Samaritans of Singapore and Singapore Symphony join hands for mental wellness

Singapore, 23 May 2025 — In conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month this May, the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) came together to host a first-of-its-kind fundraising event on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, at the Victoria Concert Hall. Titled Stories & Symphonies of Hope, the event welcomed about 250 attendees from various sectors including government agencies, healthcare and educational institutions, social service agencies, and professional bodies such as the Association for Music Therapy Singapore.

This event was particularly poignant as Singapore marks 60 years of independence—a milestone that invites reflection on the nation's values of kindness and inclusivity. With mental health awareness emerging as an increasing national priority, Stories & Symphonies of Hope sought to foster open conversations around the growing mental health crisis in Singapore, while presenting music as a powerful and therapeutic medium of care.

Graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Social and Family Development, the afternoon began with Mr Chua affirming the growing synergy between the arts and social services in shaping a resilient and compassionate society.

A key segment of the programme was a panel discussion on the healing power of music in supporting mental health and emotional resilience. Bringing together professionals from diverse backgrounds—including clinical experts and individuals with lived experiences—the panel offered unique and valuable perspectives.

Moderator:

Ms Charlene Heng, Deputy Director, SOS Academy, Samaritans of Singapore Limited

Panellists:

Dr Tan Xue Li, President of Association for Music Therapy Singapore
Mr Kok Tse Wei, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Programmes & Production), Singapore Symphony Group
Ms Chan May Peng, Senior Manager and Lead Counsellor, Samaritans of Singapore Limited
Ms Shantini Sathivanesan, an advocate with lived experience

Together, they explored the intersection of music and community support, emphasising its role in strengthening connections and raising awareness of mental well-being and suicide prevention.

Framing the panel discussion was an intimate and evocative performance by an SSO string quartet consisting of violinists Zhao Tian and Zhang Si Jing, violist Janice Tsai and cellist Christopher Mui. The repertoire featured a variety of pieces that underscored the emotional depth of the event, including A Day in Paris by local composer Shao Ying Low and Mascagni’s contemplative Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana.

"At first glance, music and mental health may seem like distinct notes in different keys. But tonight, they played in harmony. At Samaritans of Singapore, we often speak to people in their most challenging times. That’s why when we came together with SSO for Stories and Symphonies of Hope, we wanted to create something special: a space where people feel brave enough to share, safe enough to feel, and supported enough to heal," Mr Gasper Tan, CEO, Samaritans of Singapore Limited.

"We believe it is important for us to play our part to create opportunities for social services and the arts to come together and build even stronger relationships across these sectors," Mr Kenneth Kwok, CEO, Singapore Symphony Group.

Since its founding in 1979, the national orchestra has been a strong community ally in the arts and has consistently championed enriching diverse communities with music. The SSO promotes mental wellbeing, emotional connection, and social inclusion through high-quality concerts year-round, as well as outreach programmes and collaborations with organisations such as St. Luke’s Hospital and Be Kind SG. Its role extends beyond performance as it advocates for healing, strength, and a sense of belonging through the transformative power of the arts. Meanwhile, SOS remains at the forefront of mental health advocacy in Singapore, creating safe, supportive spaces where healing can flourish, especially through the shared language of music.

This initiative marks a meaningful step toward a more collaborative future between the arts and community care, expanding access to vital resources for those navigating mental health challenges.