SINGAPORE NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA

SINGAPORE NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA

**

(Annual budget and measure of performance): **

6.

Mr Baey Yam Keng asked the Minister for Education (a) what is the annual budget for the Singapore National Youth Orchestra for the last five years; and (b) how is its performance measured.

Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam: The average annual budget for the Singapore National Youth Orchestra (SNYO) for the last five years (FY 2003-2007) was approximately $420,000.

The 200-strong SNYO aims to provide each member with an exemplary orchestral experience and the highest quality professional music education and training, as part of their education. Another objective of the SNYO is to develop future musicians and audience. As such, the main measures of performance relate to their musicianship development through mentorship by practising musicians, and their performances. The SNYO performs three public concerts a year. Every year, the SNYO members also perform with artistes of international repute under the auspices of the International Artistes Series. Concert tours are arranged once every three years during which the SNYO takes part in international festivals or competitions. Such experiences further hone members' performance skills and broaden their musical experiences.

In addition, the SNYO has won accolades in international music festivals or competitions. During their overseas tour in 2005, the SNYO participated in the 34th International Youth and Music Festival held in Vienna, Austria, and was awarded a joint first with PRC.

Lastly, some SNYO members have become musicians themselves. More than 30 former members of the SNYO have performed as members of the SSO.