End 2023 and start the new year on a joyous note with the SSO
Expect an irresistible line-up of concerts, from the annual SSO Christmas Concert to two weekends of Rachmaninoff, an SSO Pops film screening of sci-fi classic E.T. with live orchestra, plus the much-awaited return of SSO’s Conductor Laureate Lan Shui.
Singapore, 27 November 2023 — The Singapore Symphony Orchestra presents an irresistible line-up of concerts in the upcoming months. From its popular Christmas and children’s concerts to free performances, and two weekends of music by composer Rachmaninoff; these programmes by the SSO are sure to satisfy the most discerning aficionado and all casual music lovers.
December 2023
A perfect way to add cheer to your year-end festivities, the SSO Christmas Fundraising Concert, led by Associate Conductor Rodolfo Barráez on 14 and 15 December will see the Singapore Symphony Choruses join the orchestra to dress the stage with musical joy and blessed harmonies for the yuletide season.
January 2024
Over two weekends, SSO Music Director Hans Graf leads two back-to-back tributes to the magnificent, heart-on-the-sleeve music of Rachmaninoff. First on 12 and 13 January, veteran American pianist Garrick Ohlsson stars in Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in a programme with the composer’s Second Symphony. Next, on 18 and 19 January, South Korean pianist Jae-Hyuck Cho is the soloist in Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 — this is paired with Rachmaninoff’s beautiful Third Symphony.
Movie lovers will not want to miss SSO Pops: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial – Film with Live Orchestra on 26 and 27 January. A beloved classic from 1982 featuring the incomparable music of John Williams, E.T. is a moving tale of friendship, courage and gratitude that has captivated viewers of all ages. Watch the movie with the entire soundtrack performed live by the SSO conducted by Joshua Tan to see how young Elliot helps E.T. “phone home”.
February 2024
Sprinkle a dash of musical bliss on your Sunday afternoon on 25 February with Sunday Afternoon Fancies. From the divine harmonies of Tavener to Shakespearean songs with a touch of jazz, the Singapore Symphony Youth Choir and musicians of the SSO will present an attractive programme of English choral and string delights.
March 2024
Welcome spring with Lan Shui and Bomsori on 1 March. SSO’s Music Director from 1997 to 2019 and now Conductor Laureate Lan Shui makes his much-awaited return, to conduct Mahler’s monumental First Symphony. With him is Korean superstar violinist Bomsori Kim starring in the splendid Nielsen Violin Concerto.
Following that, the SSO will present a week of free concerts. Led by Associate Conductor Rodolfo Barráez, the orchestra will perform a line-up of melodies from the great operas for the SSO Lunchtime Concert on 6 March at the Victoria Concert Hall, SSO In Your Community on 8 March at The Republic Cultural Centre Theatre, Republic Polytechnic, and Temasek Foundation SSO Music in the Meadow on 9 March at The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay.
Parents and kids can check out the SSO’s Concerts for Children: Sleepover at the Museum on 16 March. This concert is based on the book by composer and author Karen LeFrak and is the perfect introduction to classical music. Join Associate Conductor Rodolfo Barráez and narrator Tan Rui Shan on a musical scavenger hunt.
SSO Christmas Fundraising Concert 2023
Singapore Symphony Orchestra / Singapore Symphony Chorus / Singapore Symphony Youth Choir / Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir / Rodolfo Barráez, Associate Conductor / Eudenice Palaruan, Choral Director / Wong Lai Foon, Choirmaster
Thu / 14 Dec 23 / 7.30pm
Fri / 15 Dec 23 / 7.30pm
Esplanade Concert Hall
Merry Christmas! It’s that time of the year again when the Singapore Symphony family dresses the stage with musical joy and blessed harmonies for the yuletide season. Join us in our annual celebration, a perfect way to add cheer to your year-end festivities!
FeaturingSingapore Symphony Orchestra / Singapore Symphony Chorus / Singapore Symphony Youth Choir / Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir / Rodolfo Barráez, Associate Conductor / Eudenice Palaruan, Choral Director / Wong Lai Foon, Choirmaster
ProgrammeVivace from A Christmas Carol Symphony | Patric Standford |
|---|---|
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year* | Eddie Pola |
Prelude from Hansel & Gretel | Engelbert Humperdinck (Humperdinck) |
Shepherd's Pipe Carol* | John Rutter |
Waltz of the Snowflakes from The Nutcracker* | Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (Tchaikovsky) |
I Saw Three Ships* | Mack Wilberg |
Christmas on Broadway* | |
Wassail Dances | Phillip Lane |
Calypso Carol* | Michael Perry |
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas* | Hugh Martin |
A Christmas Carnival | Richard Bissill |
Christmas Singalong* | John Finnegan |
$498, $188, $128, $98, $78, $58
Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto 2 and Symphony 2
Singapore Symphony Orchestra / Hans Graf, Music Director / Garrick Ohlsson, piano
Fri / 12 Jan 24 / 7.30pm
Sat / 13 Jan 24 / 7.30pm
Esplanade Concert Hall
“Do what the composer did, not what he wrote,” so said veteran American pianist Garrick Ohlsson of Rachmaninoff. The famous fate-laden opening of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 here is only the beginning of the sweeping Romanticism and dazzling flair of two back-to-back Rachmaninoff programmes led by Singapore Symphony Music Director Hans Graf. Be prepared for a tear-inducing journey of heartfelt emotion – this is the music that brought Rachmaninoff out of despair and into immortal fame.
FeaturingSingapore Symphony Orchestra / Hans Graf, Music Director / Garrick Ohlsson, piano
ProgrammePiano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18* | Sergei Rachmaninoff (Rachmaninoff) |
|---|---|
Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27 | Sergei Rachmaninoff (Rachmaninoff) |
$88, $68, $48, $38, $28, $15
Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto 3 and Symphony 3
Singapore Symphony Orchestra / Hans Graf, Music Director / Jae-Hyuck Cho, piano
Thu / 18 Jan 24 / 7.30pm
Fri / 19 Jan 24 / 7.30pm
Esplanade Concert Hall
A towering masterpiece resplendent with intense, soaring passion, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 is the music of a soul bared to its heart. “Nothing in life worth anything comes easy”, so says Korean pianist Jae-Hyuck Cho, whose recordings of the Rachmaninoff Concertos with Hans Graf has been described as a “marriage of fire and lyricism [that] is perfectly judged; Graf is ever the perfect musical partner”. Witness this for yourself, then bask in the wondrous colours of Rachmaninoff’s beautiful Third Symphony.
This concert is dedicated to the late Dr Goh Keng Swee, founding patron of the SSO.
FeaturingSingapore Symphony Orchestra / Hans Graf, Music Director / Jae-Hyuck Cho, piano
ProgrammePiano Concerto No. 3 in D minor. Op. 30* | Sergei Rachmaninoff (Rachmaninoff) |
|---|---|
Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Op. 44 | Sergei Rachmaninoff (Rachmaninoff) |
$88, $68, $48, $38, $28, $15
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial – Film with Live Orchestra
Singapore Symphony Orchestra / Joshua Tan, conductor
Fri / 26 Jan 24 / 7.30pm
Sat / 27 Jan 24 / 7.30pm
Esplanade Concert Hall
A gentle alien is stranded on Earth and discovered by a 10-year-old boy from a broken family. A beloved movie classic from 1982, E.T. is a moving tale of friendship, courage and gratitude that has captivated viewers of all ages. Watch the movie with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra to see how young Elliot helps E.T. “phone home”, and be uplifted by the incomparable music of John Williams, played live in the Esplanade Concert Hall.
This is a live orchestra concert presentation with film screening. With subtitles in English only.
FeaturingSingapore Symphony Orchestra / Joshua Tan, conductor
Price$108, $88, $68, $48, $38, $20 (restricted view)
Sunday Afternoon Fancies
Singapore Symphony Youth Choir / Wong Lai Foon, Choirmaster / Musicians of the SSO
Sun / 25 Feb 24 / 4.00pm
Victoria Concert Hall
Sprinkle a dash of musical bliss on your Sunday afternoon with this attractive programme of English choral and string delights. From the divine harmonies of Tavener to Shakespearean songs with a touch of jazz, the heartfelt nostalgia of Vaughan Williams to the whimsical gems of Rutter – these Sunday Afternoon Fancies will make your spirit sing all day with joy.
FeaturingSingapore Symphony Youth Choir / Wong Lai Foon, Choirmaster / Musicians of the SSO
ProgrammeMy Spirit Sang All Day | Gerald Finzi (Finzi) |
|---|---|
The Lamb | John Tavener |
Serenade for Strings | Edward Elgar (Elgar) |
Selections from Songs and Sonnets from Shakespeare | George Shearing |
Suite for Strings | John Rutter |
Selections from Fancies | John Rutter |
$20
Lan Shui and Bomsori
Singapore Symphony Orchestra / Lan Shui, Conductor Laureate / Bomsori Kim, violin
Fri / 01 Mar 24 / 7.30pm
Esplanade Concert Hall
Lan Shui, Conductor Laureate of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, returns to conduct the SSO! Mahler’s monumental symphonies have been a signature of his programming as SSO Music Director from 1997 to 2019 – look forward to this rendition of the First under his baton. Korean superstar violinist Bomsori Kim shines in the first half with the panoramic splendour of Nielsen’s Violin Concerto.
FeaturingSingapore Symphony Orchestra / Lan Shui, Conductor Laureate / Bomsori Kim, violin
ProgrammeViolin Concerto, Op. 33* | Carl Nielsen (Nielsen) |
|---|---|
Symphony No. 1 in D major “Titan” | Gustav Mahler (Mahler) |
$88, $68, $48, $38, $28, $15
SSO Lunchtime Concert (Mar 2024)
Singapore Symphony Orchestra / Rodolfo Barráez, Associate Conductor / Kaitlyn Kim, soprano / William Lim, baritone
Wed / 06 Mar 24 / 12.30pm
Victoria Concert Hall
Enter the colourful world of The Magic Flute, La Traviata and other beloved tunes from the great operas! The Singapore Symphony Orchestra sets the stage for an hour's worth of fabulous overtures and and musical scenes, all for your listening pleasure. Admission is free.
FeaturingSingapore Symphony Orchestra / Rodolfo Barráez, Associate Conductor / Kaitlyn Kim, soprano / William Lim, baritone
ProgrammeOverture from The Marriage of Figaro | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Mozart) |
|---|---|
Overture and two songs from The Magic Flute ¹ ² | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Mozart) |
Overture from La forza del destino | Giuseppe Verdi (Verdi) |
É strano! - Sempre libera from La Traviata ¹ | Giuseppe Verdi (Verdi) |
Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana | Pietro Mascagni (Mascagni) |
Overture from The Thieving Magpie | Gioachino Rossini (Rossini) |
SSO In Your Community 2024
Singapore Symphony Orchestra / Rodolfo Barráez, Associate Conductor / Kaitlyn Kim, soprano / William Lim, baritone
Fri / 08 Mar 24 / 7.30pm
The Republic Cultural Centre Theatre, Republic Polytechnic
Enter the colourful world of The Magic Flute, La Traviata and other beloved tunes from the great operas! The Singapore Symphony Orchestra sets the stage for an hour's worth of fabulous overtures and and musical scenes, all for your listening pleasure. Admission is free.
FeaturingSingapore Symphony Orchestra / Rodolfo Barráez, Associate Conductor / Kaitlyn Kim, soprano / William Lim, baritone
ProgrammeOverture from The Marriage of Figaro | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Mozart) |
|---|---|
Overture and two songs from The Magic Flute ¹ ² | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Mozart) |
Overture from La forza del destino | Giuseppe Verdi (Verdi) |
É strano! - Sempre libera from La Traviata ¹ | Giuseppe Verdi (Verdi) |
Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana | Pietro Mascagni (Mascagni) |
Overture from The Thieving Magpie | Gioachino Rossini (Rossini) |
Temasek Foundation × SSO: Music In The Meadow
Singapore Symphony Orchestra / Rodolfo Barráez, Associate Conductor / Kaitlyn Kim, soprano / William Lim, baritone
Sat / 09 Mar 24 / 6.30pm
The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay
Enter the colourful world of The Magic Flute, La Traviata and other beloved tunes from the great operas! The Singapore Symphony Orchestra sets the stage for an hour's worth of fabulous overtures and and musical scenes, all for your listening pleasure. Admission is free.
FeaturingSingapore Symphony Orchestra / Rodolfo Barráez, Associate Conductor / Kaitlyn Kim, soprano / William Lim, baritone
ProgrammeOverture from The Marriage of Figaro | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Mozart) |
|---|---|
Overture and two songs from The Magic Flute ¹ ² | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Mozart) |
Overture from La forza del destino | Giuseppe Verdi (Verdi) |
É strano! - Sempre libera from La Traviata ¹ | Giuseppe Verdi (Verdi) |
Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana | Pietro Mascagni (Mascagni) |
Overture from The Thieving Magpie | Gioachino Rossini (Rossini) |
Sleepover at the Museum
Singapore Symphony Orchestra / Rodolfo Barráez, Associate Conductor / Tan Rui Shan, narrator
Sat / 16 Mar 24 / 11.00am
Sat / 16 Mar 24 / 2.00pm
Esplanade Concert Hall
Imagine spending your birthday at a museum! Follow Mason and his friends with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra on a musical and scientific scavenger hunt through the exhibits. Based on the book by composer and author Karen LeFrak, ardent champion of musical and literary education for children, this concert for children is perfect for museum lovers and adventure-seekers, and as an introduction to classical music.
Features orchestra with narrator and projected images.
Recommended for ages 7 and above. No admission for infants-in-arms. No admission without a ticket.
Singapore Symphony Orchestra / Rodolfo Barráez, Associate Conductor / Tan Rui Shan, narrator
ProgrammeHoliday from Day in the Lion City | Kelly Tang |
|---|---|
Sleepover at the Museum | Karen LeFrak |
$35, $25
ABOUT THE SINGAPORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Founded in 1979, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is Singapore’s flagship orchestra, touching lives through classical music and providing the heartbeat of the cultural scene. In addition to its subscription series concerts, the SSO is also known for its outdoor and community appearances. The orchestra also presents intimate chamber performances in the SSO Chamber Series and SSO Organ Series, the annual Singapore International Piano Festival (SIPF) and the biennial National Piano and Violin Competition (NPVC) at the Victoria Concert Hall, Home of the SSO. The SSO is part of the Singapore Symphony Group, which also manages the Singapore Symphony Choruses, and the Singapore National Youth Orchestra. The Group’s vision is to be a leading arts organization that engages, inspires and reflects Singapore through musical excellence. Our mission 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 our diverse communities.
The Singapore Symphony Orchestra was nominated and clinched third place in the prestigious Gramophone Orchestra of the Year Award 2021. In 2022, BBC Music Magazine named the SSO as one of the 21 best orchestras in the world.
Visit Singapore Symphony Orchestra’s website and find out more.
Follow Singapore Symphony’s Orchestra Facebook page, Instagram
and YouTube page
ABOUT VCHPRESENTS
The VCHpresents series by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra is a showcase of the finest musicians from around the world: master instrumentalists and acclaimed ensembles in diverse programmes both traditional and unexpected. The series is presented at the Victoria Concert Hall in various formats: Chamber, featuring world-class artistes and familiar faces from the Singapore Symphony in the intimate setting of chamber music; Intimate Moments, which offers a harmonious concert to listen and converse with a select musician of the Singapore Symphony family; and Organ, featuring the VCH Klais Organ as it brings organists from around the world to perform a magnificent range of music, from traditional organ soliloquys to transcriptions of orchestral showpieces, contemporary compositions and collaborations with other instruments, plus family programmes tailored to introduce classical music to the young ones.
Follow VCHpresents Facebook page and Instagram
ABOUT THE SINGAPORE SYMPHONY CHORUSES
The Singapore Symphony Choruses is a premier choral body comprising the Singapore Symphony Chorus, Singapore Symphony Youth Choir and Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir.
Since 1980, the Choruses have seen membership from diverse ages, backgrounds and nationalities. Regularly sharing the stage with the SSO, the Choruses record and tour with the orchestra, as well as give their own performances in Singapore and abroad. Through holistic training that nurtures artistic growth and personal development, the Choruses aim to articulate an ecosystem of choral excellence. Repertoire for the respective choruses straddle musical worlds and styles, ranging from orchestral masterpieces to a cappella favourites, and spanning the Renaissance to contemporary 21-st century music. Throughout the pandemic, the Choruses challenged the boundaries of remote collaboration in music making, releasing several productions including a music video "We Will Get There", as well as a one-of-its-kind joint choral performance "Longing", entirely enabled by technology.
Find out more about Singapore Symphony Choruses
For media enquiries, please contact:
Elizabeth Low
Senior Executive, Marketing Communications, Singapore Symphony Group
E: elizabeth.low@sso.org.sg
Celine Tan
Assistant Account Director, Red Havas
E: celine.tansl@havas.com
M: +65 9816 1204