The Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is Singapore’s premier symphony orchestra, performing primarily at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay and Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall. Each year, the SSO presents over 60 concerts, showcasing world-class classical music.
Key Details
- Founded: 1978
- Founding Director: Choo Hoey
- Current Music Director: Hans Graf (since 2022)
- Affiliated Groups:
- Singapore Symphony Choruses
- Singapore National Youth Orchestra (SNYO)
- VCH Presents chamber music series
- Singapore International Piano Festival
- National Piano & Violin Competition (biennial)
Achievements & Recognition
The SSO has earned global acclaim, including:
- 3rd place in Gramophone’s Orchestra of the Year (2021)
- Ranked among BBC Music Magazine’s Top 21 Best Orchestras (2022, 2023)
Historical Journey
Early Beginnings (1945–1970s)
Singapore’s first orchestra named the Singapore Symphony Orchestra was formed in 1945 by Scottish composer Erik Chisholm. Comprising members from British military bands, it performed over 50 concerts before disbanding.
For decades afterward, most orchestras—such as the Singapore Musical Society and Singapore Youth Orchestra—relied on amateur musicians.
The Push for a Professional Orchestra (1970s)
In 1973, then-Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Goh Keng Swee called the lack of a professional orchestra a “minor scandal.” Although an initial proposal failed due to insufficient local musicians, momentum grew when the Singapore Philharmonic Orchestra formed in 1977.
Establishment of the SSO (1978)
After discussions with conductor Choo Hoey, Dr. Goh secured government backing. The SSO officially launched in 1978 as Singapore Symphonia Co., starting with:
- 8 Singaporean musicians
- 27 international artists
Legacy & Impact
Today, the SSO remains a cultural cornerstone, enriching Singapore’s arts scene and fostering classical music across Asia.