Five Minutes with Kenneth Kwok (Singapore Symphony Group)
Congratulations on your appointment as the new Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Symphony Group!
Please share with us some of your aspirations and goals for the new role.
Thank you. This is an exciting time for me – I’ve only just completed my first week here at the Singapore Symphony Group, which includes the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, our community choruses and the Singapore National Youth Orchestra.
Creating world-class music will remain the core of what we do as a company, of course. I was actually a theatre critic for many years, and so quality and standards, for me, are non-negotiable. I also want to make sure that our music reaches as many people as possible, both in Singapore and overseas, both in live spaces and on digital platforms. My dream, however, is not only for everyone to know about us, but, more importantly, to also love us, be proud of us, and invest in us. The orchestra’s success – including placings on recent lists by Gramophone and BBC Music Magazine – should be a source of pride for the country.
Kenneth Kwok at one of National Arts Council Singapore’s pre-school art programmes
I started my career as a secondary school teacher and vice principal, and so our role in nurturing the next generation of musicians and music lovers is something very close to my heart as well. During my time with the National Arts Council of Singapore, I was also very involved in school outreach, youth programming and scholarships, and so I hope to further broaden and deepen this aspect of the company’s work. In addition, I believe that, as a national company, the Singapore Symphony has the responsibility to take on a leading role in helping to grow a dynamic symphonic, choir and music education ecosystem here in Singapore beyond the company itself. This includes working with partners across arts disciplines too, and contributing to the development of the arts scene as a whole. We are also mindful that we are part of a global community of orchestras, and have a role to play in arts advocacy internationally.
Needless to say, everything starts with the musicians and staff of the company though, so another one of my goals is to make sure everyone is happy, well taken care of, resourced and supported.
Kenneth Kwok at National Arts Council Singapore’s scholarship ceremony
What would you say are the main challenges facing Singapore Symphony Orchestra today?
Will the orchestra be taking any new directions to counter these challenges?
Like for all orchestras, cultivating audiences is a priority. Audience tastes, behaviours and habits continue to evolve, and even more so after the pandemic. There is so much competition for attention. How do we create memorable and magical experiences? It is vital that the music programmes we present will speak to today’s audiences. We should not throw the baby out with the bathwater. I believe we must continue to provide opportunities for audiences to enjoy the classics at the highest level. At the same time, I hope for us to present quality programmes that resonate more closely with contemporary conversations about diversity, access and sustainability. I want to build upon the work the orchestra is already doing to excite our audiences – to meet them where they are, but also try to help them stretch and grow their ability to appreciate different types of music. Research and data analytics are key to this effort, as is learning from other orchestras around the world.
Kenneth Kwok with Singapore Symphony staff and volunteers
I am also thinking about donors, sponsors and grant-giving entities. Funding is, of course, always an issue. What stories can we craft to better articulate to our patrons the transformative impact that the arts can have? We must create different narratives around the varied ways music can change the lives of specific groups in society. I was recently at one of our volunteer engagement activities, and it was very insightful for me to hear our volunteers share the wide range of reasons that motivate a person to engage with music.
What are you most looking forward to in Singapore Symphony Orchestra’s year ahead?
I’m especially excited about a series of concerts over the next few months featuring our Artist-in-Residence, Singapore violinist Chloe Chua, who has created such a sensation at the age of only 16. She has a very bright future ahead of her, and we are thrilled to be launching her first album in March. We also have award-winning conductor Wong Kah Chun returning to Singapore for a concert which will include an original composition by his fellow alumnus of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Syafiqah ‘Adha Sallehin. It’s always exciting to see what young talents are capable of. There are also the outdoor concerts coming up at the Gardens by the Bay and the Botanic Gardens, and these always bring so much joy to audiences.
Kenneth Kwok with conductor Wong Kah Chun and jazz icon Jeremy Monteiro at the Singapore Cultural Medallion Award Ceremony
Kenneth Kwok with the National Arts Council Singapore delegation (including composer Syafiqah ‘Adha Sallehin) at the International Cultural Summit in Edinburgh
We’ve also started talks with potential partners about touring opportunities, which I’m very eager to pursue. Through the pandemic, we’ve been reaching out to international audiences through our recordings and on online platforms, but we all know that the live experience is something special.
Is there anything that has surprised you since you took over the baton officially?
A new job is always a challenge. I spent about 8 years in the National Arts Council, but naturally it’s different being on the other side, having to run a company and managing the business side of things; thinking about resources, about funding, about people and livelihoods in a very real way. I’m still new though, so, thankfully, the adrenaline is still powering me through! I’ve also been heartened by the many people who have reached out to me since my appointment. I didn’t realise how many of my friends were “closet” fans of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra or Chorus. There were also many who said they “used to” go to the concerts before life got in the way. It’s my mission to bring them all back and make them our ambassadors!
What do you like the most about yourself? And what would you change about yourself if you could
I’m one of those people who are always smiling. I remember the school clerk telling me once that I was the only teacher she ever saw who came bouncing into school every day, beaming, at 7 in the morning. It’s just who I am: I believe in enjoying life, and spreading that positivity if I can. I am privileged to have always been able to work in places where I felt a strong sense of passion and purpose. As to what I would change about myself, I guess not always being so quick to say “ok” to everything!
What is the most useless secret talent you have?
My ability to memorise 80s pop music trivia and chart facts.
Who has had the greatest influence in your life and why?
My friends. I’m still very close to friends from school, colleagues from former workplaces, people I’ve collaborated on projects with from years ago. They are people who really know me, who I know are always rooting for me, but who will also be frank with me if they disagree with me. That’s so valuable.