Distinguished Singaporean conductor-composer, Dr Darius Lim Kian Siong, is celebrated for his innovative contributions and visionary approach in choral music. As the Founder and Artistic Director of Voices of Singapore (VOS), Dr Lim has significantly transformed Singapore's choral landscape, uniting communities through the art of singing. Under his leadership, VOS has expanded to include over 30 choirs and 1,300 singers, ranging from award-winning choirs to community-focused choirs serving the underprivileged communities.
The annual VOS Festival exemplifies his commitment to advancing choral music, offering a platform for thousands of choristers across the nation to promote a Singing Singapore. In addition to his role at VOS, Dr Lim held several influential positions in the local and global music scene. He serves as CEO of The Voice Company, a Board Member of the International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM), a Council Member of the Asia Pacific Choral Council, and the Board Chairman of the World Alliance of Children's Choirs. Dr Lim's international acclaim included invitations to lecture and adjudicate lecturing at the World Choir Games, the Asia-Pacific Choral Symposium, and the Bali International Choral Festival.
His compositions, known for their lyrical, dramatic, instrumental and theatrical qualities, have been performed by esteemed ensembles such as Voces8, the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, and the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain. Noteworthy recent projects include his role as the commissioned composer at the 2023 World Symposium on Choral Music in Istanbul, Set-piece Composer for the Singapore Youth Festival Arts Presentations, and Composer-in-residence for National Concerts at Carnegie Hall.
Dr Lim's innovative projects also include the Singapore Virtual Choir Project, which united 900 Singaporeans during the pandemic, and a significant recording of the National Anthem with the Singapore Armed Forces Band. His leadership in the 250-strong Inclusive Choir at the 2024 National Day Parade, where he performed a medley of songs including his composition Our Story, highlighted his dedication to inclusivity and national pride. Dr Lim made history as the first Singaporean composer to release a full album of his works on NAXOS Records, the world’s largest classical label. His impact on the music industry was further recognised in 2021 when he presented “The Voices of Singapore – Strengthening a Nation Through Choral Singing” at TEDx.
Since 2021, Dr Lim has been actively involved in events at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), where he has served as a member of the NAFA Music Alumni Chapter. He has also contributed as an Alumni Speaker at the NAFA Career Week 2023, where he initiated the Music Alumni Company Tour for School of Music students, organised the Music Alumni Company Attachments and Observations for School of Music students at VOS Choirs, and served on the committee for the ‘85 Years in 85 Minutes’ NAFA Music Alumni Chapter Concert. Dr Darius Lim’s visionary approach and tireless dedication continue to inspire and elevate the global choral music community.