Singapore's first inclusive orchestra debuts

The Purple Symphony performs during its launch at the atrium of the Singapore Conference Hall on July 31, 2015. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
The Purple Symphony performs during its launch at the atrium of the Singapore Conference Hall on July 31, 2015. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
The Purple Symphony performs during its launch at the atrium of the Singapore Conference Hall on July 31, 2015. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM

SINGAPORE - Singaporeans with and without disabilities have come together to form an orchestra with five musical sections.

Billed as the country's first inclusive orchestra, the Purple Symphony has 83 members aged between four and 58.

Remote video URL

About 67 of the orchestra members have special needs ranging from autism to intellectual disabilities and visual or hearing impairment.

Ms Denise Phua, Mayor of Central Singapore Community Development Council (CDC), which started the orchestra, said its purpose is to promote inclusion through music.

The orchestra made its debut on Friday, playing five songs to about 150 guests at the Singapore Conference Hall.

The public can catch The Purple Symphony at the Purple Parade in October - an annual event at Hong Lim Park to celebrate and raise awareness of people with special needs - and the Asean Paralympic Games in December.

kxinghui@sph.com.sg

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.