SWS Story
The Beginning,
Back in 1975, Mr Mitsuo Nonami was seconded to Singapore to help in the development of local band directors. His vision was to share with the public an appreciation and understanding of the spectrum of sounds and variety of music in the symphonic wind medium. In 1977, the National Theatre Symphonic Band (NTSB) was formed under the National Theatre Trust. NTSB era,
NTSB
developed into an active ensemble performing an average of 3 major concerts each year. Although NTSB experienced many upbeavals in the early days, she roses rapidly as one of the most popular symphonic wind bands. A high standard of performance was preserved under the direction of many talented conductors including Mr Mitsuo Nonami, Mr Ho Hwee Long and Mr Luk Hoi Yui, all of them contributed much to the moulding of NTSB. Having won the hearts of many local audience by performing a wide range of music from classical, folk, popular to contempory, NTSB ventured overseas to capture a new audience. The band toured in West Malaysia and Hong Kong with high acclaims. In 1989, an invitation to compete in the 11th World Music Contest (WMC) held in Kerkrade, The Netherlands posed an ultimate challenge for NTSB. The event drew entries from 23 countries, including bands from United States, United Kingdom, Spain and Japan. Only 44 members were selected to represent Singapore as NTSB. Despite all odds in terms of size and exposure, the NTSB members never for one moment let down their fighting spirit. She gave a virtuoso performanc and the panel of world renowned judges awarded the band First Prize in the Second Division Wind Band Category and a Third Prize in the overall division of the 11th WMC. During the illustrious 15 years, NTSB collaborated with many outstanding musicians and guest conductors. The birth of SWS,
Subsequently, the National Theatre Trust dissolved and NTSB registered herself as non-profitable society on 26 June 1992. With the support from the National Arts Council, Singapore Wind Symphony (SWS) worked towards the next lap with higher aspirations. SWS made her debut with an inaugural concert held at the Mandarin Ballroom on 19 August 1992 under the baton of Mr Luk Hoi Yui. in 1993, SWS competed and won the First Prize in the Janitsjafestivalen Band Festival, Hamr, Norway with the highest score in the festival. Adding to this achievement, SWS continued to compete in the 13th World Music Contest (WMC) and clinched First Prize (with Distinction) in the Second Division and subsequently First Prize (1st Division) in 2001. SWS was also invited as guest band in the Asia Pacific Band Directors Association (APBDA). The sounds of SWS was heard in places like the Hong Kong Academy of Performance Arts and the Sydney Opera House. In 2012, under the direction of Mr Adrian Tan, SWS went on a mission to champion music of our local composers. The band has since commissioned over 150 compositions and arrangements. Together with the Esplanade, SWS presented a 6 years installation "Singapore! A Musical Celebration" which the band showcased the huge variety of familar song from National Day tunes, musicals, pop songs to film music rearranged into the symphonic band setting. SWS had the privilege to work closely with Singapore music icons, Dick Lee, Jeremy Monteiro, The Quests, to popular local singers, Joanna D**g, Nathan Hartono, Gentle Bones, Sezairi Sezali and Liu Ling Ling to name some. SWS also represent Singapore in important international forums, including the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relation of Singapore and Thailand in Bangkok and the Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival, Korea.
