The Singapore Wind Symphony Percussion Ensemble wins top prize at international percussion music contest.
Singapore, 22 July 2017 – The SWS Percussion Ensemble was awarded the Gold Medal in the Championship Division (Percussion Ensemble Category) of the 18th World Music Contest in Kekrade, The Netherlands.
This achievement follows their win in the First Division in the 17th World Music Contest held in 2013. The Championship is the highest division in the contest and is open only to experienced ensembles competing at world-class levels. The success of the SWSPE represents the highest international prize won by a local percussion ensemble.
Led by resident conductor and noted Singaporean percussionist Iskandar Rashid, the SWSPE performed a 60-min concert program which included two extended works by Singaporean composers Jinjun Lee and Betram Wee specially composed for the SWSPE for the competition.
“The Gold medal is an affirmation of our commitment to performing quality percussion ensemble music at the highest standards possible. The greatest reward is that each of our member has grown more confident, mature and disciplined in stage performance and that they experienced team synergy in music making during this journey.” Iskandar Rashid, resident conductor of SWSPE.
“I’m really grateful that we had the chance to pursue our love of percussion ensemble music at such a high level. Although it may have been daunting to compete against larger and more established groups, I’m glad that we managed to put up a good performance and achieve the gold award.” Daryl Koh, member of SWSPE.
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About the Singapore Wind Symphony Percussion Ensemble
The Singapore Wind Symphony’s Percussion Ensemble (SWSPE) is a community-based arts group affiliated to the Singapore Wind Symphony (SWS). Established in 2004, the ensemble is committed to promoting quality percussion ensemble music and literacy. Members of the ensemble gather from a range of professions – professional musicians, educators, executives, national servicemen, college and tertiary students.
Since its inception in 2004, SWSPE has held numerous percussion ensemble performances including 7 concerts for “Percussive Elementz” series and the current chamber performances in the “Essentially Percussion” series. Through the performances, SWSPE has the privilege to work with outstanding percussionists including Mr Tama Goh, Ms Kae Hashimoto, Mr Pang Huei Yuan, Mr Dennis Sim, Mr Iskandar Rashid and many more. SWSPE has also commissioned several original percussion ensemble works over the past years.
In July 2013, SWSPE participated in the prestigious World Music Contest, Percussion Ensemble (First Division) and has been presented the Gold With Distinction Award. This is the highest accolade won by any Singapore percussion ensemble so far and SWSPE is honoured to have made history on the international ground for Singapore.
Press Contact
Willy Tan
Manager, SWSPE
Email: swspe2004@gmail.com
A contributing editor at TBP.