SCO to hold mega concert at new national stadium

SINGAPORE - A mega concert featuring more than 4,300 Chinese musicians and choral singers will be the first major music event to be staged at the new national stadium in the Singapore Sports Hub.

The June 28 performance is being organised by the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) with the assistance of the newly formed Singapore Chinese Music Federation.

The programme will be conducted by SCO music director Yeh Tsung, resident conductor Quek Ling Kiong and its young assistant conductor-in-residence, Mr Moses Gay.

It will include classical Chinese orchestral pieces and popular Chinese songs. Composer Dick Lee will also sing his popular National Day song Home, accompanied by all the musicians and choristers.

That could make for a spectacular performance given that 4,327 musicians have signed up for the event since invitations for participation went out last October, said SCO general manager Terence Ho.

"It has already exceeded our target of 4,000 and the number is still rising as the closing date for registration is Feb 15," he said.

Mr Ho said Our People, Our Music 2014, as the event is called, will be the SCO's third mega concert.

The first, the Millennium Concert in 2000, attracted only about 1,000 performers but one in 2004 enticed 2,400 participants.

Said Mr Ho: "Through the mega concerts, SCO hopes to create a platform for Chinese orchestra musicians from the schools, clan associations, community clubs and professional groups to come together to display their talents and make music as a big Chinese music community."

Tickets at $20 and $10 will go on sale after Chinese New Year.

"We hope to attract at least a crowd of 30,000 and fill the entire stadium if possible," Mr Ho said.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will be the guest of honour.

For participation details and ticketing information, log on to www.opom.sg

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