Biru and the Deep Blue Sea

The Singapore National Youth Sinfonia was formed from the rich heritage of the Singapore National Youth Orchestra (SNYO). Under the guidance of the Singapore Symphony Group (SSG), the orchestra was transformed, and the ensemble emerged as the Youth Sinfonia in 2016.

The SNYS consists of over 90 members aged 10 to 16 from more than 40 schools across Singapore, guided by professional musicians in rehearsals, sectionals, and masterclasses. Recognised by the Ministry of Education as a National Project of Excellence, members of the SNYO have their participation in the orchestra recognised as a Co-Curricular Activity and is led by SNYO’s Associate Conductor, Mr Seow Yibin.

The SNYS actively engages in educational outreach initiatives to inspire the next generation of musicians through outreach concerts and is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of musical talent, providing aspiring young musicians with a platform to hone their skills and express their creativity.

Adib Kosnan is a theatre practitioner and educator passionate about creating platforms for communication and care through theatre. Since 2017, Adib has been an associate artist with Checkpoint Theatre. He was named Best Supporting Actor at the The Straits Times  Life Theatre Awards 2020 for his role in Angkat. His directing credits include Tanah*Air by Drama Box (co-director with Kok Heng Leun, 2019) and The Story of Batu Bulat (2023).

He also wrote and acted in Keluarga Besar En. Karim (2021) by Checkpoint Theatre. Adib was the co-lead artist for Both Sides Now: Mengukir Harapan (2020 - 2022), an arts experience focusing on end-of-life issues in the Malay Muslim community. Adib engages in Forum theatre regularly and has devised and conceptualised interactive programmes with students ranging from pre-school to tertiary levels.

In 2023, Adib was awarded the NAC scholarship to pursue his Masters in Arts Pedagogy and Practice at LASALLE College of the Arts.

Jonathan Shin is a Singaporean composer-pianist who performs extensively as a soloist and chamber musician, and improvises across multiple genres. He has won prizes for his piano performances in North American and European competitions, as well as awards in all age categories of the locally-based National Piano and Violin Competition.

Shin’s music has been described as “supremely confident and comfortable in its own skin” by The Straits Times. His first commission, The Other Merlion and Friends, was critically reviewed as “probably the most compelling and worthwhile new work from any Singaporean composer in recent years.” In 2020, his concert overture City Arising was premiered by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra for its annual National Day concert.

Shin’s works have been premiered and performed in Europe, Asia and North America. He is a founding member of the Lorong Boys, a multi-genre group.