SINGAPORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

We are the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, or you can call us the SSO. The SSO has many musicians: some play string instruments (like violin and cello), wind instruments (like flute and trumpet) and percussion instruments (like timpani and cymbals). We often play great symphonies and concertos by famous composers like Mozart and Beethoven, and other wonderful music that we hope will touch your heart and make your life more colourful.

The SSO usually plays in a big concert hall like the Esplanade Concert Hall, which can seat 1,800 people. But the Home of the SSO is the beautiful Victoria Concert Hall, where we grew up. We want to show everyone in Singapore how beautiful classical music is, so sometimes we have fun concerts near your home. We even play at the Singapore Botanic Gardens - you can enjoy fresh air and nature while listening to beautiful classical music!

My name is Jessica and I really love music! I especially love the incredible sound that a symphony orchestra makes, which is why I became a conductor. I am very fortunate as I get to conduct orchestras all over the world including Australia, Malaysia, America, New Zealand, Korea and of course Singapore! Singapore is one of my favourite cities to visit because I love the people, the food and the richness of the culture.

My family are all very musical, and we grew up playing many instruments and listening to music together. I performed as a violinist first which led to discovering my passion for conducting!

I love conducting all kinds of music; film scores, opera, ballet, choral, chamber music and big classical symphonies as well. I also love to create family programmes so families can discover the joy of music together. In addition to my podium work I have a job as Head of Orchestral Studies and Conducting at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts teaching people all about my love for the symphony.

I live in Perth, Western Australia with my husband and two children, who play the trumpet and violin. We have a house by the beach and we all love to spend time in the sun and the surf.

'Journey Around the World' was inspired by two of my passions; travelling and music. Through my work as a conductor, I am lucky enough to experience many different countries and cultures and hope that our audience will enjoy coming with me on this musical whirlwind trip around the globe!