A silver jubilee is more than a milestone; it is a testament to endurance, passion, and purpose. As the Philharmonic Wind Orchestra (PWO) celebrates its 25th anniversary, the ensemble stands as one of Singapore’s longest-running and most vibrant wind orchestras, sustained by generations of dedicated musicians and the unwavering support of the music community.
The upcoming concert Firebird is not just a commemoration of the past but a reflection of the orchestra’s artistic journey across a quarter century. The title work, Stravinsky’s Firebird, was the grand finale of PWO’s inaugural concert 25 years ago. “We have come full circle to where it all began,” says Music Director Dr Leonard Tan.
This gala programme traces the ensemble’s evolution through music that defined key moments in its history. It begins with Leong Yoon Pin’s Giocoso Largamente, performed in 2001 at PWO’s first concert dedicated entirely to Singaporean composers, and continues with landmark works from previous anniversaries including Alarcon’s Marco Polo, Florent Schmitt’s Dionysiaques, and Richard Strauss’ Allerseelen, before culminating once again in The Firebird Suite from the inaugural concert.
Reflecting on PWO’s journey, Leonard explains how Firebird represents both renewal and transformation. “When Phil Winds first started, it was a much smaller ensemble of players in their 20s and early 30s. Many have since become educators and professionals, now 25 years older. Post pandemic, it became clear that merging Phil Winds and Phil Youth into PWO was timely. Today, PWO is increasingly multi-generational, with membership constantly renewed by younger musicians while long-time members remain pillars of experience. Returning to Firebird reminds us why we exist and how we continue to soar.”
That sense of continuity is echoed by musicians from different generations.
Shiqi, who first watched the band as a student in 2015, recalls The Lord of the Rings concert earlier this year conducted by Johan de Meij. “It was my defining moment of transition, helping out behind the scenes instead of just performing. To contribute to the organisation that inspired me as a young musician brings immense pride and purpose.”
Lip Hua, one of the orchestra’s founding members, reflects on its early ambitions. “I’m amazed we had the drive to take part in WMC 2005 within five years. Staying with local residents in Kerkrade and nearby towns, some even on farms, made it unforgettable.”
Fikri, from the newer generation, cites the 2024 WASBE Conference in South Korea as a highlight. “Performing Wang Chen Wei’s The Sisters’ Islands was a proud moment, our local narrative presented on a global stage, and receiving a standing ovation affirmed our mission. Off stage, when one musician’s flights were cancelled before the performance, everyone rallied to ensure he made it. That camaraderie defines who we are, a family that overcomes challenges together.”
Leonard attributes much of PWO’s distinctive sound and spirit to this shared culture of mentorship and courage. “One unique aspect of Phil Winds is that it dares to try. It’s a volunteer orchestra that goes the extra mile to perform extremely challenging works such as Corigliano’s Circus Maximus, Johan de Meij’s Planet Earth, Alarcon’s Marco Polo, and Husa’s Music for Prague. This adventurous spirit binds us.”
For audiences, Leonard highlights musical moments to savour: the Asian lyricism of Leong Yoon Pin’s Giocoso Largamente, the cross-cultural soundscape of Marco Polo featuring Armenian, Turkish, Chinese, Arabic, and Tibetan instruments, the raw vitality of Dionysiaques, and the tender beauty of Allerseelen, the first piece Phil Winds ever performed overseas. The concert will close with the blazing triumph of The Firebird Suite, adapted for wind orchestra where wind instruments now take on the intensity of strings. “It is thrilling, demanding, and truly celebratory,” Leonard says with a smile.
Beyond the music, Firebird carries a message of gratitude and continuity. “The vast majority of our players began their musical journey in the school band,” Leonard reflects. “Without the Singapore school band system, there would be no Phil Winds, no 25th Anniversary Gala, and no legacy of performances we have shared online. As Singapore turns 60, we reaffirm our gratitude to the school band movement, and next year, we will give back through a rare ‘side-by-side’ concert where students can perform alongside PWO at the Esplanade Concert Hall. Come join us.”
Firebird is not merely a celebration of 25 years but a renewal of purpose, a tribute to roots, and a promise to the next generation.
For PWO, the flame continues to burn ever brighter.
FIREBIRD: Philharmonic Wind Orchestra 25th Anniversary Gala Concert
Sunday, 9 November 2025
Esplanade Concert Hall, 7.30pm
$75, $55, $35, $25
https://sg.bookmyshow.com/en/events/firebird-philharmonic-wind-orchestra-25th-anniversary-gala-concert/PWOFIREB