The Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) have an exciting August lined up for you in celebration of this year's National Day as part of their 2021/2022 season.

20th anniversary of 'Where I Belong'

To celebrate Singapore's 56th birthday, the SSO joined hands with homegrown Mandopop star Tanya Chua for a special rendition of her National Day Parade (NDP) classic, 'Where I Belong'. The SSO enlisted up-and-coming composer Avik Chari for a brand-new arrangement to commemorate the tune's 20th anniversary.

Syakirah Noble

Chloe Chua

Following the success of the SSO's 'Count On Me, Singapore' music video last year, the new music video for 'Where I Belong' starred rising vocalists Syakirah Noble and Umar Sirhan, violin prodigy Chloe Chua, as well as the Singapore Symphony Youth Choir.

Of course, Tanya Chua herself also made a special appearance in the performance, which premiered on 1 August via the SSO's Facebook page here.

One of the most well-loved NDP songs, 'Where I Belong' was originally written and performed by Chua in 2001. It's the first and only NDP song to be released as an EP, and continues to be covered by local orchestras and bands every year. 

Tanya will soon release her upcoming studio album Depart on 13 August, where the project will mark a change of musical direction from Tanya’s previous discography. In April this year, the singer was also a lecturer at GMA Occupying Academia 2021, an initative developed by the Golden Melody Awards (GMA) to nurture the next generation of Taiwanese artists.

SSO National Day Concert 2021

The SSO will also be performing their National Day Concert virtually on 29 August (3PM), which was postponed from 13 August. Like previous years, the event will feature new works by fast-rising local composers, with a total of seven pieces commissioned by the SSO. 

Audiences can look forward to the world premieres of Syafiqah 'Adha Sallehin's 'Dengan Semangat Yang Baru ("In a New Spirit")' and 'Luciola Singapura' by Koh Cheng Jin. Additionally, the SSO will also perform classic favourites such as Dick Lee's 'Home' and two new medleys of National Day staples, including the 'Sing Singapore Medley' crowdfunded by the public. Finally, the concert will conclude with a majestic arrangement of the national anthem—Zubir Said's 'Majulah Singapura'—by local composition doyen Ho Chee Kong.

The National Day Concert will premiere via streaming platform SISTIC Live, and remains viewable until 28 September (3PM). Tickets can be purchased here on a pay-as-you-wish basis at the following prices (excluding SISTIC booking fees): $5, $20, $30, and $50. Sales begin from 9 July (10AM) until 28 September (1PM), and more details can be found at the SSO's official website here.  

Please note that tickets booked for the original 13 August show will remain valid on 29 August and no repurchase is required.