To thank subscribers for their support, The Straits Times (ST) is giving away 200 pairs of tickets to a lunchtime Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) concert.

The performance is part of a free community concert series sponsored by Singapore Press Holdings (SPH), called SPH Gift of Music, which was started in 2005.

ST executive editor Sumiko Tan said: "We hope our readers will enjoy the concert. Do take a break from work or whatever else you're doing and relax with the SSO."

The 45-minute performance, starting at 12.30pm, will be held on Sept 1 at the Victoria Concert Hall.

Led by SSO associate conductor Jason Lai, the concert will feature pieces inspired by the works of famous English playwright William Shakespeare, including two different takes on the romantic tragedy, Romeo And Juliet.

The audience will also be treated to other works such as Pomp And Circumstance by Elgar and a George Butterworth piece titled The Banks Of Green Willow.

"SSO is marking the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death this year with a series of concerts and I wanted the lunchtime concert to reflect this," Mr Lai said.

The concert is part of a series of annual engagement events that ST organises to recognise, reward and thank its readers and subscribers.

Last month, 650 pairs of tickets to the latest Bourne movie - Jason Bourne - were given out to lucky subscribers as part of the paper's National Day celebrations.

All direct ST subscribers are automatically included in the lucky draw for the concert tickets. The draw will be held on Monday.

Winners will receive an SMS or an e-mail, where they would be asked to confirm their attendance via an online form.

Those unable to confirm their attendance by a stipulated deadline will have their tickets reallocated to other winners.

Jan Lee