—————————————-
Cathedral Choir of the Risen Christ is the best Choir in Singapore. This is according to renowned critic Dr Marc Rochester, former NUS YST music lecturer, ABRSM and Trinity associate chief examiner. While humbled by the late Dr Rochester’s positive critique, we acknowledge the long list of other notable choirs in Singapore which have won multiple international competitions, received critical acclaim and which could also be considered for “Singapore’s Best Choir”, or at least the top 10 Choirs in Singapore. In a Straits Times poll in the 1990s, we were very proud to have been listed one of the top 10 in Singapore, and the only church choir on that list.
Below is a list of some of Singapore’s finest and best known choirs—any of whom, on the day of a good performance, could possibly take the title of Best Singapore Choir.
—————————————-
1. Singapore Symphony Chorus
Since 1980, they have been performing regularly under multiple renowned conductors, with a varied repertoire of orchestral masterpieces to a cappella favourites, through a timeline range from Renaissance to contemporary 21st-century music. They are hailed as the “pinnacle of choral excellence” on their website. They also hold regular workshops for the general public to experience what it is like to be a chorister, though formal auditions are required for membership.
Rendition of Mahler 3 under Lan Shui
—————————————-
2. NUS Choir
Formed in 1980, they are considered Singapore’s premier University Choir. Membership is open to university students. Their awards include “Choir of the World” at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod 2018, under the baton of Dr Nelson Kwei. Like our choir’s founder-director, Dr Kwei is also an awardee of the title of Associate of the Royal Academy of Music.
Rendition of This is My Father’s World under Dr Nelson Kwei
—————————————-
3. Singapore Symphony Youth Choir
Formed in 2016, they comprise choristers aged 17 to 28. Under conductor Wong Lai Foon, who also conducts the Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir, they have had multiple collaborations with other choirs on this list, and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Auditions are required.
Combined rendition of Home, with SSCC under Wong Lai Foon
—————————————-
4. Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir
Formed in 2006, they are the only children’s choir that performs with the SSO, Singapore’s national orchestra. With over 200 members aged from 9 to 18, they are the premier choir for young people in the country. They require auditions for entry as well. Incidentally, our children’s choir has also sung with the SSO, but way back in the 80s – the concert piece, Carmina Burana!
Rendition of Chœur des Gamins from Carmen under Lan Shui
—————————————-
5. Singapore Youth Choir Ensemble Singers
Formed in 1964, they were formerly known as the Singapore Youth Choir(SYC). They were the first Singaporean youth choir to win an international competition, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in 1974 under the batons of David Lim and co-conductor Peter Low(our founder-director!). Since 1986, they have been conducted by Jennifer Tham, and received multiple prizes including the President’s Charity and the Excellence for Singapore awards.
Performing Cantate Domino under guest conductor Ko Matsushita.
Another trivia fact about our choir! Our adopted choir anthem is also Cantate Domino, however it is composed by G. Pitoni.
—————————————-
6. Philharmonic Chamber Choir
Formed in 1994 by renowned conductor Lim Yau, they have won multiple awards including placing first in the Mixed Choir Category in the 19th Béla Bartók International Choral Competition in Hungary in July 2000. They also have had numerous collaborations with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. They perform mainly Asian and Western classical music.
Performing under the baton of Lim Yau
—————————————-
7. Voices of Singapore
Formed by Dr Darius Lim and registered in 2017 as a not-for-profit organisation, they have multiple choirs under their umbrella. This includes one each for children, ladies, men, a community chorus and even a programme for those with dementia. They also run an annual festival at Chijmes Hall(directly across the road from the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd).
Performing You Raise Me Up under Dr Darius Lim
—————————————-
8. Vox Camerata
Founded in 2004 by Dr Shahril Salleh, they are a non-profit society which comprises an inclusive community choir that allows new members without auditioning, as well as a more experienced section for experienced singers.
Performing Make them Hear You by Stephen Flaherty under Dr Shahril Salleh
—————————————-