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 guestplayers, underscoring SMU’s commitment to inclusion.
| Date | 11 Sep 2025 | Thu |
|---|---|
| Time | 1 Show | 8pm |
| Venue | SOTA Concert Hall |
| Price | Ticketed - $25 |
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.
Multimedia Designer
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.
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.
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