ACF Clubs
SMU Symphonia
ABOUT US
Established in 2003, SMU Symphonia has grown into a full-fledged wind and strings symphonic group engaging in various music genres and art forms. They pride themselves as music enthusiasts who strive to emulate the values of Music, Friends, and Fun through their annual productions. They operate under the guidance of their resident conductor, Mr. Adrian Chiang.
KEY EVENTS
- Festiva
Our annual flagship production that takes place near the end of each school year; each production explores different themes (e.g. Ad Victoriam in 2023 and Lights, Camera, Music, Action! in 2024) with a variety of band, strings, and orchestra performances. - Grandioso & Capriccioso
Grandioso is a full, winds-only production that showcases the entire strength of the SMU Symphonia Wind Band, with its last installment being the Disney-themed Grandioso IV: Once Upon A Dream in 2023. On the other hand, Capriccioso is a full, strings-only production that showcases SMU Symphonia's Strings Ensemble, with its very first rendition being Capriccioso: The Hero's Journey. - University-wide events
SMU Patron’s Day, SMU Open House, SMU Arts Festival, commencement and convocation ceremonies, etc. - Community performances
Commonwealth Science Conference 2017 at the Istana; Collaboration with sister universities in Singapore e.g. 2021 SMU x SUTD Alma Mater Concert. - External gigs/performances
Gigs or performance requests from external vendors for events, such as Christmas performance.
REACH OUT TO US
GALLERY
OUR TRAINING
| Day | Wednesdays | Fridays |
| Time | 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm | |
| Venue | SMU Arts & Culture Centre (ACC) | |
OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2024
- Festiva XVII: Lights, Camera, Music Action
SMU Symphonia played the tunes of many popular and well-known films, musicals & video games, that capture the hearts of many. It also broke previous records for % of tickets sold!
2023
- Festiva XVI: Ad Victoriam
SMU Symphonia celebrated their 20th anniversary with their largest concert to date! Boasting the largest ever group of past and present Symphonians performing on stage together, the concert was lauded by our esteemed guests, SMU’s President and Dean of Students, as an extravagant show of what Symphonia is capable of. - Grandioso IV: Once Upon A Dream
SMU Symphonia's flagship wind band series continued in its success, the Disney-themed performance brought about a realm where dreams took flight and melodies became symphonies of enchantment. - Capriccioso: The Hero's Journey
SMU Symphonia had its first ever strings-only performance recital, playing the widely recognised tunes of many well-known video games.
2022
- Grandioso III: Those Times
The return of SMU Symphonia’s flagship wind band series was a success, breaking all previous ticket sales records.
2021
- SMU Arts Festival
SMU Symphonia’s production SMOOJazz, an online production with alumni and staff guest players, won Best Marketing and Director’s Pick. - ASEAN University Network, ASEAN University Network on Culture and the Arts, and the Commission on Higher Education
Awarded the certificate of participation as the Alma Mater concert was used to showcase Singapore’s individual culture through an innovative digital performance in the AUN-CA Crosslight Performance Showcase.
2020
- SMU Arts Festival
SMU Symphonia’s production Homebound won the People’s Choice Award.
OUR PEOPLE IN ACTION
HOW TO JOIN THE CLUB?
Students do not need to audition/ interview to join the club. We are open to all players regardless of prior musical background! :-)
FAQ
Our resident conductor is Mr Adrian Chiang. He takes charge of our weekly combined practices and ensures the highest quality of music. You may view Mr Chiang’s profile here: https://www.adrian-chiang.com/ . Additionally, we often engage tutors for the different sections in preparation for productions!
Yes, students with no background but with great interest are welcome to join too! While there is a steep learning curve for this process, our section leaders and members will be by your side to assist you. Do keep in mind, however, that learning a new instrument does require your commitment and passion!
SMU Symphonia is a wind and strings club. Though we do have orchestral concerts, we also place great emphasis on developing both sides separately so that all sections and members have an opportunity to perform.
We have 1 major club production every year, the Festiva series, that usually takes place around February or March. We also have the Grandioso series, a fully wind band production, which is held during summer break! SMU Symphonia ensures that all sections, whether winds or strings, have the opportunity to perform throughout the year. We also take part in various uni-wide events spread across the year, such as Patron’s Day, Vivace, and SMU Arts Festival. We definitely encourage all our members to get involved in our performances if possible, to ensure the fullest experience!
Other than our regular training sessions on Wednesday and Friday nights, additional sectionals and Saturday sessions may be held closer to concert days. However, rest assured that major performances should end before busy academic periods!
Continue your enchanted journey here
