>Photo credit: Singapore Chinese Orchestra
The Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, University of the Arts Singapore (UAS) have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), reaffirming a long-standing partnership to grow Singapore’s Chinese music ecosystem and nurture the next generation of music professionals.
The renewed MOU spans a three-year period from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2028. The official signing ceremony will take place on Thursday, 17 April 2025, at 7:30 PM at the Lee Foundation Theatre, NAFA Campus 3, in conjunction with Campus Rhapsody 2025 – an annual collaborative concert between SCO and NAFA.
Renewal of Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony
First established in 2009, the partnership between SCO and NAFA has grown steadily over the years through meaningful collaborations in education, training, and performance. Building on previous agreements—including one signed in 2022—this MOU renewal reinforces both institutions’ commitment to cultivating Chinese music and developing local talent.
Under the renewed MOU, the partnership will continue and expand efforts in the following areas:
- Extend structured internship opportunities for NAFA, UAS music students at SCO across both semesters, offering hands-on exposure to professional music-making.
- Expand the Campus Rhapsody series as a key platform for side-by-side performances and exploration of new Chinese orchestral repertoire under the mentorship of professional musicians from SCO.
- Involve NAFA students in the Music TAPAS series at the Singapore Conference Hall concourse, performing in pre-concert showcases before SCO or SNYCO performances.
- Implement reciprocal venue sponsorship, enabling NAFA students to perform at the SCO Concert Hall, and for SCO/SNYCO to present concerts at NAFA’s Lee Foundation Theatre.
- Provide additional observation opportunities for NAFA conducting students to attend closed SCO rehearsals, deepening their understanding of professional rehearsal practices.
- Offer specialised professional training in Chinese orchestral excerpts for master’s students.
- Continue professional masterclasses, performance workshops, and coaching by SCO musicians, supporting NAFA students’ growth as well-rounded performing artists.
SCO Executive Director Terence Ho shared, “Over the years, SCO and NAFA have worked hand in hand to grow and elevate the Chinese music scene in Singapore. Many of our finest musicians began their journey at NAFA, where they laid a strong foundation before furthering their studies overseas. Today, several of them serve not only as SCO principals and section leaders, but also as dedicated guest mentors at NAFA. With this renewed MOU, we aim to deepen our ties and foster a thriving Chinese music ecosystem for future generations.”
“We are pleased to renew the MOU between NAFA and the SCO, reaffirming a valuable collaboration which has nurtured many talents and cultivated musicians for the development of the Chinese cultural music scene. Such collaborations are central to NAFA’s aim to offer transformative, practice-based learning grounded in industry relevance. Performing alongside SCO’s professional musicians is both inspiring and enriching for our students, allowing them to apply their craft in real-world settings while building the resilience and discipline needed to thrive in today’s creative landscape,” said NAFA President Mrs Tan-Soh Wai Lan.
This renewed partnership exemplifies the synergy between professional arts institutions and higher arts education, affirming both parties' commitment to nurturing musical excellence, cultural leadership, and industry relevance.
“Campus Rhapsody” Concert to commemorate MOU signing ceremony
To commemorate the renewal of the partnership, a celebratory concert will be held immediately after the signing ceremony, conducted by SCO’s Principal Conductor Quek Ling Kiong. The performance brings together 50 musicians from the SCO and 41 students from NAFA, sharing the stage in a vibrant showcase of talent and collaboration.
The concert will feature two chamber pieces—Dance of the Golden Snake and Ripples in Jade Water—to be performed by NAFA students, alongside two orchestral works, including Zhongruan Concerto No. 2 and Ode to the Sun. A highlight of the evening is the Singapore premiere of Zhongruan Concerto No. 2, featuring NAFA student Zhang Jiarui as the soloist who is also a former member of the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra (SNYCO). Admission is free.
ANNEX A – Concert Programme
ANNEX B – Background Information