SPH newspapers to celebrate 50 years of Singapore music with 2015 concert

TWO Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) newspapers are joining in Singapore's 50th jubilee celebrations next year, with a showcase of Singapore songs and music.

On Aug 7 next year, The Business Times and The Straits Times will present Sing50, a mega concert featuring well-loved homegrown compositions which have made it big since the 1960s.

To that end, the two newspapers are leading a search for popular songs that different generations of Singaporeans have enjoyed, to be performed during the concert at the National Stadium in the Sports Hub.

The organising committee of Sing50 is co-chaired by BT editor Alvin Tay and ST deputy editor Alan John.

Said Mr Tay: "I hope the show will not only bring back musical memories of the past 50 years, but also spark an inter-generational exchange that will see younger Singaporeans learning about the songs their parents and grandparents grew up with, while presenting acts that young people enjoy today."

The concert will feature a mainly Singaporean cast of performers, and, as far as possible, the original singers or composers will appear. Other highlights include a performance by up to 100 pianists playing on 50 Steinway grand pianos and a 1,000-strong choir drawn from community and school groups.

Sing50 is supported by SG50, which is drawing up a calendar of jubilee events for 2015. The SG50 steering committee comprises senior representatives from the government and private and business sectors.