Singapore Symphony Orchestra Unveils 2026/27 Season
A new chapter under Hannu Lintu
A new chapter under Hannu Lintu
The Singapore Symphony Orchestra has announced its 2026/27 season, marking a significant artistic shift with the appointment of Hannu Lintu as its new Quantedge Music Director. If orchestras had personality resets like phones, this would be the “serious upgrade but still recognisably itself” version.
Joining him in shaping this next chapter are Nathanaël Iselin as Associate Conductor and Andrew Beer as Concertmaster, completing a leadership team that signals both continuity and fresh perspective.
A Season That Travels Beyond Borders
The orchestra is not content staying politely within Singapore’s immaculate concert halls. In October 2026, the SSO and Lintu will embark on a seven-city China tour, because apparently one city is never enough when you have momentum.
They will be joined by two standout young artists:
- Chloe Chua (violin)
- He Ziyu (viola)
This tour reflects the SSO’s growing regional presence, as well as its ongoing investment in rising Asian talent who are, frankly, making the rest of us look underachieving.
Collaboration Without Borders
The 2026/27 season embraces cross-genre collaboration, reflecting a continued commitment to keeping orchestral music dynamic, relevant, and connected to wider artistic expressions.
Audiences can expect projects with:
- TwoSet Violin, whose mix of humour and virtuosity continues to lure younger audiences into concert halls (possibly against their will, but still)
- Apsaras Arts Dance Company, bringing a visual and cultural dimension that extends beyond purely symphonic storytelling
Star Power on the Podium and Stage
The season features an outstanding lineup of guest conductors and soloists, highlighting the orchestra’s commitment to artistic excellence and diverse musical perspectives.
Conductors include:
- Marin Alsop
- Vasily Petrenko
- Lio Kuokman
Featured soloists include:
- Gil Shaham
- Augustin Hadelich
- Immo Yang
- Marc-André Hamelin
- Nobuyuki Tsuji
- Gautier Capuçon
- Steven Isserlis
- François Leleux
- Stefan Dohr
- Nathania Ong
In other words, if you can’t find a concert to be excited about, that’s a you problem.
Looking Ahead
With new leadership, international touring, and a deliberate embrace of collaboration, the SSO’s 2026/27 season positions itself as both ambitious and accessible. It’s the kind of programming that suggests classical music is still very much alive, evolving, and occasionally willing to loosen its tie.
The Singapore Symphony Orchestra invites audiences to experience this new season at the concert hall, where tradition and reinvention continue their ongoing, slightly dramatic relationship.
2026/27 season’s brochure click here.
The Singapore International Piano Festival (SIPF) returns for its 32nd edition from 2 – July 2026 under the new Artistic Director Albert Tiu. This year’s festival features six recitals, one masterclass, an improvisation workshop and a talk with acclaimed international performers Conrad Tao, Hyung-ki Joo, Sean Chen and Jon Kimura Parker, alongside Singaporean talents Churen Li and Jonathan Shin.
