The Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra (SNYCO) is a group of highly talented musicians between the ages of 10 to 26, under the National Project of Excellence (NPOE) recognised by the Ministry of Education. With more than 90 members, SNYCO aims to nurture aspiring young musicians and groom them to be the future pillars of Singapore’s Chinese music industry. Only the finest musicians are selected through auditions to become members of SNYCO.
Quek Ling Kiong was appointed as SCO’s Principal Conductor from 1 January 2013 and SNYCO’s Music Director from 1 January 2016
Activities & achievements
The high standard of SNYCO is proven through its sell-out concerts. In 2015, SNYCO staged a combined concert with the Singapore National Youth Orchestra in SNYCO & SNYO Concerts: Symphonic Gifts. This combined youth orchestra concert was a significant event as it was the first collaboration between the two national youth orchestras recognized under the NPOE. In March 2007, the SNYCO performed in SNYCO Chamber Recital Concert and in September the same year, staged a Beautiful Sunday concert at the Esplanade.
Since 2005, the SNYCO members have been participating in the Hong Kong Youth Music Camp to enhance their performing skills. In July 2013, the SNYCO was invited to perform at the Taiwan Hsinchu Chinese Music Festival. SNYCO was also invited to perform at the Tainan International Qixi Art Festival in July 2006 and staged its debut concert at the Esplanade Concert Hall in September 2006. SNYCO members also get opportunities to participate in workshops and master classes conducted by renowned artistes such as George Gao, Yang Wei and Mark O’Connor.
Quek Ling Kiong is the Music Director for SNYCO and Moses Gay as its associate conductor. SNYCO is under the purview of the National Arts Council and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth since 1 April 2015.