6 SSO music concerts to attend in July and August

The Singapore Symphony Orchestra's new season of concerts features acclaimed performers and diverse genres from classical favourites to film scores.

Singapore Symphony Orchestra
Photo: Singapore Symphony Orchestra
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The Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is set to ignite the city with a spellbinding musical experience in its upcoming 2023/24 season. 

Founded in 1979, SSO is Singapore's flagship orchestra with a reputation for excellence and innovation. The group performs a diverse range of music genres, collaborates with internationally renowned conductors and soloists, and has recorded numerous albums that have received critical acclaim.

This July and August, the orchestra is committed to embracing a wide array of genres, showcasing the richness and diversity of musical expression. From film scores and classical favourites to the stirring symphonies of renowned soloists, the new season promises a fusion of beloved melodies and virtuosic performances.

Related: Newly elevated SSO music director Hans Graf conducts inaugural concert

1. SSO Pops: The Music of Hans Zimmer: 14 and 15 July

The Music of Hans Zimmer. (Photo: Singapore Symphony Orchestra)
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The 2023/24 season is off to a resounding start with a thrilling performance on July 14 and 15, titled SSO Pops: The Music of Hans Zimmer. Led by the talented conductor Gerard Salonga, SSO will showcase the renowned works of one of the most esteemed film composers of our time. Zimmer’s celebrated discography will transport audiences on a journey inspired by the traditions of The Last Samurai, the adventures of Interstellar and the heroism of The Dark Knight. With the stunning acoustics of the Esplanade Concert Hall as the backdrop, prepare to be captivated by iconic movie soundtracks of the past semicentury. 

2. Chloe Chua and He Ziyu: 27 and 28 July

Chloe Chua and He Ziyu. (Photo: Singapore Symphony Orchestra)
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July will also see the return of child prodigy violinist Chloe Chua as SSO’s Artist-In-Residence for a second year. She will be performing Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante alongside He Ziyu, who made his debut with the world-class Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra at the tender age of 18. Led by SSO Music Director Hans Graf, experience the impeccable talent of these two young virtuosos at the Esplanade Concert Hall on July 27 and 28. 

3. Free SSO concerts: 19, 21 and 22 July

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In addition, SSO will be hosting a series of free concerts around Singapore in the same month. Led by Associate Conductor Rodolfo Barráez, prepare your ears for classical favourites at the Lunchtime Concert, held in Victoria Concert Hall on July 19 and the In Your Community Concert, held in Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) on July 21. The premier orchestra will also be making its way to the Singapore Botanic Gardens for the  Symphony in the Gardens Concert on July 22 where you can enjoy an evening of chamber music under the stars.

Related: Be entranced by magical Candlelight Concerts

4. Seika Ishida Plays Chopin: 4 and 5 August

Seika Ishida Plays Chopin. (Photo: Singapore Symphony Orchestra)
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August kicks off with Seika Ishida's performance of Chopin on the 4th and 5th at Victoria Concert Hall. After receiving much acclaim during her debut with the SSO in 2022, the award-winning pianist from Japan is back to perform Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2, a piece that showcases her exceptional mastery of the keyboard. SSO Music Director, Hans Graf, leads listeners on a musical voyage, traversing the realms of Ishida’s youthful artistry to the expanse of Schubertian Romantic grandeur. Under his guidance, the orchestra presents the Great Symphony, a timeless opus.

5. Temasek Foundation SSO National Day Concert: 13 August

Temasek Foundation SSO National Day Concert. (Photo: Singapore Symphony Orchestra)
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The highly-anticipated National Day Concert is set to take place at the Esplanade Concert Hall on August 13. The celebration of Singapore’s musical identity showcases the talents of local composers who will debut their latest compositions and feature nostalgic tunes from Singapore’s pioneering composers.

6. VCHpresents Organ: Acoustic Shock – An Organ and Electronic Music Spectacular: 20 August

Acoustic Shock – An Organ and Electronic Music Spectacular. (Photo: Singapore Symphony Orchestra)
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The month of August also brings forth a unique collaboration between traditional pipe organ music and the dynamic electronic genre. Experience firsthand the electrifying synergy between youth organist Anne Maria Lim and electronic music master Benjamin Ang of Cosmic Armchair at Victoria Concert Hall on August 20. 

Upcoming renowned guests soloists in September and October

SSO Gala Mischa Maisky and Ha-na Chang and SSO Gala Hans Graf and Leonidas Kavakos. (Photo: Singapore Symphony Orchestra)
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Classical musical fans can also look forward to solos featuring world-famous Israeli cellist Mischa Maisky in September, who will be performing one of the most revered cello concertos ever written – Saint-Saëns's Cello Concerto No. 1. Also not to be missed is Greek violinist Leonidas Kavakos in October, who will be headlining a SSO Gala concert on the 13th and 14th, and putting up a solo recital on the 15th.

Make sure to mark your calendars and get ready to be whisked away to a world of enchantment. With their exceptional musicianship, SSO promises to captivate like never before. 

Find out more here.

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