COMMISSIONS
A concert celebrating SMU’s track record of commissioning orchestral works — including three world premieres.
SMU has consistently supported local talent by commissioning new orchestral compositions. To celebrate SMU25 and SG60, the SMU Chinese Orchestra will present a special concert featuring commissioned works from past years alongside multicultural pieces celebrating Singapore’s rich diversity. The programme includes three world premieres of original commissions and guest players, underscoring SMU’s commitment to inclusion.
| Date | 11 Sep 2025 | Thu |
|---|---|
| Time | 8pm |
| Venue | SOTA Concert Hall |
| Price | Ticketed - $25 |
Show Programme
Composers
Eric Watson
Eric Watson has lived in Singapore since 1991 and is active as composer, conductor, and pedagogue. His experience embraces opera, musical theatre, film and television writing scores in many different genres. In 2001 he was the composer and musical director for the Singapore National Day parade, recording with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, and again in 2007 he wrote and arranged music for National Day with four orchestras, the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, SSO, an Indian and a Malay ensemble.
In 2008 Eric was awarded first prize in the first Singapore Chinese Orchestra International Composition Competition with the work, “Tapestries I - Time Dances”; and in 2011 he wrote the first prize winning piece “Aftermath” for the Singapore Piano and Violin competition, in 2016 to 2018 he was composer in residence to the SCO.
In 2019 Eric Watson was conferred the Cultural Medallion, Singapore’s highest award in recognition of artistic excellence and distinction in arts and culture.
Germaine Goh
Germaine Goh is a Singaporean composer and arranger whose music spans symphonic, chamber, jazz, and multidisciplinary genres. Known for her eclectic voice and cultural storytelling, her works have been performed by ensembles such as Resound Collective, Ding Yi Music Company, Jazz Association of Singapore Orchestra, Asian Cultural Symphony Orchestra, Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra, and Singapore Chinese Orchestra. Signature works include Roots to Skies: The Hopes and Dreams of Toa Payoh — a symphonic piece blending ethnic instruments premiered by ACSO in 2024. Germaine’s music draws from Singapore’s rich cultural heritage, as she hopes to create works that bridge tradition and contemporary expression.
Chua Jon Lin
Singapore-born composer Jon Lin Chua is known for her versatility across musical cultures and genres. Currently the Vice President of the Composers Society of Singapore and a doctoral researcher at the University of Birmingham, her works have been performed internationally by leading ensembles. She has received multiple composition awards and studied at the Eastman School of Music and the National University of Singapore. Jon Lin also teaches at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.
Sulwyn Lok
Described as “magical” with “plenty of beautiful sounds to savour” (The Straits Times), Singaporean composer Sulwyn Lok blends his roots in Southeast Asia and New York City into a vibrant global voice. His music spans film, theatre, and concerts, with commissions from the arts councils of New York and Singapore, Singapore Chinese Orchestra, Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Hermès, and Samsung. His scores have premiered at Cannes and Busan, and earned awards from Universal Music’s UCompose and the British Web Awards.
Phang Kok Jun
A multidisciplinary composer, Phang Kok Jun’s music transcends the concert halls, with a repertoire that also includes theatre, film and other forms of media.
The Purple Symphony
The Purple Symphony is an inclusive orchestra comprising talented musicians with and without disabilities. Its members play a range of Asian and Western instruments from five key musical sections: Strings (Plucked), Strings (Bow), Wind, Percussion and Choir.
As Singapore’s first all-inclusive orchestra, The Purple Symphony creates an opportunity for the inclusion of people who are different. It is a ready avenue for musicians to learn and share music with one another and their audiences, support inclusion, and celebrate and demonstrate their abilities and excellence they can achieve together.
Musicians
[Left to right]
Back row: Royce Tan, Thomas Siew, Derrek Ang, Lucas Ong, Renaa Quah
Front row:Ng Kok Wee (seated), Siti Sakinah Binte Zainal, Tan Zhi Lin
Not in Photo: Nurul Natasya
SMU Chinese Orchestra (SMUCO)
Since its inception in 2009, SMU Chinese Orchestra (SMUCO) has distinguished itself through various cross-disciplinary works and creative programming under the baton of Quek Ling Kiong. In 2019, SMUCO celebrated its 10th anniversary with a commemorative concert Perfect 10 - FM SMUCO. While COVID-19 had paused live performances, SMUCO continued to be creative and adaptable through presenting virtual performances such as the 2020 production, "To Gather" as part of the SMU Arts Fest. In 2022, SMUCO returned to the physical stage with Spring Rhapsodies.
Cello Bass Section
[Left to right]
Top Row: Huang Chao Hung, Jordon Sim Yong Zhi, Choi Zi An, Chew Chong Jun, Lynette Tan Hui Xuan
Bottom Row: Ashley Tan Yan Xin, Ranielle Estelle Ng, Lim Cai Qian, Jolin Lam Xin Hui, Ng Kai Ee Emmanuelle
Not in Photo: Yang Wei Tao
Percussion Section
[Left to right]
Top Row: Ng Yee Pin, Ralph Phua Theng Siang, Russell Ong
Bottom Row: Zhang Enjie, Wong Xin Hui Melody, Jia Linying
Woodwind Section
[Left to right]
Top Row: Preston Ang, Low Xiang Hui, Heng Yi Hwee
Bottom Row: Zhou Qianyue, Goh Jun Herng Gabriel, Yip Weng Kit, Tan Zi Jing Darrell, Chung Hiang Ler
Hu Qin Section
[Left to right]
Top Row: Ho Kai Siang, Bai Tianliang, Tan Yi Xuan, Odelia Koh Qi Han, Wang Chen En, Wong Zi Yang
Bottom Row: Anamika Prasanth Lim Mei Qi, Lee Ying Ying Nikole, Chloe Koh, Regina Tan, Lim Yan Tong, Felishia Claire Notorahardjo, Rina Yap Ern Yi
Tanbo Section
[Left to right]
Top Row: Khoo Sze Ning, Sarah Wee Zi Kym, Foo Siao Xuen, Lim Yu Zhe, Chloe Ueda Teo Wei Shan, Cladys Foo Shao Ning, Chin Wei Wen Isabelle, Natelie Tan, Laurel Lim Jia En, Liew Chet Ming, Lanice Lim Jia Jing, Roderick Kong Zhang
Bottom Row:
Yong Ghek Yee, Chai Xinyu Selina, Kimberly Yee, Chiong Wai Teng, Chua Yu Ying Didi, Chan Si Xuan Valerie
Executive Commitee
[Left to right]
Top Row: Ashley Tan Yan Xin, Yip Weng Kit, Jolin Lam Xin Hui
Bottom Row: Yong Ghek Yee, Jia Linying
Behind The Scenes!
View Other Programmes
