Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong launched The People's Orchestra, a book commemorating the Singapore Chinese Orchestra's (SCO) 20th anniversary, at a glitzy fund-raising gala event at Resorts World Sentosa last night.
Penned by Mr Leong Weng Kam, a former journalist with The Straits Times, the book celebrates the orchestra's achievements and milestones since it was formed in 1996.
Guests at the 50-table gala event, comprising a dinner and a concert, could take home a copy of the book with donations of at least $200.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, SCO's patron, could not attend the event as he was a United States trip, but he spoke in a video message broadcast in the ballroom.
He said: "I'm delighted to see how the orchestra has grown and matured over two decades. The SCO has become an outstanding orchestra with a distinctive sound and Nanyang style of music. It is a proud reflection and showcase of our rich multicultural cultures."
The annual gala raises funds for SCO's development and operations.
Guests enjoyed a dizi repertoire, with the orchestra playing a wide range of tunes such as Hunan folk song Flying Partridges and a rearrangement of xinyao icon Liang Wern Fook's Singapore Pie.
The event last night raised a record $1.75 million.
