Singapore Symphony Orchestra founding music director Choo Hoey dies at 90
Choo was the first music director of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, serving in his role from 1979 to 1996.
Choo Hoey, the founding music director of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, has died at the age of 90. (Photo: National Arts Council Singapore)
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Singapore Symphony Orchestra founding music director Choo Hoey died at the age of 90 on Aug 11. Choo's son, Dr Yen Choo, told Singapore publication The Straits Times that the conductor died at his summer house in Greece with his wife by his side.
Considered one of the most instrumental figures in Singapore's musical scene, Choo Hoey was born in Palembang, Indonesia, in 1934 and moved to Singapore in 1946, where he studied at The Chinese High School. In 1947, he began training under the esteemed violinist Goh Soon Tioe and subsequently studied with numerous prominent musicians worldwide, including Aubrey Brain, Igor Markevitch and Andre Gertler.
In 1958, Choo started his career in the Belgian National Orchestra and was reportedly the first Asian musician to conduct a European national orchestra. Ten years later, Choo became the principal conductor of the Greek National Opera.
In 1979, he was invited by then Deputy Prime Minister Goh Keng Swee to become the founding music director and resident conductor of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO). He was among the first recipients of Singapore's inaugural Cultural Medallion for his contributions to music.
Under his leadership, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra made its international debut in Scandinavia.
In 1996, he stepped down from his role and was named conductor emeritus.
Some of the other accolades received by Choo in his lifetime include the Public Service Star in 1982. He was made an Honorary Doctor of Letters of the National University of Singapore in 1989 and was appointed a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French government in 1997.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Friday hailed Choo's efforts in building the SSO into a world-class symphony orchestra.
“He upheld exacting standards, took an uncompromising stance towards being true to music, and relentlessly pursued excellence,” Mr Lee said in a Facebook post.
“His efforts put the SSO on the global music stage, and nurtured generations of talented musicians who have since distinguished themselves.”
Mr Lee said he had attended many SSO concerts conducted by Choo, which left a lasting impression on him as the orchestra grew in stature and confidence.
Extending his condolences to Choo's family, Mr Lee said: “May his legacy continue to live on in every note that the chorus sings and music that the orchestra plays.”
In a tribute on its social media pages, SSO wrote that Choo's contributions to Singapore's musical landscape "are invaluable".
"Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones. His legacy will continue to resonate through the music we play. Thank you, Maestro."
In a statement, the National Arts Council said: "We have much to thank him for how far the SSO has come today – a testament to his pioneering vision and unwavering belief in our orchestra's potential.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr Choo Hoey's family and loved ones. While his presence will be deeply missed, his pioneering spirit and dedication to excellence in classical music will continue to inspire generations to come."
