Hans Graf and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra receive the applause of the audience at the Esplanade Concert Hall on July 28 during his inaugural concert as music director.Expectations for the Singapore Symphony Orchestra's new season have risen among its musicians and regular concertgoers since it appointed Austrian conductor Hans Graf music director in June.
Speaking to the Post between rehearsals last week, Graf said that when he first arrived in Singapore, the orchestra's schedule had broken down because of the pandemic. "We just had a hopeful audition for a principal horn player today. We have 16 auditions ahead of us, because auditions were postponed since nobody could travel because of Covid. We are in search of a concertmaster, which is very difficult," Graf said.Flying in candidates for auditions remain challenging even though Singapore lifted travel restrictions in April.
"Here in Singapore, if you're not [a permanent resident] you have to pay for the education for your children. If your contract is over, you have 90 days to go home. Nonetheless, citing the drastic downsizing of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra last year because of the pandemic, the maestro said he is grateful to be working at an organisation that receives ample financial support from the Singaporean government, which views the orchestra as "an essential part of Singapore [which] adds to the profile of Singapore internationally".
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.