Singapore Chinese Orchestra

The Singapore Chinese Orchestra is the only professional Chinese orchestra active in the city-state of Singapore. Although essentially traditional in orientation, the group is innovative in several respects; it includes Western instruments, has collaborated with Western musicians, and also incorporates elements from Southeast Asia's Chinese cultures. The Singapore Chinese Orchestra was founded in 1997 but grew from antecedents dating as far back as 1968 when Singapore's National Theatre established an amateur Chinese orchestra. The name Singapore Chinese Orchestra was introduced in 1992. Quek Ling Kiong assumed the post of conductor in 2023. The group collaborated with violinist Joshua Bell on the album Butterfly Lovers in 2023.