Rediscovering Chinese Music: A Live Tribute to Singapore’s Orchestral Pioneers

As part of the SG60 celebrations, the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) is proud to present Rediscovering Chinese Music—a moving live concert tribute to the trailblazers of Singapore’s Chinese orchestral music scene. Taking place on 24 August 2025, this special event brings to life a concert first introduced digitally in 2022 during the pandemic, now staged live to honour the perseverance, artistry, and vision of musicians from the 1950s to 1970s.

In an era marked by limited resources and access to musical scores, Singapore’s early Chinese orchestra musicians overcame the odds—transcribing pieces by ear, learning from recordings, and crafting their own arrangements. Rediscovering Chinese Music celebrates their spirit and contributions, reviving the golden sounds that laid the foundation for today’s flourishing scene.

The concert unites three generations of musicians in a heartfelt performance. Featured performers include veterans from the 1970s Chang Chun Chinese Orchestra—such as Tng Kin Seng and Choo Boon Chong, both of whom went on to serve in the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra—as well as current and former members of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra and a new wave of young musical talents. This multigenerational line-up not only highlights professional excellence, but also symbolises the timeless transmission of musical heritage.

Audiences can look forward to nostalgic favourites such as Joyous Celebration, Song of Joy, Spring Water Flowing, and Scenery of Guilin. Each piece has been lovingly arranged or transcribed by Phoon Yew Tien, one of Singapore’s foremost Chinese music composers and scholars.

Ticketing Information

• Available via SISTIC: From 21 July (10am) to 24 August 2025 (6pm)
• Price: $20 (inclusive of GST and booking fees)
• Early Bird Discount: 30% off from 21–28 July 2025
• Member Discounts (29 July–24 August):
  • 25% off for SCCC EDM Subscribers
  • 20% off for PAssion Card, SAFRA, HomeTeamNS, and merewards members
  • 10% off for SCCC Culture Partners (SCO and Esplanade)