The Purple Symphony Expands Inclusive Music Outreach Across Singapore as Annual Concert Sells Out

For more than a decade, The Purple Symphony (TPS) has been bringing people of all abilities together through the power of music. As Singapore’s largest inclusive orchestra prepares to present its 12th annual concert, Around the World: A Dance Edition, the organisation is also broadening its impact beyond the concert hall through a growing programme of community outreach, partnerships and regional collaborations.

Founded by the Central Singapore Community Development Council in 2015, TPS now comprises more than 100 musicians with and without disabilities who perform side by side. While its annual concerts remain a key highlight, the orchestra is increasingly focused on creating meaningful opportunities for musicians to contribute, connect and participate in community life throughout the year.

This next chapter of growth has seen TPS strengthen its presence across Singapore through civic partnerships and outreach initiatives, including a recent collaboration with the Singapore Prison Service Performing Arts Centre Band. The orchestra has also expanded its reach internationally through performances and cultural exchanges in Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong, fostering deeper regional ties and greater cross-cultural understanding through music.

Within the organisation, musicians are also taking on expanded responsibilities beyond performing. Members contribute through peer mentoring, rehearsal preparation and audience engagement activities, helping to build confidence, teamwork and leadership skills that extend beyond the stage.

This spirit of inclusion is reflected in Around the World: A Dance Edition, held at the Esplanade Concert Hall on 18 and 19 June 2026. Inspired by the universal language of dance, the concert celebrates how music can bring together people from different cultures, abilities and backgrounds. Audiences are invited to experience a lively programme of dance inspired works that encourages participation, movement and shared enjoyment.

The repertoire features a blend of classical and popular favourites, including Aram Khachaturian’s Sabre Dance, selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, and ABBA’s iconic Dancing Queen. Audiences can also look forward to interactive participation segments and featured solo performances by members of the orchestra.

The 18 June performance was attended by Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng, alongside event host Denise Phua. Both performances were fully sold out, drawing close to 2,000 audience members, including leaders from the public, private and people sectors, ambassadors, members of the diplomatic community, arts practitioners and supporters of inclusion.

One of the concert’s standout moments is the solo debut of 21-year-old flautist Lawrence Gabriel Villar Angel, who performs Evening Primrose (Ye Lai Xiang). Visually impaired since childhood, Lawrence joined TPS 12 years ago and has since performed at numerous national and community events, including receptions at the Istana. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music (Honours) degree at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and hopes to build a career as both a performer and music educator, with a focus on improving accessibility in music.

Adding to the inclusive experience, audience members and musicians receive specially designed interactive handkerchiefs that are used during synchronised movement segments in selected pieces. The initiative transforms parts of the concert into a shared sensory experience, encouraging active participation from everyone in attendance.

Concertgoers can also explore an interactive foyer experience featuring commemorative postcards, photo opportunities and audience activities that celebrate and support the musicians.

Looking ahead, The Purple Symphony aims to continue using music as a platform to bring communities together, celebrate diverse abilities and demonstrate that everyone has something meaningful to contribute. Through performances, outreach and collaborations, the orchestra continues to show how inclusive music making can strengthen connections and enrich lives across Singapore and beyond.