Since its founding in 1979, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) has been Singapore’s flagship orchestra, touching lives through classical music and providing the heartbeat of the cultural scene with its 44-week calendar of events. Concert videos from Singapore Symphony Orchestra are now available on Symphony.live.
In addition to its subscription series concerts, the orchestra is cherished for its engaging outdoor and community performances, as well as its pivotal role in educating the youth of Singapore through school programs. The SSO has earned international acclaim for its orchestral virtuosity, receiving glowing reviews for its successful overseas tours and numerous acclaimed recordings. In 2021, the SSO secured the third position in the prestigious Orchestra of the Year Award by Gramophone, and in 2022, it was honored as one of the "21 best orchestras in the world" by BBC Music Magazine.
Underlining its commitment to artistic excellence, the SSO appointed the renowned Austrian conductor Hans Graf as its Music Director in July 2022, succeeding Lan Shui (1997-2019) and Choo Hoey (1979-1996). Prior to this, Graf served as Chief Conductor from 2020.
Performing over 60 concerts annually, the orchestra presents a versatile repertoire, ranging from timeless favorites and orchestral masterpieces to exciting cutting-edge premieres. The concert season regularly showcases Singaporean and Asian musicians and composers, bridging the musical traditions of East and West. The SSO's primary venue is the state-of-the-art Esplanade Concert Hall, while more intimate works, as well as outreach and community performances, take place at the 673-seat Victoria Concert Hall, the Home of the SSO.
Having made impactful appearances in Europe, Asia, and the United States, SSO's international acclaim includes performances at prestigious festivals and venues such as the Dresden Music Festival, the Prague Spring International Music Festival, and the Berlin Philharmonie. The orchestra has also left a lasting impression in the UK, receiving praise from major newspapers such as The Guardian and The Telegraph during its debut at the 120th BBC Proms in 2014. Notable recordings, exceeding 50 in number, include critically acclaimed albums like Herrmann’s Wuthering Heights (Chandos) and Scriabin - Poems of Ecstasy and Fire (BIS). Upcoming releases include a complete Mozart Violin Concerto cycle with Chloe Chua and Hans Graf in 2024.
The SSO actively collaborates with international luminaries, fostering partnerships with artists such as Vladimir Ashkenazy, Gustavo Dudamel, Martha Argerich, Lang Lang, Yo-Yo Ma, and many others. As part of the Singapore Symphony Group, the SSO contributes to a rich cultural tapestry, managing the Singapore Symphony Choruses, the Singapore National Youth Orchestra, the VCHpresents chamber music series, the Singapore International Piano Festival, and the biennial National Piano & Violin Competition.