Novo Winds, a Singapore-based wind ensemble, proudly clinched the Gold Award at the 2025 Beijing International Wind Music Carnival, hosted by the China Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (CASBE). The band was also honoured as the closing act for the festival’s grand finale – a distinction reserved for top-performing ensembles, marking a moment of immense pride for Singapore’s wind music community on the international stage.
Reflecting on the achievement, President Art Esteban shared, “Winning the Gold Award is truly a defining milestone for Novo Winds. It’s the very first competition we’ve ever participated in, even going back to our days as Moulmein Winds. To not only compete but to be recognised at this level on an international stage is incredibly humbling and deeply meaningful for all of us.”
Over the years, Novo Winds has grown from a modest community ensemble into a band that strives to innovate, collaborate, and bring people together through music.
Art added, “This award is a reflection of the dedication and heart of every member, past and present, who has shaped the band into what it is today. It’s also a testament to our Music Director, Joseph Teo, whose vision and leadership continue to inspire us to raise the bar for community music-making in Singapore.”
At the festival, Novo Winds proudly showcased Singapore’s unique musical identity through a repertoire of homegrown works and Singapore-inspired arrangements, featuring pieces such as:
- Munnaeru Vaalibaa – Arr. Zaidi Sabtu-Ramli
- City of Dreams, Movement III – Benjamin Yeo
- Winds of Tomorrow – Germaine Goh
- Redhill – Benjamin Yeo
- Selections from “If There’re Seasons” – Arr. Ong Jiin Joo
- One Night in Beijing – Arr. Ong Jiin Joo
Championing local composers has become a defining part of Novo Winds’ mission.
Art explained, “Every performance is a chance to tell Singapore’s story through sound. Featuring works by our local composers – Benjamin Yeo, Zaidi Sabtu-Ramli, Ong Jiin Joo, and Germaine Goh, is both an honour and a responsibility. Their music reflects who we are as a nation: diverse, creative, and forward-looking. Sharing these works in Beijing felt especially meaningful as Singapore nears its 60th year of independence.”
Beyond the competition, Novo Winds also participated in cultural exchange performances and a showcase concert, connecting with musicians from around the world and sharing the rich, collaborative spirit of Singaporean music-making.
Recalling the band’s experience as the festival’s closing act, Art described it as a moment to remember.
“Standing on that stage for the closing concert was surreal – a mix of pride, joy, and gratitude. The audience’s warmth and enthusiasm reminded us why we do what we do. It was a powerful moment of connection that transcended language and borders.”
“Winning Gold is more than just an accolade. It’s a symbol of how far we’ve come and a promise of what lies ahead,” he concluded.
“This moment belongs to every member of Novo Winds and to the Singapore wind music community that continues to believe in the power of music to unite and inspire.”