The future of concerts frankly, seems pretty positive right now. Partly, because thank you to everybody who have gotten vaccinated and partly, because nothing beats sitting in a space and listening to live music. The latter, something that music piped into your AirPods of in-ear tech cannot achieve — and one man and 90 talented musicians have been keeping up this joyous spirit through troubled times.
We believe his name is called Chng Hak-Peng (fyi, he’s the CEO of Singapore Symphony Orchestra) and the 90 musicians under his wing. Here, Chng takes us through about the future of concerts and SSO’s future plans.
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Congratulations on being nominated for the prestigious Gramophone Orchestra Of The Year 2021 Award, can I get you to deliver a speech in less than 10 words?
We are honoured, humbled and grateful. Please vote for us. (Editor’s note: you can vote here)
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What do you think winning the award will do for the SSO? Is there a song you guys would play to celebrate? I’m thinking Fanfare for the Common Man by Aaron Copland.
The nomination in itself is already a testament to the orchestra’s recorded sounds, dynamic programming and ongoing initiatives, as well as the leadership of SSO’s music directors. Being on the list among the other nine other international orchestras, is already an honour. Specifically, it recognises the effort we have placed on making recordings and albums over the past decade.
Given that this is a publicly-voted award, if there is a chance we could win, it would be due to the support that we have from our audience members and supporters. We have worked hard to stay in touch with our audience through digital concerts during the pandemic and bring them comfort through our music. I think if we win this prestigious Gramophone Orchestra of The Year 2021 Award, it would further connect us to an international audience.
Our most recent release contains a piece that our audiences here love, “Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition” which we last performed live in 2018. The current pandemic restrictions do not allow these many musicians on stage though!
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How do you think concerts have evolved so far? Do you think there’ll be a bigger appetite for concert goers once we can finally gather?
COVID-19 has certainly transformed the concert experience. While live concerts may have decreased and the hall feels very “spacious” (or empty) with the safe distancing, there has been a pivot to virtual options and recordings. The idea of taking concerts online is not new, and audiences are now generally more open to virtual alternatives, as compared to before the COVID-19. It was a learning experience for us to observe the consumption patterns that have been constantly changing over the past year.
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While there are options for virtual concerts, I believe there will be many who would look forward to attending live concerts again to enjoy the impactful, symphonic sound of an orchestra. Our live concerts since November 2020, which have featured only the allowed number of performers, have been sold out. Whether live or virtual, the SSO continues to be on a mission to create memorable shared experiences with music.
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Without giving away too much, what can we expect from the National Day concert? Should we prepare a Kleenex box to wipe our tears away?
With every National Day Concert, we take the opportunity to feature new works by Singapore’s growing group of extremely gifted composers. Both casual listeners and music aficionados can look forward to world premieres of “Semangat Yang Baru” (“In a New Spirit”) by Syafiqah ‘Adha Sallehin’s Dengan and “Luciola Singapura” by Koh Cheng Jin. We will also have classic favourites such as Dick Lee’s “Home” and two new medleys of National Day staples, including the “Sing Singapore Medley” crowdfunded by the public via a donation campaign.
We certainly hope all would enjoy this gift of music from the SSO to the nation and I believe these familiar tunes of home would certainly pull the heartstrings of our viewers! Stay tuned!
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In your years of experience, how do you think the concept of “talent” has shifted? What do you expect of youth talents who want to join SSO?
We have indeed seen a rise in young talents in recent years and it is no different right at home. Our recent “Where I Belong” National Day video showcases young virtuoso violinist Chloe Chua, and two young talents who were formerly from our Children’s Choir — Syakirah Noble and Umar Sirhan. Under the umbrella of the Singapore Symphony Group, the Singapore Symphony Youth Orchestra (SNYO) demonstrates the amazing capability of our youths. Recognised by the Ministry of Education as a National Project of Excellence, we welcome young, passionate and aspiring performers from ages 10 to 21.
This warm, inviting family consists of a main orchestra and a junior orchestra of youths who are guided by professional musicians. There is also an opportunity for our youths to perform on an international stage, in an array of concert venues and festivals during their time with us. The difficult pieces they perform for their auditions nowadays were to me unimaginable when we were young.
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What programmes can we expect from the SSO in the later quarter of the year?
The plans for the fourth quarter are up in the air due to the uncertainty around travel and safety measures. I think everyone is looking forward to the possibility that we can bring back the full orchestra on stage. The highlight that we are determined to put on in whatever form the safety measures allow is our annual SSO Christmas Concert in December. Do look out for that.
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Lastly, out of curiosity, what is a song you personally love that most would not expect?
Well, I bet you would not have expected that in 2019, SSO performed the music of Frank Zappa and Daft Punk that many of your readers are fans of. For me, I enjoy listening to different types of music, so I don’t know what would be considered unexpected. Perhaps George Ezra’s “Budapest” might take some people by surprise.
Once you’re done with this story about the future of concerts by Chng Hak-Peng of SSO, click here to catch up with our August 2021 issue.
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