Singapore’s classical music calendar is shaping up to be an especially meaningful one this year. From a new artistic vision at the Singapore International Piano Festival to a heartfelt farewell for a beloved music director, the coming months promise a vibrant mix of world-class performances, family-friendly experiences, and artistic collaborations across the city.

One of Asia’s most celebrated piano festivals enters a new era this year. Singapore International Piano Festival returns for its 32nd edition from 2 to 5 July 2026 under the artistic leadership of acclaimed pianist Albert Tiu.

Presented by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, the festival will explore the theme “The Pianist, Composer and Improviser”, spotlighting musicians who blur the lines between performance and creation. Across four days, audiences can expect six recitals, a masterclass, talks, and late-night performances, bringing together international stars and rising Singaporean talents.

The festival opens with American composer-pianist Conrad Tao and his recital Emigrés and Friends, which explores how European émigrés and Black musical traditions helped shape the sound of American music. The programme includes works by Gershwin, Schoenberg and Korngold.

Another highlight is Hyung-Ki Joo—one half of the comedic classical duo Igudesman & Joo—whose recital Dreams and Nightmares delves into childhood memories through music by Bach, Debussy and Ravel. Joo will also host a talk on creativity during the festival.

For something more intimate, the festival introduces late-night recitals at Play Den, The Arts House. Singaporean pianists Churen Li and Jonathan Shin will present personal programmes featuring original works alongside classical inspirations.

The festival concludes with two spectacular concerts by American pianist Sean Chen—a Cliburn Competition prize winner—and Canadian virtuoso Jon Kimura Parker, who will also lead a masterclass featuring winners from the 2025 National Piano & Violin Competition. Tickets go on sale 12 March 2026.

This May, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra also bids goodbye to a conductor who has shaped its sound in recent years. Hans Graf, the orchestra’s Quantedge Music Director since 2020, will conclude his tenure with a three-part Hans Graf Farewell Series.

The series begins with Scheherazade on 7 and 8 May, featuring Rimsky-Korsakov’s colourful orchestral masterpiece alongside Szymanowski’s Second Violin Concerto performed by Spanish violinist Leticia Moreno, who makes her Singapore debut.

On 15 May, the programme Mystère de l’instant celebrates French repertoire, including works by Saint-Saëns, Ravel and Poulenc. Violinist He Ziyu returns as soloist, while Singaporean saxophonist Samuel Phua takes centre stage in Milhaud’s lively Scaramouche.

The farewell culminates on 21 and 22 May with Mozart and Salieri, featuring Singaporean pianists Toby Tan and Adrian Tang performing concertos by the two composers. After Graf’s final bow, Finnish conductor Hannu Lintu will take over as Quantedge Music Director beginning the 2026/27 season.

Music and dance also come together this June as the Singapore National Youth Orchestra and Singapore Ballet reunite for Ma mère l’Oye: SNYO with Singapore Ballet.

Running 12 and 13 June, the programme features Ravel’s enchanting Mother Goose suite as part of a ballet titled Ravel Vignettes, choreographed by three dancers from Singapore Ballet. The evening also includes Schubert’s Second Symphony choreographed by the legendary Choo-San Goh, alongside Brahms’s exuberant Academic Festival Overture conducted by SNYO Music Director Joshua Tan.

Beyond concert halls, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra is also bringing music into public spaces this May. On 10 May, families can celebrate Mother’s Day at a free outdoor concert at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, featuring favourites from Die Fledermaus and Carmen. The concert also spotlights Singaporean conductor Lien Boon Hua and tenor Jonathan Charles Tay.

Later in the month, the SSO Open House returns to Victoria Concert Hall on 31 May with a full day of performances, workshops and behind-the-scenes access. Visitors can attend mini concerts by SSO musicians, explore an instrument petting zoo, join workshops such as Sing Your Heart Out with vocalist Jeremy Koh, or take part in a percussion session with SSO Associate Principal Percussion Mark Suter.

There will even be a multi-sensory session for babies and toddlers led by LittleCr3atures®, making the event one of the most family-friendly classical music experiences of the year. Tickets for the open house also go on sale 12 March 2026.

From late-night piano recitals to open-air concerts and ballet collaborations, the upcoming months promise a rich celebration of music across Singapore. For both seasoned classical listeners and curious newcomers, it’s a season designed to inspire, discover, and celebrate the power of live performance.

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