Songs from Home: Melbourne and Singapore Symphony Orchestras unite to celebrate a 55-year relationship between two countries
Melbourne and Singapore Symphony Orchestras will come together to celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and Singapore in an uplifting virtual side-by-side performance on Friday 7 August.
In Songs From Home the two orchestras will together perform an original medley of Australian and Singaporean songs. The special performance includes I Am Australian, We Are Singapore, Home, Waltzing Matilda, Click Go The Shears and Chan Mali Chan, led by MSO Principal Conductor in Residence Benjamin Northey and arranged by the MSO’s Luke Speedy-Hutton.
Sophie Galaise, Managing Director of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra said that both orchestras have seen and experienced the power of music and its ability to bring people together, wherever they may be in the world.
“More than ever, it’s important that we connect with our colleagues from around the world to celebrate important milestones and to provide a light to lift souls. We are grateful to the High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Canberra for their support of this moving project. This project has been carried out in the true spirit of collaboration,” said Ms Galaise.
HE Kwok Fook Seng, Singapore High Commissioner in Canberra said: ‘’This special collaboration is reflective of how our two nations have deepened cooperation throughout this pandemic, and aptly highlights the special role the arts play in tending to our hearts and minds. I can think of no better way to mark this occasion than to bid you a few special moments of joy and nostalgia!’’
Chng Hak-Peng, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Symphony Group said: ‘’It is an honour for the Singapore Symphony Orchestra to be part of this project that represents the close bonds between the people of Singapore and Australia. We are excited to ride the digital wave to perform together in the first cross-border orchestral performance in the region.’’
Songs From Home will premiere on Friday 7 August at 7:30 pm Melbourne / 5:30 pm Singapore on the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s YouTube channel and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra’s Facebook page.
Songs From Home is presented in partnership with the High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Canberra.
For press enquiries, please contact:
Singapore Symphony Group
80 Bencoolen Street, Level 8
NAFA Campus One Tower Block
Singapore 189655
T +65 9386 7008
haslina.hassan@sso.org.sg
