Raising the profile of wind orchestras

IT'S not often that you find entire orchestras dedicated to wind instruments because they typically exist only to support the string section. But that didn't stop Adrian Cheong, 38, from starting The Philharmonic Winds in 2000 simply because he has a personal affinity for wind instruments.

In fact, Mr Cheong, who is now also the president of the ensemble, explains he's attracted by their versatility and unique sounds which help the orchestra expand their repertoire.

"We make it a point to do different kinds of music, like our Circus Maximus (by American composer John Corigliano) at the Esplanade Concert Hall last December, and then switched it around by performing some Hokkien songs in Tampines this March," he explains.