Singapore Press Holdings (SPH), which turns 30 this year, will kick off its anniversary celebrations with a special free concert by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO).

To be held at Paragon Shopping Centre this Saturday at 3pm, the concert will be helmed by SSO conductor Joshua Tan and will see the orchestra sharing the stage with the Singapore Symphony Children's Choir. Featuring well-loved classics ranging from classical pieces to movie themes, the programme will also include a mysterious opening act.

The concert will also launch SPH Gift of Music 2014, a free concert series for the community sponsored by SPH since 2005. About 24 concerts in the series will be staged this year. New programmes for the SPH Gift of Music this year include an SSO concert at the newly refurbished Victoria Concert Hall in August; Pesta Raya, a Malay Festival of Arts featuring local and regional Malay artistes in August; and a Getai Night in November showcasing some of Singapore's popular getai singers who will perform hits from the 70s and 80s.

Ding Yi Music Company, a group of award-winning musicians known for their wide-ranging repertoire from traditional Chinese music to modern interpretations of classical pieces, will make its debut at the series and stage two concerts.

Singapore Lyric Opera's Opera in the Park, the SCO Community Concerts by Singapore Chinese Orchestra, The Philharmonic Winds and the Singapore Wind Symphony, and Kalaa Utsavam, the Indian Festival of Arts at the Esplanade, will make a return to the series.

Visit www.sph.com.sg/sph-gift-of-music/ for the list of SPH Gift of Music concerts this year.

SPH has also lined up other events to mark its 30th anniversary including the SPH Lucky 30 Draw in March, special subscription deals in July, and anniversary offers for readers in August.