CAFÉ SOCIETY BENEFIT RAISES $1.16 MILLION FOR SSO’S YOUTH ENSEMBLES

The Singapore Symphony Orchestra raised $1.16 million through its glitzy benefit dinner titled Café Society last Saturday at the Shangri-La Hotel. The funds will go towards the nurturing of young talents in Singapore, such as supporting the activities of Singapore National Youth Orchestra (SNYO) and Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir (SSCC).

Over 400 guests attended the dinner, including Professor Tommy Koh, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who also serves on the SSO Council. The SSO Benefit Dinner was organized by members of the SSO Ladies’ League, chaired by Mrs Odile Benjamin.

Highlights from the jazz-infused programme includes Get Happy, Just Another Rhumba and Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend, featuring the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and young award-winning Singaporean musical theatre performer Mina Kaye. Sharing the stage are Singapore National Youth Orchestra and Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir, who also made guests appearance to perform What a Wonderful World, Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Sing, Sing, Sing.

This year, Christopher and Rosy Ho have collectively been given the special donor title of Principal Champion of the SSCC. They have pledged $300,000 to be given over three years, and additionally donated $25,000 towards the recording and production of SSCC debut CD.