Echoes Through Time: A Celebration

Established in August 2023, the Anglo-Chinese School (ACS) (International) Chamber Orchestra cultivates the brightest musicians from the ACS (International) Philharmonic Orchestra, offering them opportunities to perform challenging pieces and refine their virtuosity under the baton of Maestro Lim Soon Lee. In a short time, the ensemble has delivered outstanding performances, including on National Day and Graduation Day, where they presented Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2 and Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5. They have also performed at international events in Italy and Austria, with highlights including performances at the Recital Hall of Schloss Esterházy and Loreley Saal.

The Chamber Orchestra’s repertoire spans a wide range of styles, from Brahms’ spirited Hungarian Dance No. 5 to contemporary works such as Croatian Rhapsody. The group also embraces multidisciplinary collaborations, working with dancers and vocalists to create dynamic and immersive performances. These experiences not only showcase the students’ technical brilliance and interpretive depth but also their versatility and creativity as musicians. Each performance reflects the ensemble’s commitment to developing exceptional musicianship and a passion for artistic excellence.

Soon Lee, a Public Service Commission/SSO Scholar, graduated with distinction in Music from the Eastman School of Music, where he studied viola under Atar Arad and Francis Tursi. He was Principal Violist at the Heidelberg Music Festival and a scholarship recipient at the Lausanne Academy under Kim Kashkashian. A former Sub-Principal Violist of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (1987–1997), he received the Jean Frederic Perrenoud Prize in 1995. Soon Lee has conducted the National University of Singapore Concert Orchestra (1994–2023), Singapore National Youth Orchestra (2005–2011), and Anglo-Chinese School (International) Philharmonic Orchestras since 2012.