global city. We look at the Voice of a City through music
inspired by and composed in the buzz of cosmopolitan
cities in history and in modern times. Masato Suzuki
shares the music of Bach, Schumann and Mendelssohn,
while Singaporean Kahchun Wong conducts the
music of Carl Reinecke and Sergei Rachmaninoff. All
five composers were inspired by the knowledge city
of Leipzig, a historical centre for law, publishing and
music. Paris, still a great global city of the arts today,
leads us to composers Berlioz, Saint-Saëns and Franck,
02
conducted by Andrew Litton. Finally, Hannu Lintu looks
at how New York City influenced composers Einojuhani
Rautavaaraa and Nico Muhly, and violist Nadia Sirota.
Our sense of space also takes on a cosmic dimension
when we explore the theme of Nature and the Universe.
Nature takes centrestage because we worry about
climate change. We bring you the pastoral works of
Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony and Bruckner’s Fourth
Symphony, as well as Tan Dun’s “The Tears of Nature”
percussion concerto performed by Martin Grubinger, and
Penderecki’s “Winterreise” horn concerto performed by
horn legend Radovan Vlatković. On 21 July 1969, Apollo
11 and Neil Armstrong became the first manned mission
to land on the moon. The SSO marks this world-changing
50th anniversary with a spectacular film: footage of the
moon, set to Ravel’s two Daphnis and Chloe suites, and
a second film about the aurora borealis. Subsequent
concerts present Holst’s The Planets and even Mozart’s
“Jupiter” Symphony.
Finally, the Bicentennial brings us back to our sense of
cultural space, which we explore from a few perspectives.
First, we look at the musical intersections between
Europe and Asia, such as the Javanese gamelan
motifs in Saint-Saëns’ “Egyptian” piano concerto and
representations of Turkish culture in Lully’s and Strauss’s
Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme. Second, we present music
by some of the most exciting Asian composers today,
including Zhao Lin, Zhou Tian, and Chen Qigang. Finally,
we present Singapore compositions and music, including
newly-commissioned works from Joyce Koh and Tony
Makarome, as well as Kelly Tang’s “Montage” performed
with Singaporean Jeremy Monteiro and his trio.
Aside from these themes, we continue to offer repertoire
for different audiences. For audience less familiar
with classical works, we shine a spotlight on great
composers like Beethoven, Haydn and Mozart. We also
contrast the 19th-century Romantic composer Robert
Schumann against his Russian contemporaries. For
explorers of new sounds, we perform contemporary
music within and outside our Red Balloon series.
Vocal music lovers can enjoy operatic arias from the
Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja, as well as Beethoven’s
Choral Fantasy and Faure’s magical choral works with
the Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir and the
Ladies of the Youth Choir under Stephen Layton.
We look forward to a season with exciting guest
conductors, starting with our Principal Guest Conductor
Andrew Litton, returning guests Thomas Dausgaard,
Vladimir Ashkenazy, Yu Long, Hannu Lintu and Hans
Graf, as well as new guests Krysztof Penderecki, Jessica
Cottis, Richard Tognetti, Mario Venzago and Shi-yeon
Sung. We welcome back soloists Tasmin Little, Leonidas
Kavakos, Akiko Suwanai, Steven Osborne and Wang
Jian, and look forward to the debuts of the Jussen
brothers, Seong-jin Cho, Martin Grubinger, Karl-Heinz
Schütz, and Wu Man, to name a few.
We hope you will join us to find inspiration and time
to reflect on yourself, Singapore, and the world this
season.

Chng Hak-Peng
Chief Executive Officer
Singapore Symphony Group
 OUR STORY

Orchestral playing at
the peak of refinement
and beauty
Fanfare

YE LIN Second Violin

 MICHAEL LOH
MICHAEL LOH Associate
Associate Principal
Principal Second
Second Violin
Violin

OUR STORY
Since its founding in 1979, the Singapore Symphony
Orchestra (SSO) has been Singapore’s flagship
orchestra, touching lives through classical music and
providing the heartbeat of the cultural scene in the
cosmopolitan city-state. In addition to its subscription
series concerts, the orchestra is well-loved for its
outdoor and community appearances, and its significant
role educating the young people of Singapore. The
SSO has also earned an international reputation for its
orchestral virtuosity, having garnered sterling reviews for
its overseas tours and many successful recordings.

The SSO makes its performing home at the 1,800-seat

state-of-the-art Esplanade Concert Hall. More intimate
works and all outreach and community performances
take place at the 673-seat Victoria Concert Hall, the
home of the SSO. The orchestra performs 100 concerts
a year, and its versatile repertoire spans all-time
favourites and orchestral masterpieces to exciting
cutting-edge premieres. Bridging the musical traditions
of East and West, Singaporean and Asian musicians NG PEI-SIAN Principal Cello

05
and composers are regularly showcased in the concert
season. This has been a core of the SSO's programming
philosophy from the very beginning under Choo Hoey,
who was Music Director from 1979 to 1996.

Under the Music Directorship of Lan Shui from 1997

to January 2019, the SSO has performed in Europe,
Asia and the United States. In May 2016 the SSO was
invited to perform at the Dresden Music Festival and
the Prague Spring International Music Festival. This
successful five-city tour of Germany and Prague also
included the SSO’s return to the Berlin Philharmonie
after six years. In 2014 the SSO’s debut at the 120th
BBC Proms in London received critical acclaim in the
major UK newspapers The Guardian and Telegraph. The
SSO has also performed in China on multiple occasions.

Notable SSO releases under BIS include a Rachmaninov

series, a “Seascapes” album, two Debussy discs “La
Mer” and “Jeux”, and the first-ever cycle of Tcherepnin’s
piano concertos and symphonies. The SSO has also
collaborated with such great artists as Lorin Maazel,
Charles Dutoit, Gennady Rozhdestvensky, Neeme Järvi,
Gustavo Dudamel, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Diana Damrau,
Martha Argerich, Lang Lang, Yo-Yo Ma, Janine Jansen,
Leonidas Kavakos and Gil Shaham.

The SSO is part of the Singapore Symphony Group,

which also manages the Singapore Symphony
Choruses, and the Singapore National Youth Orchestra.
The mission of the Group is to create memorable
shared experiences with music. Through the SSO and
its affiliated performing groups, we spread the love for
music, nurture talent, and enrich Singapore’s diverse
communities.

WANG DANDAN Viola

 JIN TA Principal Flute

OUR STORY

ZHANG SI JING Second Violin

CHRISTIAN SCHIØLER Principal Timpani

07
THE ORCHESTR A
JOSHUA TAN ANDREW LITTON CHOO HOEY LAN SHUI EUDENICE WONG LAI FOON
Associate Principal Guest Conductor Conductor PALARUAN Choirmaster
Conductor Conductor Emeritus Laureate Choral Director (Children & Youth)

FIRST VIOLIN SECOND VIOLIN

Lynnette Seah1 Co-Concertmaster Michael Loh Associate Principal
Kong Zhao Hui* Associate Concertmaster Hai-Won Kwok Fixed Chair
Chan Yoong-Han Fixed Chair Nikolai Koval*
Cao Can* Chikako Sasaki*
Chen Da Wei Margit Saur
Duan Yu Ling Shao Tao Tao
Foo Say Ming Wu Man Yun*
Gu Wen Li Xu Jue Yi*
Jin Li Ye Lin*
Cindy Lee Yeo Teow Meng
Karen Tan Yin Shu Zhan*
William Tan Zhang Si Jing*
Wei Zhe Zhao Tian*

VIOLA
Zhang Manchin Principal
Guan Qi Associate Principal
Gu Bing Jie* Fixed Chair
Marietta Ku
Luo Biao
Julia Park
Shui Bing
Janice Tsai
Wang Dandan
Yang Shi Li

09
CELLO FLUTE
Ng Pei-Sian Principal Jin Ta Principal
Yu Jing Associate Principal Evgueni Brokmiller Associate Principal
Guo Hao Fixed Chair Roberto Alvarez
Chan Wei Shing Miao Shanshan
Song Woon Teng
Wang Yan PICCOLO
Wang Zihao* Roberto Alvarez Assistant Principal
Wu Dai Dai
Zhao Yu Er OBOE
Rachel Walker Principal
DOUBLE BASS Pan Yun Associate Principal
Yang Zheng Yi Associate Principal Carolyn Hollier
Karen Yeo Fixed Chair Elaine Yeo
Olga Alexandrova
Jacek Mirucki COR ANGLAIS
Guennadi Mouzyka Elaine Yeo Associate Principal
Wang Xu
CLARINET
Ma Yue Principal
Li Xin Associate Principal
Liu Yoko
Tang Xiao Ping
BASS CLARINET BASS TROMBONE
Tang Xiao Ping Assistant Principal Wang Wei Assistant Principal

BASSOON TIMPANI
Wang Xiaoke Principal Christian Schiøler Principal
Liu Chang Associate Principal Jonathan Fox Associate Principal
Christoph Wichert
Zhao Ying Xue PERCUSSION
Jonathan Fox Principal
CONTRA BASSOON Mark Suter Associate Principal
Zhao Ying Xue Assistant Principal Lim Meng Keh
Zhu Zheng Yi
HORN
Han Chang Chou Principal HARP
Gao Jian Associate Principal Gulnara Mashurova Principal
Jamie Hersch Associate Principal
Marc-Antoine Robillard Associate Principal 1
Lynnette Seah performs on a J.B. Guadagnini of
Hoang Van Hoc Milan, c. 1750, donated by the National Arts Council,
Singapore, with the support of Far East Organization
TRUMPET and Lee Foundation.
Jon Paul Dante Principal * With deep appreciation to the Rin Collection for their
David Smith Associate Principal generous loan of string instruments
Lau Wen Rong Musicians listed alphabetically rotate their seats on a
Sergey Tyuteykin per programme basis.

TROMBONE
Allen Meek Principal
Damian Patti Associate Principal
Samuel Armstrong
 2019/20 SE ASON THEMES

British Journeys
We begin this season by reflecting on the bicentennial of modern Singapore,
which we marked in the previous season with music from the European Age
of Discovery. This season, we look at Great Britain and the sea-faring journeys
that started and ended there – from the works of European musicians who
were inspired by their travels to London and Scotland, to those of British
composers in the 19th to early 20th century writing about their travels and the
world around them.

STEVEN OSBORNE PLAYS MOZART

25 & 26 JULY 2019

SCOTTISH FANTASY • RACHEL BARTON PINE

26 OCTOBER 2019

ELGAR VIOLIN CONCERTO & ENIGMA VARIATIONS

1 NOVEMBER 2019

AKIKO SUWANAI PLAYS MOZART

28 & 29 NOVEMBER 2019

PHILIPPE QUINT • THE RED VIOLIN

5 MARCH 2020
 2019/20 SE ASON THEMES

Voice of A City
Our centuries of history give a country many things to reflect on. For us, we
look at how the arts – music specifically – is a vital influence in the formation
of a city’s cultural soul. In addition to the music of Singapore at our annual
National Day Concert, we explore music inspired by such great global cities
as Leipzig, Dresden, Rome, and Manhattan.

SSO NATIONAL DAY CONCERT

10 AUGUST 2019

MASATO SUZUKI – INSPIRED BY LEIPZIG

THEMES
6 SEPTEMBER 2019

KAHCHUN WONG & KARL-HEINZ SCHÜTZ

19 OCTOBER 2019

NADIA SIROTA • NICO MUHLY VIOLA CONCERTO

1 MAY 2020
 2019/20 SE ASON THEMES

Nature & The Universe

The urgency of climate change spurs us to know more about nature and our
world. The mysteries, profound logic and longing to connect with the greater
universe is the aspiration of all great cultures, and few mediums express the
indefinable like music does. Nature, space, the celestial, the divine, and even
magic – our appreciation of such phenomena is indistinguishable in many
ways from our appreciation of music.

RED BALLOON SERIES: MOONRISE AND AURORA

30 AUGUST 2019

CHORUS OF THE PLANETS

8 NOVEMBER 2019

THE JUSSEN BROTHERS PLAY MOZART

22 & 23 NOVEMBER 2019

SSO POPS: THE MUSIC OF STAR WARS

19 & 20 DECEMBER 2019

MARTIN GRUBINGER • THE TEARS OF NATURE

29 FEBRUARY 2020

RED BALLOON SERIES: PENDERECKI CONDUCTS PENDERECKI

8 MAY 2020

22
 CONCERT E X TR AS

Beyond the ticket: make the most out of your concert experience.
Come join us for our series of fringe events designed to help you enjoy the
music even more!

OPEN REHEARSALS
That amazing concert you just watched
is the result of several rehearsals and a
lot of hard work. Open rehearsals offer
a behind-the-scenes perspective of how
the conductor shapes every note and
phrase with the orchestra, and how the
individual sections come together as a
harmonious whole. Open to public.

CONCERT E X TR AS
PRE-CONCERT TALKS
Discover new insights into the music
you are about to hear in the concert
hall. Let our specialist speakers enrich
your experience in the world of classical
music. Pre-Concert Talks are held from
6.30pm to 7pm. Open to public.

AUTOGRAPH SESSIONS
Autograph sessions are arranged for
selected SSO concerts, to allow you
the opportunity to meet the performers
and offer your compliments. View our
schedule of autograph sessions on
www.sso.org.sg.

15
 “Steven Osborne’s power over
the hall was absolute… the
atmosphere was spellbound.”
RPS Instrumentalist of the Year 2013

25 & 26 JULY 2019

THU & FRI, 7.30PM | VICTORIA CONCERT HALL

SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT / BRITISH JOURNEYS

STEVEN OSBORNE
PLAYS MOZART
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN
The prolific and award-winning pianist Steven Osborne, “one of
Britain’s most treasured musicians”, plays Mozart’s charming
Piano Concerto No. 12, a standout work of lyrical peace and
effusive melody. We welcome back Maestro Carlos Kalmar
in our season-opener of vibrant classics, interspaced by the
heavenly invocation of American composer Aaron Jay Kernis’s
Musica celestis.

Rossini Overture to The Silken Ladder

Mozart Piano Concerto No. 12 in A major, K.414
Kernis Musica celestis
Haydn Symphony No. 98 in B-flat major

Carlos Kalmar, conductor

Steven Osborne, piano
© NANCY HOROWITZ

© BENJAMIN EALOVEGA

PRE-CONCERT TALK 6.30pm | VCH Music Studio

16
1 & 2 AUGUST 2019 10 AUGUST 2019
THU & FRI, 7.30PM | VICTORIA CONCERT HALL SAT, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL

SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT

KERSON LEONG VOICE OF A CITY

PLAYS SCHUMANN
SPIRIT OF THE VIOLIN
Just 22 and already taking the music world by
storm, Canadian violinist Kerson Leong’s fast-rising
career has seen him play in the world’s leading
venues, from Carnegie to Wigmore. He makes his
Singapore debut with one of Schumann’s final
compositions, the Violin Concerto – lost to the
music world for over 80 years, whose recovery was
shrouded in ghostly mysteries and intrigue.
SSO NATIONAL DAY CONCERT
THIS IS HOME, TRULY
Celebrate Singapore’s National Day in this all-
Singaporean showcase of homegrown musical flair.
The Singapore Symphony Orchestra joins forces
with the Singapore Symphony Chorus directed by
conductor Joshua Tan, for a jubilant evening of
familiar favourites and new inspirations. This is
home, truly, and our music will tell us so.

Haydn Joshua Tan, conductor

Symphony No. 88 in G major Jeremy Monteiro, piano
Tama Goh, drum
Schumann Christy Smith, bass
Violin Concerto in D minor Samuel Phua, saxophone

CONCERTS
Schubert Nawaz Mirajkar, tabla
Symphony No. 1 in D major, D.82 Akilesh VMS, mridangam
Joanna Dong, jazz vocalist
Hannu Lintu, conductor Singapore Symphony Chorus
Kerson Leong, violin

“Canada’s next great violinist”

Ludwig van Toronto on Kerson Leong
© BRUNO SCHLUMBERGER

© VEIKKO KÄHKÖNEN

PRE-CONCERT TALK
6.30pm | VCH Hospitality Suite (1 AUG)
6.30pm | VCH Music Studio (2 AUG)
 15 AUGUST 2019 30 AUGUST 2019
THU, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL FRI, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL

SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT

WANG JIAN • FLOWING SLEEVES

BRUSH. LIFT. REFLECT. DANCE.
Brush. Lift. Reflect. Dance. Words that infuse NATURE & THE UNIVERSE
Flowing Sleeves, an expressive cello concerto
inspired by Chinese operatic dance, written
by American-Chinese composer Zhou Tian in MOONRISE
AND AURORA
collaboration with renowned cellist Wang Jian. Up-
and-coming Australian-British conductor Jessica
Cottis directs this Singapore premiere, a new work
by Singaporean composer Joyce Koh as well as
Dvořák’s tuneful and optimistic Eighth Symphony. A FILM AND MUSIC
Joyce Koh
New work to be announced SSO COMMISSION EXPERIENCE
Zhou Tian
Wondrous is the bright, the moonrise, the northern
Cello Concerto “Flowing Sleeves”
light. Step into a marvellous conjunction of film
Dvořák and music to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the
Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88 Apollo moon-landing. Astronomer, experimental
photographer, science educator and visual artist
Jessica Cottis, conductor José Francisco Salgado, well-known for combining
Wang Jian, cello science and symphony, is our guest presenter in his
two films Moonrise and the Aurora Triptych. An awe-
“Cool, contained, super-articulate inspiring experience not to be missed.
and engaging”
The Herald on Jessica Cottis Robin Fountain, conductor
José Francisco Salgado, presenter
© XU BIN
© KAUPO KIKKAS

PRE-CONCERT TALK 6.30pm | library@esplanade PRE-CONCERT TALK 6.30pm | library@esplanade

18
Moonrise, a film by Jose Salgado
(with live music from Ravel’s

CONCERTS
Daphnis & Chloe)
Aurora Triptych, a 3-part film by
José Salgado (with live music by
John Estacio: Solaris, Borealis and
1 SEPTEMBER 2019
Wondrous Light)
SUN, 11AM & 2PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL

FAMILY CONCERT

PETER AND THE WOLF

IN HOLLYWOOD
Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood is a refreshing
retelling of the classic children’s musical tale by
Prokofiev, transported to modern-day Los Angeles
– and now at the Esplanade with a big screen! It
all begins when the wolf escapes from the zoo, in a
prequel unique to this version. Peter is soon swept
up in an exciting adventure involving a giant robot,
a whirlwind helicopter chase, and of course, the
hunt for the wolf!

Joshua Tan, conductor

This is a live orchestra concert presentation with film.

Recommended for ages 4 and above. No admission for infants-in-arms.
No admission without a ticket.
 6 SEPTEMBER 2019 13 SEPTEMBER 2019
FRI, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL FRI, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL

SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT / VOICE OF A CITY SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT

MASATO SUZUKI –
INSPIRED BY LEIPZIG STEPHEN HOUGH •
HATS OFF, GENTLEMEN!
A GENIUS EGYPTIAN PIANO
Eminent Japanese conductor-composer-
harpsichordist-organist Masato Suzuki leads a
CONCERTO
multi-composer programme, all linked to Leipzig,
great city of western classical music. Singapore- FRENCH
CONNECTIONS
based pianist Albert Tiu stars in not one but
two soloist showcases expounding Schumann’s
irrepressible Romantic spirit and Chopin’s
youthful poetry.
We welcome the return of a familiar friend of the
Bach (orch. Stokowski) SSO: the distinguished British pianist Stephen
Toccata & Fugue in D minor, BWV 565 Hough in Saint-Saëns’s picturesque Egyptian Piano
Concerto. This all-French programme directed by
Schumann SSO Principal Guest Conductor Andrew Litton also
Introduction & Allegro appassionato features a rare opportunity to hear one of the finest
for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 92 examples of symphonic tradition from the hands
Chopin of the French - the shimmering majesty of César
Variations on “Là ci darem la mano” Franck’s only symphony.

Bach (orch. Masato Suzuki) Berlioz

Wenn wir in hochsten Noten sein Roman Carnival Overture
Mendelssohn Saint-Saëns
Symphony No. 5, Op. 107 “Reformation” Piano Concerto No. 5 in F major, Op. 103 “Egyptian”

Masato Suzuki, conductor Franck

Albert Tiu, piano Symphony in D minor

Andrew Litton, conductor

© MARCO BORGGREVE

Stephen Hough, piano

PRE-CONCERT TALK 6.30pm | library@esplanade PRE-CONCERT TALK 6.30pm | library@esplanade

20
 27 SEPTEMBER 2019
FRI, 7.30PM | VICTORIA CONCERT HALL
“The most perfect piano
playing conceivable.”
The Guardian on Stephen Hough

PRESIDENT'S
YOUNG PERFORMERS CONCERT
SPANISH ROMANCE

CONCERTS
The young but already international award-winning
Singaporean guitarist Kevin Loh was talent-scouted
by The Yehudi Menuhin School via his YouTube
Channel when he was only 12 and subsequently
awarded a grant by The Rolling Stones to study
at the prestigious music school. Since then, his
extraordinary musicality has won him numerous
international accolades and invitations to perform
around the world. The PYPC 2019 presents Kevin
Loh in the guitar favourite, the Concerto de Aranjuez.

Mendelssohn
The Fair Melusina Overture, Op. 32
Rodrigo
Concerto de Aranjuez
Reger
Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Mozart, Op. 132

Joshua Tan, conductor

Kevin Loh, guitar
© SIM CANETTY-CLARKE
 Supported by 3 OCTOBER 2019
THU, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL

SSO GALA

In association with the Opening

of the 2019 Voilah! Festival
VLADIMIR ASHKENAZY
& GAUTIER CAPUÇON
ROMANTIC SPIRITS
The dark poetry of Schumann’s Manfred Overture, the
impassioned Cello Concerto and the fiery heart of Tchaikovsky’s
Fourth Symphony. The internationally celebrated master
conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy returns in an unmissable pairing
with the illustrious French cellist Gautier Capuçon in this
concert of arch-Romantic fervour.

Schumann Manfred Overture

Schumann Cello Concerto in A minor, Op. 129
Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36

Vladimir Ashkenazy, conductor

Gautier Capuçon, cello

“Among the constellation of

young cellists, Gautier Capuçon
shines brightly...”
The Telegraph
© KEITH SAUNDERS

© CATHERINE PLUCHART

PRE-CONCERT TALK 6.30pm | library@esplanade

22
11 & 12 OCTOBER 2019 19 OCTOBER 2019
FRI & SAT, 7.30PM | VICTORIA CONCERT HALL SAT, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL

SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT

© LAVENDER CHANG
FOLLOW THE LEADER •
RICHARD TOGNETTI
TUNES FULL OF STRINGS
Richard Tognetti is Artistic Director and Leader
of the superlative Australian Chamber Orchestra.
In this unique programme, he stars as both violin
soloist and conductor in a kaleidoscopic myriad

© ARMIN PLANKENSTEINER
of French inspirations which he has arranged for
solo violin and strings, before directing Mozart’s
magnificent Jupiter Symphony from the first chair.

Debussy (arr. Tognetti)

The Girl with the Flaxen Hair
SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT / VOICE OF A CITY
The Interrupted Serenade
Ravel (arr. Tognetti) KAHCHUN WONG &
Two Hebrew Melodies
KARL-HEINZ SCHÜTZ

CONCERTS
Ravel (arr. Grainger)
The Valley of Bells
HOPE AND REDEMPTION
Ravel (arr. Tognetti) The Vienna Philharmonic’s Principal Flute,
Blues and Perpetuum mobile, Karl-Heinz Schütz, is our remarkable soloist in
from Violin Sonata No. 2 in G major the beautiful Flute Concerto by 19th century
German composer Carl Reinecke. Singaporean
Mozart conductor Kahchun Wong continues to make great
Symphony No. 41 in C major, K.551 “Jupiter” strides internationally, as Chief Conductor of the
Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra in Germany, and
Richard Tognetti, lead violin debuting with such illustrious names as the Royal
Liverpool Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic
and St Petersburg Symphony Orchestras. Kahchun
returns to Singapore to conduct the glowing beauty
of Rachmaninoff’s grand Second Symphony.
© BEN SULLIVAN

Carl Reinecke
Flute Concerto in D major, Op. 283
Rachmaninoff
Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27

Kahchun Wong, conductor

Karl-Heinz Schütz, flute

OPEN REHEARSAL 19 OCT 2019, 10am-12.30pm

PRE-CONCERT TALK 6.30pm | VCH Music Studio PRE-CONCERT TALK 6.30pm | library@esplanade
26 OCTOBER 2019
SAT, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL

SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT / BRITISH JOURNEYS

SCOTTISH FANTASY •
RACHEL BARTON PINE
WINDSWEPT BEAUTY,
SUNSET NOSTALGIA
Gliding over forbearing seas, the swell of steadfast waves, myth
and monument withstanding time – and Tintagel rises from
the cliffs. This all-British programme of soul-stirring music
stars the versatile and inspiring violinist Rachel Barton Pine,
SSO's Artist-in-Residence in 2019/20, in the ever-popular
Scottish Fantasy by Bruch, concluding with the hushed and
heartfelt beauty of Vaughan Williams’ Fifth Symphony.

Bax
Tintagel
Bruch
Scottish Fantasy, Op. 46
Vaughan Williams
Symphony No. 5 in D major

Michał Nesterowicz, conductor

Rachel Barton Pine, violin ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
© LUKASZ RAJCHERT

PRE-CONCERT TALK 6.30pm | library@esplanade


R ACHEL BARTON PINE
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
We are delighted to collaborate with
Rachel Barton Pine in the 2019/20 season.
As part of her residency, Pine will also
share the stage with SSO musicians in
VCHPresents Excite!: Shredding with a
String Quartet on 27 October. Ticketing
details will be announced at a later date.
Pine will also give a talk in the YST Forum
Series on 29 October.
1 NOVEMBER 2019
FRI, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL
SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT / BRITISH JOURNEYS
ELGAR VIOLIN CONCERTO
& ENIGMA VARIATIONS
TO MY FRIENDS
PICTURED WITHIN
“Herein is enshrined the soul of…” is the mysterious
dedication inscribed in the score of Elgar’s
formidable Violin Concerto. The remarkable Rachel
Barton Pine tackles the great 20th century British
composer’s virtuoso showpiece. American maestro
Andrew Litton follows up with one of the crown
jewels of classical music, the Enigma Variations,
whose noble heart within lies the sublime “Nimrod”.
Elgar
Violin Concerto in B minor, Op. 61
Enigma Variations, Op. 36
CONCERTS
Andrew Litton, conductor
Rachel Barton Pine, violin ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
“An exciting, boundary-defying
performer – Pine displays a power
and confidence that puts her in the
top echelon.”
The Washington Post
Sponsored by
PRE-CONCERT TALK 6.30pm | library@esplanade
25
 8 NOVEMBER 2019
FRI, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL

SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT / NATURE & THE UNIVERSE

CHORUS OF THE PLANETS

HARMONIES OF THE UNIVERSE
A pre-cursor to his Ninth Symphony, Beethoven’s
sparkling 1808 Choral Fantasy for piano, vocal
soloists, chorus and orchestra is a poetic tribute
to the divine power of music. We are joined by
Malaysian piano wunderkind Tengku Irfan in this
sunlit gem. Ascend beyond the firmaments in
Holst’s universally loved classic, The Planets, an
awe-inspiring orchestral extravaganza that’s a
guaranteed eye-opening experience for any listener.

Barber Symphony No. 1 in One Movement

Beethoven Choral Fantasy for Piano, Chorus and
Orchestra, Op. 80
Holst The Planets, Op. 32

Andrew Litton, conductor

Tengku Irfan, piano
Ee Ping, soprano
Jessica Chen, soprano
Rebecca Chellappah, mezzo-soprano
Long Long, tenor
Jonathan Tay, tenor
William Lim, baritone
Singapore Symphony Chorus & Youth Choir

Sponsored by

PRE-CONCERT TALK 6.30pm | library@esplanade

26
16 & 17 NOVEMBER 2019 22 & 23 NOVEMBER 2019
SAT, 2PM & 4PM | SUN, 2PM FRI & SAT, 7.30PM | VICTORIA CONCERT HALL
VICTORIA CONCERT HALL

© MARCO BORGGREVE
FAMILY CONCERT

EMILY
SAVES THE
ORCHESTRA

© IONUT MACRI
A clever 10-year-old needs the audience to help
outsmart the horrible monster, Cacopholous,
who is scheming to silence music forever. In this
mesmerising children’s concert, drama, dance,
dazzling masks and costumes are woven together SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT / NATURE & THE UNIVERSE
with orchestral music in a story about bravery and
hope. Audiences across the globe have fallen in love
with this production which features excerpts from
THE JUSSEN BROTHERS
PLAY MOZART

CONCERTS
some of history’s most beloved pieces, including
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, The Nutcracker and PASTORAL SYMPHONY
the William Tell Overture.
The talented, blonde, blue-eyed Dutch brothers,
Joshua Tan, conductor Lucas and Arthur are a fresh byword for double-
Platypus Theatre piano fare, and their presentation of the charming
K.365 Mozart concerto is sure to delight. Guest
Recommended for ages 4 and above. No admission for infants-in-arms. conductor Gabriel Bebeșelea presents the Asian
No admission without a ticket.
premiere of the Pastorale by his great Romanian
compatriot, Enescu. Rediscovered only in 2017 and
prepared for performance by Bebeșelea himself,
it is an intriguing partner to Beethoven’s beloved
Pastoral Symphony.

Mozart Concerto No. 10 for 2 pianos, K.365

Enescu Pastorale-Fantaisie for Small Orchestra
ASIAN PREMIERE
Beethoven Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68
“Pastoral”

Gabriel Bebeșelea, conductor

Lucas & Arthur Jussen, pianos

PRE-CONCERT TALK 6.30pm | VCH Music Studio

 28 & 29 NOVEMBER 2019 5 DECEMBER 2019
THU & FRI, 7.30PM | VICTORIA CONCERT HALL THU, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL

SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT / BRITISH JOURNEYS

© BENJAMIN EALOVEGA
AKIKO SUWANAI PLAYS MOZART
A VIOLIN TO CHERISH
The highly regarded Japanese violinist Akiko
Suwanai is not only one of the top violinists today,
but also plays one of the finest violins in existence,
the 1714 “Dolphin” Stradivarius previously owned

© THOMAS GRØNDAHL
by no less than the legend among violin legends,
Jascha Heifetz. Hear this inimitable pairing in
Mozart’s lyrical Violin Concerto No. 3, alongside
Romantic classics by Mendelssohn and Brahms,
directed by eminent maestro Mario Venzago.

Mendelssohn SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT

Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage, Op. 27
Mozart
ZHANG HAOCHEN
Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major, K.216 PLAYS MOZART
Brahms
ARTISTRY AND POETRY
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73 Mozart’s 24th Piano Concerto is one of the most
revered gems in the repertory, admired even by
Mario Venzago, conductor
Beethoven and Brahms. Danish conductor Thomas
Akiko Suwanai, violin
Dausgaard leads us in this concert starring
acclaimed Chinese pianist Zhang Haochen, one of
“Noble playing”
the youngest winners of the prestigious Van Cliburn
The Times on Akiko Suwanai
Competition. Bruckner’s popular Fourth Symphony
paints a picture of Wagnerian Romanticism, of
castles touched by the dawn, knights on the hunt
and the magic of the forest.
© ALBERTO VENZAGO

Mozart
© TAKAKI KUMADA

Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor, K.491

Bruckner
Symphony No. 4 in E-flat major

Thomas Dausgaard, conductor

Zhang Haochen, piano

“[Zhang’s] aim for lightness,

transparency and directness yields
poetic results.”
Gramophone

PRE-CONCERT TALK 6.30pm | VCH Dance Studio PRE-CONCERT TALK 6.30pm | library@esplanade
28
 CONCERTS
12 & 13 DECEMBER 2019
THU & FRI, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL

CHRISTMAS
GALA SSO CHRISTMAS CONCERT
AT THE ESPLANADE
DECK THE HALLS
Get into the mood for Christmas with Associate Conductor Joshua Tan
and the SSO as they bring you glittering musical treasures for the yuletide
season, complete with the ever-popular carol sing-a-long!

Joshua Tan, conductor

Singapore Symphony Choruses
 19 & 20 DECEMBER 2019
THU & FRI, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL

NATURE & THE UNIVERSE

Younglings, younglings – gather ‘round. Powerful

murmurs in the Force, I sense. Music, great music
is coming! Its energy surrounds us and binds us.
Luminous beings are we, not crude matter. Join us in
this concert, you must. Yes, hrrrm!

John Williams
Music from the Star Wars films, including the Main
Title, Leia’s Theme, Imperial March, Across the Stars,
Duel of the Fates, March of the Resistance, The
Rebellion is Reborn, Yoda’s Theme and many more.

Christopher Dragon, conductor

SEARCH YOUR FEELINGS, FEEL THE FORCE

This is a live orchestra concert presentation without film.

30
 10 JANUARY 2020
FRI, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL

SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT

THE MALTESE TENOR:

JOSEPH CALLEJA
MEDITERRANEAN SUNSHINE
Blessed with a golden-age voice to match the great lyric tenors
of legend and heaped with praise from all over the world, “…his clarion clear,
Maltese-born superstar Joseph Calleja arrives in Singapore Mediterranean tenor with
for a grand evening of classic arias. Get ready to soar on
song with this multi-award-winning singer, whose “blazing
its distinctive fast vibrato
stage presence could light a thousand lamps.” has star quality to burn.”
(The Independent).
Financial Times on Joseph Calleja
David Giménez Carreras, conductor
Joseph Calleja, tenor

CONCERTS
© SIMON FOWLER / DECCA
 17 JANUARY 2020
FRI, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL

SSO GALA

KAVAKOS “Jaw-dropping virtuosity”

San Diego Union-Tribune on Leonidas Kavakos

PLAYS KORNGOLD
MELODIC
MAGNIFICENCE
Two highly respected masters – of the baton and of the
bow – return to Singapore in this unmissable concert.
The virtuoso Greek violinist Leonidas Kavakos with
Korngold’s tuneful, Hollywood-inspired Violin Concerto;
while Austrian maestro Hans Graf conducts Tchaikovsky’s
masterpiece, the epic Pathétique Symphony.

Dvořák
Scherzo Capriccioso
Korngold
Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35
Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74 “Pathétique”

Hans Graf, conductor

Leonidas Kavakos, violin

© MARCO BORGGREVE

PRE-CONCERT TALK 6.30pm | library@esplanade

32
13 FEBRUARY 2020 29 FEBRUARY 2020
THU, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL SAT, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL

SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT / NATURE & THE UNIVERSE

© BENJAMIN EALOVEGA
MARTIN GRUBINGER •
THE TEARS OF NATURE
WIZARD OF PERCUSSION
Written for the phenomenal Martin Grubinger,
The Tears of Nature is a percussion concerto by
prominent contemporary Chinese composer Tan

© VAN HOUTEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Dun, celebrating the human spirit in its endeavour
to live, fight and dance with nature. The SSO and
American conductor Robert Spano also pay tribute
to the esteemed late British composer-conductor
Oliver Knussen (1952-2018), and conclude
the concert with Rachmaninoff’s soulful Third
SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT Symphony, music of nostalgic melancholy with a
tantalising whiff of modernity.
A FAREWELL FOR TASMIN LITTLE Knussen
BRUCH VIOLIN CONCERTO The Way to Castle Yonder

CONCERTS
2000 performances over 30 years and nearly 50 Tan Dun
recordings later, the accomplished English violinist The Tears of Nature
Tasmin Little will be retiring from the stage after
Rachmaninoff
the 2020 season. Join us in celebrating her final
Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Op. 44
concert in Singapore, with the well-loved Bruch
Violin Concerto, conducted by veteran American Robert Spano, conductor
conductor Gerard Schwarz. Martin Grubinger, percussion
Prokofiev
Selections from Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64

© SIMON PAULY
Bruch
Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26
Brahms
Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90

Gerard Schwarz, conductor

Tasmin Little, violin

“Little can justly be regarded

© ANGELA MORRIS

as Britain’s finest violinist.” Sponsored by

Sponsored by
The Independent

OPEN REHEARSAL 10am - 12.30pm

PRE-CONCERT TALK 6.30pm | library@esplanade PRE-CONCERT TALK 6.30pm | library@esplanade
 5 MARCH 2020 13 MARCH 2020
THU, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL FRI, 7.30PM | VICTORIA CONCERT HALL

SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT / BRITISH JOURNEYS

PHILIPPE QUINT •
THE RED VIOLIN
A JOURNEY ACROSS
TIME AND MUSIC
The now classic 1998 film The Red Violin traces
the life of a magnificent, haunted violin in a tale
spanning over 300 years. Our storyteller in this
concert is the much-lauded Russian-American
violinist Philippe Quint, “a fiddle virtuoso whose
many awards are fully justified by the brilliance
of his playing.” (Chicago Tribune). Completing the
programme, the SSO’s Principal Guest Conductor
Andrew Litton contrasts Bernstein’s vibrant
Candide Overture to the brooding strains and THE GENTEEL HORN OF MR HAN
defiant turmoil of Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony. MUSIC FOR A WHILE
Bernstein You are cordially invited to savour Mozart’s elegant
Candide Overture Horn Concerto No. 2, presented by our Principal
Corigliano Horn, Han Chang-Chou in this 80-minute concert
The Red Violin, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra without intermission. Accompanying this fine
work: the courtly dances and genteel musings of
Shostakovich French Baroque master Jean-Baptiste Lully and
Symphony No. 10 in E minor, Op. 93 orchestral dramatist extraordinaire Richard Strauss,
each taking their turns casting the wry humour in
Andrew Litton, conductor
Molière’s satire on social pipe dreams.
Philippe Quint, violin
Lully
Overture and Dances from Le Bourgeois
© KIRILL BASHKIROV

gentilhomme
Mozart
Horn Concerto No. 2 in E-flat major, K.417
R. Strauss
Le Bourgeois gentilhomme, Op. 60

Darrell Ang, conductor

Han Chang-Chou, horn

PRE-CONCERT TALK 6.30pm | library@esplanade PRE-CONCERT TALK 6.30pm | VCH Music Studio
40
34
21 & 22 MARCH 2020
SAT, 2PM & 4PM | SUN, 2PM

CONCERTS
VICTORIA CONCERT HALL

FAMILY CONCERT

JOURNEY
AROUND
THE WORLD
Join conductor and host Jessica Gethin on a
Journey Around the World with the orchestra. As the
audience, you will explore soundscapes of music
from across the globe. Who knows what will come
first! This interactive show celebrates the beauty
of cultural diversity, uniting people through the
language of music.

Jessica Gethin, conductor

Recommended for ages 4 and above. No admission for infants-in-arms.

No admission without a ticket.
 27 & 28 MARCH 2020 3 APRIL 2020
FRI & SAT, 7.30PM | VICTORIA CONCERT HALL FRI, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL

SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT

FAURÉ: CANTIQUE ET REQUIEM

ETERNAL REST
One of the foremost choral conductors today,
Stephen Layton brings you an evocative lineup
TO BROADWAY, WITH LOVE
of two ethereal classics by Fauré. They surround MUSICALS AND MEMORIES
a brief but poignant pairing of Britten’s playful
Come on along and listen to the glorious songs
Simple Symphony, and Estonian composer Arvo
from Broadway! The Singapore Symphony Orchestra
Pärt’s threnody of sorrow for the English composer.
performs unforgettable melodies from your favourite
A fascinating programme of inspiration, hope,
musicals from the Great White Way, including the
respite and consolation.
absolute best music from The Sound of Music, The
Fauré King and I, The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera,
Cantique de Jean Racine, Op. 11 Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, amongst others. Be
charmed at an exuberant evening filled with great
Britten overtures, show stopping ballads, finger snapping,
Simple Symphony, Op. 4 toe-tapping tunes and thrilling 11 o’clock numbers
Pärt performed by distinguished vocalists coupled with
Cantus in memory of Benjamin Britten the lush sound of a full symphonic orchestra.

Fauré Gerard Salonga, conductor

Requiem in D minor, Op. 48

Stephen Layton, conductor

Jassy Husk, soprano
Zhou Zhengzhong, baritone
Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir &
Ladies of the Youth Choir
© KEITH SAUNDERS

OPEN REHEARSAL 26 MAR 2020, 7.30pm-10.15pm

PRE-CONCERT TALK 6.30pm | VCH Music Studio
40
36
 23 APRIL 2020 1 MAY 2020
THU, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL FRI, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL

SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT / VOICE OF A CITY

© WIND MUSIC

NADIA SIROTA • NICO MUHLY

VIOLA CONCERTO
A WINDOW ON THE INFINITE
Pioneering violist Nadia Sirota and composer
Nico Muhly both belong to the trailblazing Icelandic
record collective, Bedroom Community –
“a lightning rod at the juncture where the ambition
of classical music meets the aesthetics of indie
music.” (Pitchfork). Muhly’s Viola Concerto (2014),
written for and dedicated to Nadia, is a spellbinding
work whose roots began in their student days at
The Juilliard. The Manhattan connection continues
SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT through another alumnus, the venerated Finnish
composer Einojuhani Rautavaara (1928-2016),
CELLO ESCAPADES who wrote the mesmerising Manhattan Trilogy for
A HAPPY EXCURSION the school’s centenary.

CONCERTS
Rautavaara
Not one but two concertos fill this musical
Manhattan Trilogy
itinerary starring well-known Singapore-based
cellist Qin Li-Wei – and in each trip, paired with Nico Muhly
a partner. In the eccentric escapades of Don Viola Concerto
Quixote, the cello hero is accompanied by his
Schumann
sidekick on viola. More unconventional is Zhao
Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120
Lin’s A Happy Excursion《逍遥游》, a poetic
tour for cello and pipa (Chinese traditional lute) Hannu Lintu, conductor
commissioned by the Beijing International Music Nadia Sirota, viola
Festival, which was founded by our distinguished
guest conductor Yu Long.

© GRAHAM TOLBERT
Chen Qigang
The Five Elements《五行》
Zhao Lin
A Happy Excursion《逍遥游》– Double concerto
for Cello and Pipa
R. Strauss
© VEIKKO KÄHKÖNEN

Don Quixote, Op. 35

Yu Long, conductor
Qin Li-Wei, cello
Wu Man, pipa

PRE-CONCERT TALK 6.30pm | library@esplanade PRE-CONCERT TALK 6.30pm | Esplanade Concert Hall Stalls Foyer
 8 MAY 2020
FRI, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL

NATURE & THE UNIVERSE

PENDERECKI CONDUCTS
PENDERECKI
LIVING LEGENDS
Two living legends ‘live’ in Singapore: Poland’s
greatest living composer, Krysztof Penderecki
(b.1933) conducts the SSO in his own compositions,
while horn legend Radovan Vlatković takes on the
solo for the composer’s dazzling Horn Concerto.
Known for his ingenious scoring, dark orchestral
timbres, wild terror and neo-Romantic mysticism that
has influenced many contemporary film composers,
this is a rare opportunity to watch Penderecki impart
his musical wisdom in person.

Penderecki
“Adagio” from Symphony No. 3
Horn Concerto “Winterreise”
Symphony No. 2

Krysztof Penderecki, conductor

Radovan Vlatković, horn
© LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN ASSOCIATION & BARTOSZ KOZIAK

© HARALD HOFFMANN / DG

PRE-CONCERT TALK
6.30pm
library@esplanade
“Spellbinding sonic art”
The Artsdesk on Seong-Jin Cho

20 & 21 MAY 2020

WED & THU, 7.30PM | VICTORIA CONCERT HALL

SSO GALA

SEONG-JIN CHO
PLAYING WITH FIRE
The fast-rising young South Korean pianist Seong-Jin Cho,
previously seen at his sold-out Singapore International
Piano Festival debut in 2018, returns to perform
Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2, a vivacious work of
Mozartian charm and brilliance. Fellow South Korean
Shiyeon Sung, the first woman to win first prize in the

CONCERTS
Sir Georg Solti International Conductors' Competition,
conducts.

Beethoven
Prometheus Overture
Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 19
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36

Shiyeon Sung, conductor

Seong-Jin Cho, piano

© YONGBIN PARK

PRE-CONCERT TALK 6.30pm | VCH Music Studio

39
 23 & 24 MAY 2020
SAT & SUN, 2PM & 4PM
VICTORIA CONCERT HALL

FAMILY CONCERT

Join the SSO for an amazing musical

adventure like no other and discover the
fun and fantastic world of the orchestra and
its different instruments! Now into its 17th
year, the SSO Babies’ Proms promises to be
an hour of great fun and entertainment for
parents and children alike.
 This concert is presented by Willow Arts.
Ticketing details to be announced at a later date.

H i s a i s h i
Jo e
C o n c e r t
in
21 & 22 FEBRUARY 2020
FRI & SAT, 7.30PM
ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL

Hisaishi
The East Land Symphony
Mládí for piano and strings
Symphonic Suite from Castle in the Sky

Joe Hisaishi, conductor

Singapore Symphony Orchestra
 EXPERIENCE THE LUXURY
OF CHOICE AND PERSONALISATION
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into a dynamic playground for you, the discerning traveller. Wake up in one of the guest rooms exuding
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 SINGAPORE
INTERNATIONAL
PIANO FESTIVAL

Victoria Concert Hall

MEI YI FOO
NELSON GOERNER
LEON MCCAWLEY
CHRISTIAN ZACHARIAS

Presented by

WWW.PIANOFESTIVAL.COM.SG SGPIANOFEST
 FREE CONCERTS
17 JULY 2019
WED, 12.30PM | VICTORIA CONCERT HALL

LUNCHTIME CONCERT @ VCH

Joshua Tan, conductor

***
12 MARCH 2020
THU, 12.30PM | VICTORIA CONCERT HALL

LUNCHTIME CONCERT @ VCH

Darrell Ang, conductor

FREE CONCERTS
18 JULY 2019
THU, 7.30PM

NORTHWEST SINGAPORE: MPC@ KHATIB

Joshua Tan, conductor

** *
19 JULY 2019
FRI, 7.30PM | AGAPE CONCERT HALL

NORTHEAST SINGAPORE:
PAYA LEBAR METHODIST GIRLS’ SCHOOL
Joshua Tan, conductor

** *
14 MARCH 2020
SAT, 7.30PM | WEST REPERTORY AUDITORIUM, LEVEL 7

SOUTHWEST SINGAPORE: ITE COLLEGE WEST

Darrell Ang, conductor

46
FREE CONCERTS
21 JULY 2019
SUN, 6PM
SHAW FOUNDATION SYMPHONY STAGE,
SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS
SPH GIFT OF MUSIC SERIES
THE STRAITS TIMES CONCERT
IN THE GARDENS
Joshua Tan, conductor

***
15 MARCH 2020
SUN, 6.30PM | THE MEADOW

GARDENS BY THE BAY

COMMUNIT Y CONCERTS
Darrell Ang, conductor

***
10 MAY 2020
SUN, 6PM
SHAW FOUNDATION SYMPHONY STAGE,
SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS

SSO MOTHER’S DAY CONCERT

Joshua Tan, conductor
 SSO 40TH ANNIVERSARY APPE AL
A STANDING OVATION TO OUR DONORS
Our story began four decades ago when we played our first concert in January 1979.
This journey would not have been possible without patrons who believe in sharing the gift of music.
Thank you for your generosity.

$25,000 & ABOVE

Christina Ong Holywell Foundation Limited Anonymous

$10,000 - $24,999
AONIA Strategic Events Cara & Tamara Chang Leong Wai Leng Peter C.Y. Wong
BinjaiTree Dr Geh Min Devika & Sanjiv Misra Yong Ying-I
Prof Cham Tao Soon Dr André Klein Kai S. Nargolwala Anonymous (4)
Prof Chan Heng Chee Lee Li-Ming Saga Tree Capital Advisors Pte Ltd

$5,000 - $9,999
Chang Hwee Nee Warren Fernandez Steven & Liwen Holmes Eddy Ooi
Lionel Choi Goh Sze Wei Angela Huang & Geo Chen Tang See Chim
Hartley Clay Heinrich Grafe Lee Kok Keong David Harris Zemans
Prof Arnoud De Meyer Jerry Gwee

$2,500 - $4,999
Prof Kanti Bajpai Lorinne Kon Mr & Mrs Paterson Lau Eric Wong
Chng Hak-Peng Aditi Krishnakumar Dr Lee Shu Yen Anonymous (5)
Peggy Kek Kwan Meng Hui Dr Dang Vu & Ms Oanh Nguyen

$1,000 - $2,499
Aznan Bin Abu Bakar Winifred Dente degli Scrovegni Dr Norman Lee Susan Sim
Aloha Dental Pte Ltd Maureen Derooij Dr Lee Suan Yew Gordon H.L. Tan
Dr Brenda Ang Elizabeth Fong Lek Lee Yong Ivan Tan Meng Cheng
Jocelyn Aw Gan Chee Yen Wendy Leong Marnyi Tan Yee Deng
Bryan Carmichael Vivien Goh Edith & Sean Lim Eddie Teo
Cham Gee Len Heart Partners Clinic Candice Ling Ivan Teo
Chan Ah Khim Mr & Mrs Simon Ip Low Boon Hon Wicky Wong
Vivian Chandran Khoo Boon Hui Monique Ong Wu Guowei
Dr Faith Chia Dr Koh Chee Kang & Ms Chang Ting Lee Quek Boon Hui Yip Teem Wing
Pamela Chong Khor Cheng Kian Robert Khan & Co Pte Ltd Yong Seow Kin
Sally Chy Belinda Koh Yuh Ling Caroline Seow Darren Yong & Connie Chaird
Anonymous (9)

This list is accurate as at 29 March 2019.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to donors whose names were inadvertently left out at print time.
The Singapore Symphony Group is a charity and not-for-profit organisation. Singapore tax-payers may qualify for 250% tax deduction for donations above $50.

48
SSO MORE THAN JUST CONCERTS
Nothing gets us more excited than hearing the words, “This is my first classical concert.”

The person may be a young child or a working adult, a beneficiary from a charity or a donor
who wants to get to know the orchestra. Whenever someone catches our performances for the
first time, we are reminded of our mission – to spread the love for music.

Sharing music is not just about filling seats. We also want to nurture talent and enrich our
diverse communities. We organise public events like talks, open rehearsals and workshops,
and give specialised music training to aspiring young musicians. This is why each year around
45,000 people get to catch our concerts outside of concert halls – at venues like public parks
and schools halls.

It is also why we set up the Young Symphony Explorers initiative – to spark the love of music in
young people. Everyone should get to experience the thrill of a live symphony performance.

OUR DONORS

SSO’s Young Symphony Explorers is one of our

initiatives to spark the love of music in our youth.
Your donation helps us extend free or heavily
discounted tickets to young concertgoers who
otherwise may not have access to our performances.

WWW.SSO.ORG.SG/DONATE
 READY TO MAKE A GIFT?
Quality programmes require time and money. Every dollar can go a long way –
to fund our outreach to those with lesser means. Help us grow an outstanding
national orchestra, for audiences as well as future musicians of Singapore.

You can make a bank donation to: For cheque donations, please make
SINGAPORE SYMPHONIA COMPANY LIMITED them out to SINGAPORE SYMPHONY GROUP,
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 302 - 313 - 339 - 1 and mail to:
BANK NAME: UNITED OVERSEAS BANK LIMITED DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
SINGAPORE SYMPHONY GROUP
Please inform us of your fund transfer
80 BENCOOLEN STREET
at www.sso.org.sg/donate, where
NAFA TOWER BLOCK #08–01
you can also make a donation via
SINGAPORE 189655
credit card.

For donor benefits, please refer to pages 52 and 53.

The SSO is a charity and an Institute of Public Character. The IPC status gives SSO donors
attractive tax benefits, with taxable income deductions of 2.5 times the donated amount.

KAREN TAN
First Violin

50
 2019 BENEFIT DINNER DONORS
Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who gave through the 2019 Benefit Dinner.

PRESENTING SPONSOR
Butterfield Trust

$150,000 AND ABOVE

Christopher & Rosy Ho

$100,000
Tote Board

$35,000 - $50,000
Aquilus Pte Ltd G K Goh Holdings
Mr Hsin Yeh & Family Clarinda & Christopher Martin

OUR DONORS
$20,000 - $30,000
Far East Organization Paige Parker & Jim Rogers
Maisy Koh & Dr Beh Swan Gin Stephen Riady’s Group of Foundations
Kris Foundation United Overseas Bank Ltd
Mr & Mrs Eugene Lai Dr Thomas Zuellig & Mrs Mary Zuellig

$10,000
Odile & Douglas Benjamin Marina Bay Sands V3 Group
Lito & Kim Camacho One North Capital Pte Ltd Djafar Widjaja
Choo Chiau Beng Sinfonia Ristorante Geoffrey & Ai Ai Wong
Judy Hunt Andreas & Doris Sohmen-Pao Anonymous
Liew Wei Li Total Pte Ltd

Special thanks to Goh Yew Lin, FICOFI, Lim Ming San, Conrad Centennial Singapore,
Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore, Valrhona Far East, Singapore Office,
Chef Massimo Pasquarelli, Chef Vincent Bourdin

This list is accurate as of 27 March 2019.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to donors whose names were inadvertently left out at print time.
 NEW THIS SEASON
PATRON BENEFITS
Our donors are precious to us. As a valued patron of the SSO, you will receive many benefits.
If you would like to make a gift towards your orchestra today, please visit www.sso.org.sg/donate,
write to us at director_development@sso.org.sg or talk to us at +65 6663 4251.

PATRON CATEGORIES (updated on 18 April 2019)

PRELUDE RHAPSODY SERENADE OVERTURE CONCERTO CIRCLE

$1,000 - $2,499 $2,500 - $4,999 $5,000 - $9,999 $10,000 - $24,999 $25,000 AND ABOVE

TAX BENEFITS

PRIORITY BOOKING

DISCOUNTS FOR ALL SSG CONCERTS

INVITATION TO SPECIAL EVENTS

(e.g., rehearsals, receptions, meet-the-
musicians sessions)

DONOR LISTING:
1. Public acknowledgement in SSO
concert booklets and website
2. Public acknowledgement on Donors’
Wall situated at Victoria Concert Hall – – – –
(Home of the SSO)

COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS TO THE FOLLOWING CONCERT TYPES:

1. Subscription or Chamber Concerts 6 TICKETS 10 TICKETS 12 TICKETS 16 TICKETS 20 TICKETS

2. SSO Gala Concerts, Annual Christmas
Concerts, or POPS Concerts – – 2 TICKETS 4 TICKETS 6 TICKETS
3. SSO Special Gala Concerts
– – – – 2 TICKETS

*The benefits above do not apply to supporters who give through an event.

52
CORPORATE PATRON BENEFITS
Starting this concert season, we are introducing a new Corporate Patron recognition scheme that caters to the
changing needs of corporate philanthropy. Our concerts provide classy entertainment and prestigious branding
opportunities. Increase your name recognition among an influential and growing audience.
Corporate Patron packages begin at $30,000. Benefits include:

1. Tax Benefits
2. Patron of the Arts Nomination
3. Acknowledgement
- Public acknowledgment in SSO concert booklets and website
- Public acknowledgement on Donor Recognition Wall situated at Victoria Concert Hall (Home of the SSO)
4. Complimentary tickets
5. Priority booking

OUR DONORS
6. Discounts for ALL SSG concerts
7. Invitations to special events (e.g., rehearsals, receptions, meet-the-musicians sessions)

For more details, please contact Chelsea Zhao at +65 6663 4251, or write to director_development@sso.org.sg.
* The benefits above do not apply to supporters who give through an event.
 SING APORE SYMPHONY CHORUSES

Established from 1980, the Singapore Symphony Choruses consist of members

from diverse ages, backgrounds and nationalities. Regularly sharing the stage
with the SSO, the choruses record and tour with the orchestra, and give their
own performances in Singapore and abroad.
Repertoire for the respective choruses straddle musical worlds and styles,
ranging from orchestral masterpieces to a cappella favourites, and spanning
the Renaissance to contemporary 21st century music. Through holistic choral
training that nurtures artistic growth and personal development, the youth-
oriented choirs also aim to enrich and advance young singers.
WWW.SSO.ORG.SG/CHORUS

Singapore Symphony Chorus

Since its first performance on 13 June 1980 under the
direction of then SSO Music Director Choo Hoey, the
85-strong Singapore Symphony Chorus has become one
of the finest symphony choruses in the region.
The chorus has performed under the baton of renowned
conductors Peter Erdei, Eric Ericsson, John Nelson, Okko
Kamu, Lan Shui, Lim Yau, Masaaki Suzuki and most
recently, Sofi Jeannin in the SSO Baroque Festival in
2018. Having amassed a wide repertoire, the SSC has
performed such works as Rachmaninov’s The Bells,
Tippett’s A Child of Our Time, Macmillan’s Seven Last
Words from the Cross, Arvo Pärt’s Te Deum, Britten’s
War Requiem, and Bach’s St John Passion, amongst
many others.
EUDENICE PALARUAN CHORAL DIRECTOR
SHANE THIO REHEARSAL PIANIST

54
 The Singapore Symphony
Children’s Choir is proud to
have Mr Christopher Ho and
Mrs Rosy Ho as its Principal
Champion.

SINGAPORE SYMPHONY CHORUS

Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir
SSO NATIONAL DAY CONCERT
Formed in 2006, the Singapore Symphony Children’s
10 AUGUST 2019
Choir has established itself as the leading children’s
SAT, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL
choir in Singapore. With over 200 members aged 9 to
18, the choir enriches young singers through holistic
choral training that nurtures artistic growth and SINGAPORE SYMPHONY CHILDREN’S CHOIR
personal development. THE SSCC EXPERIENCE *
The children’s choir has performed great choral 9 & 10 SEPTEMBER 2019
masterpieces with the SSO and with distinguished MON & TUE, 9AM - 6PM | VICTORIA CONCERT HALL
conductors such as Lim Yau, Claus Peter Flor, Sofi
Jeannin, François-Xavier Roth and Julie Desbordes. It SINGAPORE SYMPHONY CHORUS
has toured and performed at the Philharmonie de Paris
THE SSC AFFAIR* [ NEW! ]
in collaboration with Maîtrise de Radio France, as well
14 SEPTEMBER 2019
as at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas in Kuala Lumpur with
SAT, 9AM - 9PM | VICTORIA CONCERT HALL
the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra in concert.
Full-day masterclasses capped by a performance at the
In Singapore, the choir has an active performing iconic Victoria Concert Hall. Open to all with
choral experience.
calendar. It has sung at the Istana, shared the stage
with critically acclaimed The King's Singer, and most
recently presented at the 33rd ASEAN Summit. The SINGAPORE SYMPHONY CHILDREN’S CHOIR
choir actively commissions and performs works by SSCC AUDITIONS
Singaporean composers Darius Lim, Zechariah Goh,
29 SEPTEMBER 2019
and Cultural Medallion winner Kelly Tang, amongst SUN, FROM 10AM
many others. The choir has released their first
recording, And I’ll Sing Once More.

WONG LAI FOON CHOIRMASTER * Please note that repertoire for The SSCC Experience
GABRIEL HOE REHEARSAL PIANIST and The SSC Affair may include some liturgical works.
 SINGAPORE SYMPHONY CHORUS & YOUTH CHOIR
CHORUS OF THE PLANETS
8 NOVEMBER 2019
FRI, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL

Singapore Symphony Youth Choir SINGAPORE SYMPHONY CHORUSES

Comprised of Singapore’s finest young choristers aged

17 to 28, the Singapore Symphony Youth Choir is an
energetic ensemble inaugurated in 2016 to complement
the SSO with a chorus of vibrant voices.
Exploring the best of musical worlds and styles, the
youth choir has performed Scriabin’s Prometheus,
Puccini’s La Bohème, as well as recorded Borodin’s
Polovtsian Dances and Mahler’s Symphony No. 2. In
2017, it also toured with the SSC and SSO, presenting
Brahms’ Shicksalslied at the Dewan Filharmonik
Petronas in Kuala Lumpur.
In the 2018/2019 season, the youth choir performed
independently for the first time, under the baton of
esteemed conductor Eimear Noone.
SSO CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT THE ESPLANADE
12 & 13 DECEMBER 2019
THU & FRI, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL
SINGAPORE SYMPHONY CHILDREN’S CHOIR &
L ADIES OF THE YOUTH CHOIR
FAURÉ: CANTIQUE ET REQUIEM
27 & 28 MARCH 2020
FRI & SAT, 7.30PM | VICTORIA CONCERT HALL
SINGAPORE SYMPHONY CHILDREN’S & YOUTH CHOIRS
BETWEEN THE LINES
30 MAY 2020
SAT, 7.30PM | VICTORIA CONCERT HALL

WONG LAI FOON CHOIRMASTER

EVELYN HANDRISANTO REHEARSAL PIANIST

56
 SING APORE NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTR A
Through the playing of orchestral classical music, we
nurture future generations of musicians and build a
vibrant music community for Singapore.
A leading orchestra dedicated to the training of
young orchestral musicians, the Singapore National
Youth Orchestra (SNYO) occupies a special place in
Singapore’s music community. SNYO alumni have gone
on to become full-time musicians in Singapore and with
orchestras around world. Many are also educating the
next generation of musicians and playing significant
roles in the growth of Singapore’s vibrant cultural scene.
The Orchestra’s roots can be traced to the early 20th
century before moving within the purview of Ministry
of Education in 1980. In 2015, SNYO became part of
the Singapore Symphony Group, which manages the
Singapore Symphony Orchestra.
The SNYO currently comprises over 180 talented young
musicians aged 10 to 21, representing more than 60
schools across Singapore. Consisting of two orchestras
– the main orchestra and a junior training orchestra,
the SNYO boasts a distinctive music talent development
programme where members receive tutoring from
professionals, including those from the Singapore
Symphony Orchestra. Recognised by the Ministry of
Education as a National Project of Excellence, and entry
into the SNYO is by a rigorous audition process.
Over the years, the SNYO has performed in concert
venues and music festivals across Australia, Austria,
Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia and the United Kingdom.
The 2018/2019 season included performances featuring
trumpeter Pacho Flores at the Esplanade Concert Hall
in Singapore, the Xinghai Concert Hall in Guangzhou,
and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, and a side-by-side
concert with the SSO featuring violinist Ray Chen at the
Esplanade Concert Hall in Singapore.
JOSHUA TAN PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR
LIN JUAN ASSOCIATE CONDUCTOR
PETER STARK PRINCIPAL GUEST CONDUCTOR
SINGAPORE NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTR A
19 JUNE 2019
WED, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL
30 NOVEMBER 2019
SAT, 7.30PM | ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL
18 MARCH 2020
WED, 7.30PM | VICTORIA CONCERT HALL
 COMMIT TEES

NOMINATING AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SSO COUNCIL SSO LADIES’ LEAGUE

Mr Goh Yew Lin (Chair) Prof Cham Tao Soon Mrs Odile Benjamin (Chair)
Prof Arnoud De Meyer (Honorary Chair) Mrs Kwan Lui (Deputy Chair)
Mr Paul Tan Mr Alan Chan (Chair) Mrs Celeste Basapa
Ms Yong Ying-I Mr Choo Chiau Beng Mrs Kim Camacho
Dr Geh Min Mrs Rosy Ho
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE Mr Goh Geok Khim Ms Judy Hunt
Ms Yong Ying-I (Chair) Mr Khoo Boon Hui Prof Annie Koh
Prof Arnoud De Meyer Prof Tommy Koh Ms Maisy Koh
Mr Yee Chen Fah Mr JY Pillay Dr Julie Lo
Dr Kelly Tang Dr Stephen Riady Mrs Clarinda Tjia-
Ms Priscylla Shaw Dharmadi-Martin
ENDOWMENT FUND COMMITTEE Dr Gralf Sieghold Ms Paige Parker
Mr Goh Yew Lin (Chair) Mr Andreas Sohmen-Pao Ms Kris Tan
Mr David Goh Dr Tan Chin Nam Ms Manju Vangal
Mr Sanjiv Misra Ms Tan Choo Leng Mrs Grace Yeh
Mr Tan Soo Nan
AUDIT COMMITTEE Mr Wee Ee Cheong
Mr Yee Chen Fah (Chair)
Mr Heinrich Grafe SSO MUSICIANS’ COMMITTEE
Ms Lim Mei Mr Chan Wei Shing
Mr Jon Paul Dante
SNYO COMMITTEE Mr Jamie Hersch
Ms Liew Wei Li (Chair) Mr Ng Pei-Sian
Mr Ang Chek Meng Mr Mark Suter
Ms Vivien Goh Mr Christoph Wichert
Dr Kee Kirk Chin Mr Yeo Teow Meng
Mrs Valarie Wilson

58
 MANAGEMENT

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Mr Chng Hak-Peng

ARTISTIC PLANNING CEO OFFICE CORPORATE SERVICES

Mr Hans Sørensen (Head) Ms Shirin Foo Ms Lillian Yin (Head)
Mr Lim Yeow Siang
Programmes (SSO) Finance, IT & Facilities
Ms Kua Li Leng Customer Experience Mr Rick Ong
Ms Teo Chew Yen Mr Randy Teo Mr Alan Ong
Ms Jodie Chiang Ms Dacia Cheang Ms Goh Hoey Fen
Ms Nur Shafiqah Bte Othman Mr Jeffrey Tang
Community Outreach Mr Mohamed Zailani bin Mohd Said
Ms Kathleen Tan DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
Ms Vanessa Lee Ms Peggy Kek (Head) Human Resources & Administration
Mr Desmen Low
Choral Programmes Corporate Communications Ms Melissa Lee
Ms Regina Lee Ms Leong Wenshan Ms Evelyn Siew
Ms Whitney Tan Ms Haslina Hassan
Legal
Programmes (VCH) Development Mr Edward Loh
Ms Erin Tan Mr Anthony Chng
Ms Chelsea Zhao SINGAPORE NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA
ORCHESTRA MANAGEMENT Ms Nikki Chuang Ms Pang Siu Yuin (Head)
Mr Ernest Khoo (Head) Mr Tan Yong Qing
Orchestra MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS Ms Tang Ya Yun
Mr Chia Jit Min Ms Cindy Lim (Head)
Ms Tan Wei Tian Mr Chia Han-Leon ABRSM
Ms Myrtle Lee Ms Hay Su-San (Head)
Concert Operations Ms Jana Loh Ms Patricia Yee
Ms Kimberly Kwa Ms Hong Shu Hui Ms Lai Li-Yng
Ms Chin Rosherna Ms Sherilyn Lim Mr Joong Siow Chong
Mr Md Sufiyan Ms Melissa Tan
Mr Ramayah Elango
Mr Muhammad Fariz bin Samsuri

Library
Mr Lim Lip Hua
Ms Priscilla Neo
Ms Wong Yi Wen
 TICKET PRICES Venue
SUBSCRIPTION CONCERTS

Esplanade Concert Hall ECH

Victoria Concert Hall VCH

CHRISTMAS & GALA CONCERTS

Christmas Concert at the Esplanade (12 & 13 DEC 2019) ECH

SSO Gala: Ashkenazy & Gautier Capuçon (3 OCT 2019) ECH

SSO Gala: Kavakos Plays Korngold (17 JAN 2020) ECH

SSO Gala: Seong-Jin Cho (20 & 21 MAY 2020) VCH

SSO POPS

The Music of Star Wars (19 & 20 DEC 2019) ECH

To Broadway, With Love (3 APR 2020) ECH

RED BALLOON

Moonrise and Aurora (30 AUG 2019) ECH

Penderecki Conducts Penderecki (8 MAY 2020) ECH

OTHER CONCERTS

SSO National Day Concert (10 AUG 2019) ECH

President’s Young Performers Concert (27 SEP 2019) VCH

The Genteel Horn of Mr Han (13 Mar 2020) VCH

FAMILY CONCERTS

SSO Babies’ Proms (23 & 24 MAY 2020) VCH

Concerts for Children:

ECH
Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood (1 SEP 2019)

Emily Saves The Orchestra (16 & 17 NOV 2019) VCH

Journey Around The World (21 & 22 MAR 2020) VCH

Prices before booking fees: $1 for tickets priced $20 and below,
$3 for tickets priced $20.01 to $40, $4 for tickets above $40.

60
76
 Cat 1 Cat 2 Cat 3 Cat 4 Cat 5 Cat 6 Concession Prices

$88 $68 $48 $38 $28 $15 Cat 4-6: 30% off

$88 $68 $48 $38 $28 $15 Cat 4-6: 30% off

$98 $78 $58 $38 $25 $30, $20

$98 $78 $58 $38 $25 $30, $20

$98 $78 $58 $38 $25 $30, $20

$98 $78 $58 $38 $25 $30, $20

$98 $78 $58 $38 $25 $30, $20

Family bundle:
20% off (Cat 1-3)
$68 $48 $38 $20 $25, $15

TICKE TS & PACK AGES

$48 $38 $28 $18 2-concert bundle:
20% off (Cat 1-3)
$48 $38 $28 $18 Cat 3-4: 30% off

$48 $38 $28 $15

$48 $38 $28 $15 Cat 3-4: 30% off

$48 $38 $28 $15

$40 $32 Free of charge for children under

2 years when accompanied by
an adult with a ticket.

$32 $25 2-concert bundle:

15% off
$32 $25
Family bundle:
$116 & $90
$32 $25

ECH: Esplanade Concert Hall

VCH: Victoria Concert Hall
 INTRODUCING THE FRIENDS SEASON PASS
With the new SSO Friends Season Pass, you can now enjoy
exclusive meet-the-artist perks and the convenience of online ticket redemption.

Save up to 25% Meet-the-artist Save on SISTIC booking fees.

on ticket prices opportunities Pay only a $4 booking fee for
every season pass.

LI XIN MA YUE
Associate Principal Clarinet Principal Clarinet

FRIENDS GOLD FRIENDS GOLD FRIENDS

SEASON PASS SEASON PASS SEASON PASS
3-CONCERT 6-CONCERT 12-CONCERT

Discount on subscription concert tickets 15% 25% 25%

Cat 1 $264 $224.40 $528 $396 $1,056 $792

Cat 2 $204 $173.40 $408 $306 $816 $612

Cat 3 $144 $122.40 $288 $216 $576 $432

Cat 4 $114 $96.90 $228 $171 $456 $342

Prices exclude booking fee.

If you need assistance, call our friendly Customer Experience team on +65 6602 4245 (Mon - Fri, 9am-6.30pm);
or email ticketing@sso.org.sg.
62
 WHEN TO BOOK

On sale: 17-23 APR 2019

SSO FRIENDS SEASON PASS
(Available online)

SUBSCRIPTION, GALA, CHRISTMAS,

POPS & RED BALLOON CONCERTS On sale: 24 APR 2019

CONCERTS FOR CHILDREN On sale: 10 JUN 2019

BABIES’ PROMS On sale: 8 JAN 2020

ADMISSION GUIDELINES

BOOK CONCERT TYPE ADMISSION AGE

YOUR SSO SUBSCRIPTION CONCERTS

SSO GALA CONCERTS
SSO POPS
7

TICKETS RED BALLOON CONCERTS

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

TICKE TS & PACK AGES

6
NATIONAL DAY CONCERT

Recommended for ages 4 and above.

Online at CONCERTS FOR CHILDREN No admission for infants-in-arms.
If parents wish to bring children under
www.sso.org.sg 4, a ticket for each child is required.

Recommended for ages 6 and below.

BABIES’ PROMS Tickets are required for children aged
Call +65 6348 5555 2 and above.

CORPORATE BOOKINGS
Visit any SISTIC Please contact our Customer Experience Officers at (65) 6602 4245
authorised agent
or email ticketing@sso.org.sg for assistance.
near you
ESPLANADE&ME, GALLERY INSIDER & KINOKUNIYA PRIVILEGE CARD*
10% off Subscription and VCHPresents series (Cat 1-3).
* Information correct at time of printing

CONCESSIONS
Students, senior citizens (55 years and above), full-time NSF men
and persons with disabilities (PWDs) enjoy concession discounts on
production of identification. Venue ushers may request to view a valid
concession pass. Concession tickets are strictly non-transferable.
 AFFORDABLE TICKETS FOR SCHOOLS
Students can enjoy world-class performances by the SSO in the Esplanade Concert
Hall and Victoria Concert Hall at subsidised ticket prices as low as $10. Larger
school groups are also rewarded with a free music appreciation talk on campus to
enhance their concert experience.

CONCERT TYPE STUDENT PRICE MINIMUM ORDER

SSO SUBSCRIPTION CONCERTS

RED BALLOON CONCERTS $10 4
SSO NATIONAL DAY CONCERT
PRESIDENT’S YOUNG PERFORMERS CONCERT
THE GENTEEL HORN OF MR HAN

CONCERTS FOR CHILDREN:

PETER AND THE WOLF IN HOLLYWOOD Cat 1: $25 15
EMILY SAVES THE ORCHESTRA Cat 2: $20
JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD

SSO POPS: THE MUSIC OF STAR WARS Cat 1: $30 15

Cat 2: $20

SSO POPS: TO BROADWAY, WITH LOVE Cat 1: $25 15

Cat 2: $15

Schools are able to use the Tote Board Arts Grant to subsidise up to 50% (excluding GST)
of the final ticket price. Prices before booking fee. Enjoy a complimentary talk with every
school booking of 20 tickets.
Contact our Customer Experience team at +65 6602 4245 or ticketing@sso.org.sg.

63
64
RECORDINGS

BIS-SACD-2232 BIS-SACD-1837

DEBUSSY: NOCTURNES, PRINTEMPS DEBUSSY: LA MER

Rapsodie pour orchestre et saxophone Images pour orchestre
Danses sacrée et profane Prélude à l'aprés-midi d'un faune
Lan Shui, conductor Lan Shui, conductor
Available from June 2019 “The Singapore Symphony Orchestra applies itself
with notable sensibility, energy and colouristic
finesse to some core Debussy.”
Gramophone

BIS-SACD-2162

DEBUSSY: JEUX, KHAMMA, LA BOÎTE À JOUJOUX TCHAIKOVSKY’S BALLET MUSIC

Lan Shui, conductor Excerpts from The Nutcracker, Swan Lake
and The Sleeping Beauty
“Shui proves a first-rate interpreter of all three
Lan Shui, conductor
works. Jeux is startlingly dramatic, the ebb and flow
of the music beautifully judged... It’s all essential
listening if you’re interested in the relationship
between music and dance.”
Follow us on:
Gramophone

SSO recordings are available from the SSO merchandise cart during performances.
View the complete collection on www.sso.org.sg.
AT A GLANCE
2019 /20 SEASON

DATE TIME CONCERT LOCATION

17 JUL 2019 12.30PM LUNCHTIME CONCERT VICTORIA CH

18 JUL 2019 7.30PM SSO IN YOUR COMMUNITY: MPC@KHATIB

NORTHWEST SINGAPORE

19 JUL 2019 7.30PM SSO IN YOUR COMMUNITY: PAYA LEBAR METHODIST GIRLS' SCHOOL
NORTHEAST SINGAPORE

21 JUL 2019 6PM SYMPHONY IN THE GARDENS: SHAW FOUNDATION SYMPHONY STAGE,
THE STRAITS TIMES CONCERT IN THE GARDENS SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS

25 & 26 JUL 2019 7.30PM STEVEN OSBORNE PLAYS MOZART VICTORIA CH

1 & 2 AUG 2019 7.30PM KERSON LEONG PLAYS SCHUMANN VICTORIA CH

10 AUG 2019 7.30PM SSO NATIONAL DAY CONCERT ESPLANADE CH

15 AUG 2019 7.30PM WANG JIAN • FLOWING SLEEVES ESPLANADE CH

30 AUG 2019 7.30PM RED BALLOON: MOONRISE AND AURORA ESPLANADE CH

1 SEP 2019 11AM & 2PM CONCERTS FOR CHILDREN: ESPLANADE CH

PETER AND THE WOLF IN HOLLYWOOD

6 SEP 2019 7.30PM MASATO SUZUKI – INSPIRED BY LEIPZIG ESPLANADE CH

13 SEP 2019 7.30PM STEPHEN HOUGH • EGYPTIAN PIANO CONCERTO ESPLANADE CH

27 SEP 2019 7.30PM PRESIDENT'S YOUNG PERFORMERS CONCERT VICTORIA CH

3 OCT 2019 7.30PM SSO GALA: ESPLANADE CH

VLADIMIR ASHKENAZY & GAUTIER CAPUÇON

11 & 12 OCT 2019 7.30PM FOLLOW THE LEADER • RICHARD TOGNETTI VICTORIA CH

19 OCT 2019 7.30PM KAHCHUN WONG & KARL-HEINZ SCHÜTZ ESPLANADE CH

26 OCT 2019 7.30PM SCOTTISH FANTASY • RACHEL BARTON PINE ESPLANADE CH

67
 DATE TIME CONCERT LOCATION

1 NOV 2019 7.30PM ELGAR VIOLIN CONCERTO & ENIGMA VARIATIONS ESPLANADE CH

8 NOV 2019 7.30PM CHORUS OF THE PLANETS ESPLANADE CH

16 & 17 NOV 2019 16 NOV: 2PM & 4PM CONCERTS FOR CHILDREN: VICTORIA CH
17 NOV: 2PM EMILY SAVES THE ORCHESTRA

22 & 23 NOV 2019 7.30PM THE JUSSEN BROTHERS PLAY MOZART VICTORIA CH

28 & 29 NOV 2019 7.30PM AKIKO SUWANAI PLAYS MOZART VICTORIA CH

5 DEC 2019 7.30PM ZHANG HAOCHEN PLAYS MOZART ESPLANADE CH

12 & 13 DEC 2019 7.30PM SSO CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT THE ESPLANADE ESPLANADE CH

19 & 20 DEC 2019 7.30PM SSO POPS: THE MUSIC OF STAR WARS ESPLANADE CH

10 JAN 2020 7.30PM THE MALTESE TENOR: JOSEPH CALLEJA ESPLANADE CH

17 JAN 2020 7.30PM SSO GALA: ESPLANADE CH

KAVAKOS PLAYS KORNGOLD

13 FEB 2020 7.30PM A FAREWELL FOR TASMIN LITTLE ESPLANADE CH

29 FEB 2020 7.30PM MARTIN GRUBINGER • THE TEARS OF NATURE ESPLANADE CH

5 MAR 2020 7.30PM PHILIPPE QUINT • THE RED VIOLIN ESPLANADE CH

12 MAR 2020 12.30PM LUNCHTIME CONCERT VICTORIA CH

13 MAR 2020 7.30PM THE GENTEEL HORN OF MR HAN VICTORIA CH

14 MAR 2020 7.30PM SSO IN YOUR COMMUNITY: ITE COLLEGE WEST

SOUTHWEST SINGAPORE

15 MAR 2020 6.30PM SYMPHONY IN THE GARDENS: THE MEADOW

GARDENS BY THE BAY

21 & 22 MAR 2020 21 MAR: 2PM & 4PM CONCERTS FOR CHILDREN: VICTORIA CH
22 MAR: 2PM JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD

27 & 28 MAR 2020 7.30PM FAURÉ: CANTIQUE ET REQUIEM VICTORIA CH

68
DATE TIME CONCERT LOCATION

3 APR 2020 7.30PM SSO POPS: TO BROADWAY, WITH LOVE ESPLANADE CH

23 APR 2020 7.30PM CELLO ESCAPADES ESPLANADE CH

1 MAY 2020 7.30PM NADIA SIROTA • NICO MUHLY VIOLA CONCERTO ESPLANADE CH

8 MAY 2020 7.30PM RED BALLOON: ESPLANADE CH

PENDERECKI CONDUCTS PENDERECKI

10 MAY 2020 6PM SYMPHONY IN THE GARDENS: SHAW FOUNDATION SYMPHONY STAGE,
SSO MOTHER’S DAY CONCERT SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS

20 & 21 MAY 2020 7.30PM SSO GALA: VICTORIA CH

SEONG-JIN CHO

23 & 24 MAY 2020 2PM & 4PM SSO BABIES’ PROMS VICTORIA CH
 INDEX
COMPOSER WORK PAGE

Bach Toccata & Fugue in D minor, BWV 565 20

Bach Wenn wir in hochsten Noten sein 20
Barber Symphony No. 1 in One Movement 26
Bax Tintagel 24
Beethoven Choral Fantasy for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra, Op. 80 26
Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 19 39
Beethoven Prometheus Overture 39
Beethoven Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36 39
Beethoven Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 “Pastoral” 27
Berlioz Roman Carnival Overture 20
Bernstein Candide Overture 34
Brahms Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73 28
Brahms Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90 33
Britten Simple Symphony, Op. 4 36
Bruch Scottish Fantasy, Op. 46 24
Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26 33
Bruckner Symphony No. 4 in E-flat major 28
Chen Qigang The Five Elements《五行》 37
Chopin Variations on “Là ci darem la mano” 20
Corigliano The Red Violin, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra 34
Debussy The Girl with the Flaxen Hair 23
Debussy The Interrupted Serenade 23
Dvořák Scherzo Capriccioso 32
Dvořák Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88 18
Elgar Violin Concerto in B minor, Op. 61 25
Elgar Enigma Variations, Op. 36 25
Enescu Pastorale-Fantaisie for Small Orchestra 27
John Estacio Solaris, Borealis and Wondrous Light 18
Fauré Cantique de Jean Racine, Op. 11 36
Fauré Requiem in D minor, Op. 48 36
Franck Symphony in D minor 20
Haydn Symphony No. 98 in B-flat major 16
Haydn Symphony No. 88 in G major 17
Holst The Planets, Op. 32 26
Kernis Musica celestis 16
Knussen The Way to Castle Yonder 33
Joyce Koh New work to be announced 18
Korngold Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35 32
Lully Overture and Dances from Le Bourgeois gentilhomme 34
Mendelssohn Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage, Op. 27 28
Mendelssohn The Fair Melusina Overture, Op. 32 21
Mendelssohn Symphony No. 5, Op. 107 “Reformation” 20

70
COMPOSER WORK PAGE

Mozart 27
Mozart 34
Mozart 16
Mozart 28
Mozart 23
Mozart 28
Nico Muhly 37
Pärt 36
Penderecki 38
Penderecki 38
Penderecki 38
Prokofiev 19
Prokofiev 33
Rachmaninoff 23
Rachmaninoff 33
Rautavaara 37
Ravel 18
Ravel 23

INDEX
Ravel 23
Ravel 23
Reger 21
Carl Reinecke 23
Rodrigo 21
Rossini 16
Saint-Saëns 20
Schubert 17
Schumann 22
Schumann 20
Schumann 22
Schumann 17
Schumann 37
Shostakovich 34
R. Strauss 34
R. Strauss 37
Tan Dun 33
Tchaikovsky 22
Tchaikovsky 32
John Williams 30
Vaughan Williams 24
Zhao Lin 37
Zhou Tian 18
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