BRADDELL HEIGHTS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Braddell Heights Symphony Orchestra (BHSO) was formed in 1986 as part of the Braddell Heights Community Club’s multi-faceted cultural activities. Since 1989, the orchestra has been led by Music Director and Conductor Yan Yin Wing.

The Orchestra’s emphasis on classical orchestral music has not only given more than 60 public concerts to-date but graced many prestigious functions. Noteworthy concerts and events include combined performances with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Penang Symphony Orchestra and the Schola Cantorum Cantate Domino Boys’ Choir from Belgium not to mention gracing The Debutante Ball held at The Ritz Carlton, Singapore.

Besides Singaporeans ranging from students to professionals, the Orchestra has attracted the local expatriate communities from Malaysia, Japan, China, England, Australia, USA, Netherlands, Germany, Korea, Indonesia, India, Canada and Finland where all share the love for classical music making and performing.

A “Gifted Young Musicians’ Concert” in April 1998 jointly organised with the Rotary Club of Singapore East featured three exceptionally talented young soloists from Singapore, Japan and Belgium. Proceeds of that concert went to start a fund for the “Gifted Young Musicians’ Bursary”. This Bursary is a first of its kind and is open to talented and deserving young musicians under the age of 18 who are pursuing music studies overseas. The Bursary is administered by the National Arts Council of Singapore.

BHSO started off the New Year in 1998 & 1999 with special concerts featuring familiar favourites. Special engagements include performances with Hungarian-born cellist Pal Banda and British guest conductor Christopher Fifield. Other successful events include “An Evening of Asean Music” and “Beethoven Night”, where the latter featured three talented young Singaporean musicians in a rousing performance of Beethoven’s Triple Concerto.

A music exchange programme between BHSO and Korea Symphony Orchestra was initiated by Yan in 1999. He was invited to guest conduct the orchestra in Korea and similar return invitations were extended to the conductor of the Korea Symphony Orchestra. On top of that, BHSO Musicians were also invited to perform with the Korea Symphony Orchestra in Korea.

Despite facing many difficulties with regards to resources, participation and funds, the Orchestra has garnered much support from both members and audience where their performances have won extremely favorable comments. Opportunities to perform with foreign musicians have not only encouraged fruitful cultural exchanges but also attained marvellous orchestral standard reflected by recent positive reviews.