Singapore National Youth Orchestra
The Singapore National Youth Orchestra demonstrates the extraordinary capability of our inspired youth.
Formally established in 1980, we have welcomed generations of youths to the life-changing experience of playing orchestra music, performing locally as well as representing Singapore at prestigious concert halls and music festivals overseas. Over the years, the SNYO has performed in concert venues and music festivals across Australia, Austria, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia and the United Kingdom. Today we are 180 youths aged 10 to 21, from more than 60 schools across Singapore. The SNYO family consists of a main orchestra and a junior orchestra, where they are guided by professional musicians in rehearsals, sectionals and masterclasses.
The SNYO remains a warm and inviting community for youth who love playing music together, where meaningful friendships are made for life. Our programme is accessible to talented youth musicians with selected individual lesson subsidy and travel grants for tours as well as participation in exchange programmes.
Since 2018, Joshua Tan assumed the position of Principal Conductor for the SNYO and Peter Stark was appointed as its first-ever Principal Guest Conductor.
We are recognised by the Ministry of Education as a National Project of Excellence, and part of the Singapore Symphony Group — the arts charity that also manages the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.
VISION
To inspire a lifelong love for music and a dedication to exceptional orchestral performance
MISSION
Through the playing of orchestral classical music, we nurture future generations of musicians and build a vibrant music community for Singapore
The Singapore National Youth Orchestra invites young musicians (aged 10 to 18) to join us!
Positions are available in all sections: strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion. Talented young pianists who are interested in mastering a second instrument are also welcome to audition.
Audition guidelines and requirements are stated in the application form, and you may also read the audition FAQ for more information.
Applications for the audition are open all year round. The deadline to be considered for an audition is one month before the audition date. Applications received after the deadline will be retained for consideration at the next audition. To apply, please refer to this link.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at snyo@sso.org.sg.
Over the years, the SNYO performed at various international music festivals and concerts:
Click here to view some of our past tours and overseas exchanges.
1980
The “Singapore Youth Orchestra” is established under the Ministry of Education with the appointment of its first Music Director Ms Vivien Goh.
1986
The “Singapore Youth Training Orchestra” was formed as a junior orchestra to the main orchestra.
1990
From 1990-2002, Mr Lim Yau helmed the orchestra as Music Director.
2001
The “Singapore Youth Orchestra” is renamed as the “Singapore National Youth Orchestra” (SNYO).
SNYO Conductors from 2002
2002-2004: Robert Casteels (Music Director/ Resident Conductor)
2005-2010: Lim Soon Lee (Music Director)
2011-2012: Darrell Ang (Music Director)
2011-2014: Tan Wee Hsin (Resident Conductor)
2014-2018: Leonard Tan (Principal Conductor)
2015
The SNYO is transferred from the Ministry of Education to Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.
The Singapore Symphony Orchestra sets up the SNYO Integration Office to manage the consultation and operational processes for the handover.
2016
The Singapore Symphony Orchestra takes full operational and management control of the SNYO.
2018
The SNYO appoints Joshua Tan as its Principal Conductor and Peter Stark as its first-ever Principal Guest Conductor.