Singapore, 10 October 2015 (Saturday) – The Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) held its Fundraising Gala Dinner and Concert, titled A Resounding Golden Jubilee, on 9 October 2015, at the Ritz-Carlton Millenia Hotel. Through this event, SCO raised a total of $1,159,000, of which, $1,109,000 will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Cultural Matching Fund from the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. There was a silent auction of a painting titled Glorious Lotuses, donated by Mr Chan Kok Hua of Qiu Zhai Art Studio, which raised $60,000. All proceeds will go into the development and funding of operating cost of SCO. The event was graced by SCO patron Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Mrs Lee, and prominent Singaporean leaders and friends of the orchestra.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, said in his message on this important occasion, “SCO has benefitted from the generous support and contributions from well-wishers. The donations from this Fundraising Dinner and Concert will be used for the development and operations of SCO. Next year, SCO celebrates its 20th anniversary. I hope that SCO will continue to receive strong support from Singaporeans and the community.”
Chairperson of the fundraising committee, Mrs Goh Chok Tong, thanked the donors,” The generous donations and continuous support will help SCO in achieving greater heights in musical excellence and fulfil its social and artistic missions in Singapore and beyond. I like to take this opportunity to thank them sincerely once again for their generous support.”
SCO Board Chairman, Mr Patrick Lee, expressed his appreciation; “The many achievements and progress of SCO could not have been possible without the unfailing support and friendship from our generous donors, supporters and regular concert goers. Our sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Mrs Lee for their support and encouragement over the years, and especially for gracing this evening’s fundraising dinner and concert.”
Generous contributions have been received from individual donors as well as corporate sponsors including Lee Foundation, Far East Organisation, Tote Board and Singapore Turf Club, Straco Corporation Limited and Bank of China. An intricately-made mini sheng was presented by Prime Minister Lee to all donors.
The full-house dinner of 460 guests enjoyed the five-course Chinese fusion dinner. Besides the delectable dinner, guests enjoyed performances by SCO under the baton of Music Director Tsung Yeh. In conjunction with Singapore’s golden jubilee celebration this year, SCO performed familiar local tunes including Medley of Drama Theme Songs arranged by Law Wai Lun, An Independent Note with narration by local veteran actor Lim Kay Tong composed by Eric Watson, and Singaporean’s favourite Home. Under the instrumental theme of sheng for this year’s fundraising gala dinner and concert, audience got to enjoy SCO sheng musician Guo Chang Suo’s comical rendition of Making Up the Numbers《滥竽充数》, the world premiere of sheng and orchestra piece Vitality《笙气勃勃》, J.S. Bach’s Air – Suite No. 3 in D major, and SCO sheng musicians Zhong Zhi Yue and Kevin Cheng’s performance of Bob Gaudio’s Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.
To express appreciation to all the donors and sponsors, Mrs Goh Chok Tong serenaded the guests with four songs – Can’t Stop Thinking About Her《教我如何不想她》, Love for Homeland《故园恋》, Habanera and Festive Beats of the Drums《长鼓敲起来》.
SCO expresses its heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to donors and sponsors who have helped to make the fundraising dinner a success. Funds raised would help the SCO to fulfill its vision of being a world renowned Chinese orchestra with a uniquely Singaporean character, to inspire Singapore and the world with its music.
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SCO Board Chairman, Patrick Lee, presented a token of appreciation to PM Lee
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong presented a token of appreciation to Fundraising committee chairperson, Mrs Goh Chok Tong
Mrs Goh Chok Tong sang four songs for guests
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