Voices of Singapore Festival Returns for its 9th Edition: Voices from an Island

The Voices of Singapore (VOS) Festival, Singapore’s largest non-competitive choral festival, is back for its ninth year, celebrating the joy of singing in Singapore. Set to run from September 2-5, the festival has been extended to four days and will take place at CHIJMES, Capitol Singapore Outdoor Plaza, and VOS Capitol Studios. This year’s festival also joins the lineup of the Singapore Night Festival for the first time.

Voices from an Island

With the theme “Voices from an Island,” this year’s festival highlights Singapore’s diverse choral community, showcasing singers of all ages and vocal ensembles. The event will feature captivating choral performances across various genres, workshops for all musical interests, and choirs singing in different languages, reflecting the vibrant voices of our island nation.

International Guests and Masterclasses

The VOS Festival proudly welcomes internationally renowned choral experts Susanna Saw from Malaysia, Sanders Lau from Hong Kong, and Dr. Pawasut Jodi Piriyapongrat from Thailand. Susanna Saw, Director of the Young Choral Academy, is a leading figure in Malaysian choral education, known for her contributions to the Malaysian Choral Eisteddfod and her advocacy of the Kodály teaching philosophy across Southeast Asia. Sanders Lau, Founder and Artistic Director of NOĒMA, is celebrated for his historically informed performances and leadership of award-winning choirs. Dr. Jodi, a celebrated choral conductor and Professor of Music Education at Chulalongkorn University Thailand, brings extensive experience from her work with the Thai Youth Choir and international collaborations. Together, Sanders and Dr. Jodi will lead 14 masterclasses with local school choirs, enriching Singapore’s choral landscape.

Performances, Workshops, and Highlights

The festival offers over 70 programs, including choir exchanges, galas, workshops, recitals, open rehearsals, and outdoor performances across four locations. Highlights include an Instant Choir experience for first-time choir participants, the VOS Stars Showcase, and a Closing Celebration with a community singalong on the final day.

Nine workshops will be led by international guest conductors and local professionals, covering topics such as “Demystifying Viral Singing Hacks” by Akiko Otao of The Voice Company and “Making Choirs More Inclusive for Children with Special Needs” by Tham Pei Wen, lead conductor of VOS’ Starlight Programmes.

Ticket Information

Individuals interested in attending the festival can obtain tickets via Eventbrite.

The VOS Festival 2024 is made possible through partnerships with key supporter VOS Corporate Patron, Perennial Holdings Private Limited; venue partners, CHIJMES and Capitol Singapore; sponsorship from ABRSM; and support from the National Arts Council, Tote Board Arts Fund, and Singapore Night Festival.