A Poignant Start

A Poignant Start

By Peggy Kek & Haslina Hassan

Jul 2020

On 11 July 2020, we launched the new SSO season with a special virtual concert and heartfelt messages from new SSO Chief Conductor Hans Graf and then-Minister for Community, Culture and Youth, Grace Fu.

The first concert of the 20/21 season was dedicated to the people of Singapore. It comprised a new “recorded at home” performance and a recent recording of a live performance at the Esplanade in January, in front of a live audience - a juxtaposition that made for poignant watching. We were overwhelmed by the warm and enthusiastic responses from our online audiences.

Beautiful concert!

Especially loved the Bach, and the way it was performed, with each performer on their own videoconference window!

Thank you, enjoyed the concert (and wine) especially relished seeing the individual musicians display their skill and expertise with their chosen instruments. I will definitely watch the concert again!

The recording of Bach’s Largo from Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor featured Karen Gomyo and the precocious Chloe Chua as well as Darrell Ang on harpsichord. They were accompanied by SSO musicians who also recorded from home. The second work was a recording of SSO’s live performance of Tchaikovsky’s “Pathetique” Symphony under maestro Graf’s baton in January 2020.

Minister Grace Fu delivered welcome remarks for the concert.

In her welcome remarks ahead of the concert, Minister Fu said, “During challenging times like these, the arts can uplift our spirits. Our arts community has shown great resilience by experimenting and adapting their modes of presentation. Even though concert halls are closed, the SSO has continued to share its music with us over the last few months, including weekly playlists, concert videos, even music for meditation…The SSO continues to provide many opportunities for our homegrown talents to hone and showcase their skills.” She also highlighted the importance of benefactors.

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All these would not be possible without the generous benefactors who are supporting our national orchestra and arts groups during this time.

Minister Grace Fu
Chief Conductor Hans Graf

To kick off his first season with the SSO, Chief Conductor Hans Graf expressed sadness that pandemic-related travel restrictions prevented him from being present in person for the event but also optimism.

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It is a season start unlike any other we’ve had in our past. It’s like the first day of spring after a long and dark musical winter. A breath of fresh air.

Chief Conductor Hans Graf
SSG Chairman Goh Yew Lin gave the opening welcome.
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We open our new season digitally, in this most unusual of times, with many things still uncertain but in the spirit of positivity and hope…I also want to express my deepest thanks to those who have responded to our appeals for financial support during this critical time. The loss of concert revenue and the cancellation of our annual fundraising gala have created a large funding gap which these donations have helped to narrow.

SSG Chairman Goh Yew Lin

We would also like to thank everyone who took the time to send in all your lovely comments. Thank you for inspiring us to continue to create memorable experiences for you. Here are a few more of your reactions.

It was wonderful to sit and listen once again to the Pathetique, but this time viewing not from the stalls but a completely different angle – wonderful !!

Mr Charles Robertson

Enjoyed the concert - especially the Bach, an innovative performance.

Mr Leong Voon Seong

The SSO opening concert is amazing to watch, wonderful to hear, and absolutely breathtaking. I certainly look forward to the day when we can watch this in person. In the meantime, please stay safe and stay healthy. Thank you for the dedication towards your support partners, and the audience who love the SSO. Encore!

Mr Andy Ho

NOTE: The concert was exclusive to SISTIC Live and will not be available to watch on SSO social media channels.

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