About PWO

Philharmonic Wind Orchestra aims to promote the wind orchestra and its repertoire as a serious and distinctive medium of expression, and also aims to be amongst the finest wind orchestra in the Asia-Pacific region.

Artistic Thrusts:

• To perform high quality wind orchestra literature not commonly performed in Singapore
• To constantly probe wind orchestra classics with greater depth and thought
• To continually develop artistically via working with the best international conductors and performing overseas
• To promote the works of Singapore composers, serving as a resource and platform for them to develop their musical ideas
• To proactively engage in the creation and performance of new wind music

Goals and Objectives:

• To raise the profile of wind bands and wind music in Singapore, and to develop a larger audience base for wind music
• To encourage, participate in and organise creative, experimental and innovative collaborations with local and international artists
• To reach out to the general public, to educate them and encourage their involvement in the arts
• To participate and contribute actively to Singapore’s art scene

Comprising over 150 highly skilled volunteer musicians, Philharmonic Wind Orchestra (PWO) was founded in 2022 to continue the legacy of The Philharmonic Winds and Philharmonic Youth Winds. Led by Music Director Maestro Leonard Tan, PWO continues the long-standing artistic mission of advancing wind music in Singapore, at the same time expanding its outreach to all segments of the Singaporean community. 

Since its formation in 2000, The Philharmonic Winds and Philharmonic Youth Winds have been known for presenting meaningfully-programmed concerts of consistently high standards. Each concert revolves around a theme, such as Sounds of Japan, All That Jazz, Absoluut Dutch, An American Portrait and Death and Life, amongst others. The wind orchestras have also presented works by Grainger and Varèse, wind serenades by Mozart, Dvořák and Strauss, symphonies by Hindemith, Barnes and De Meij, and various works by Luis Serrano Alarcón, including his monumental Marco Polo Trilogy which was heralded as one of the “Best Classical Concert of the Year” (2015) by The Straits Times, Singapore. In addition, The Philharmonic Winds has participated in opera productions of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and Weill’s Street Scenes.

Through its regular concert and “Singapore Compose” series, The Philharmonic Winds and Youth Winds also strongly support Singaporean composers by performing and premiering their works, devoting entire concerts to their compositions. Composers featured include Leong Yoon Pin, Kelly Tang, and Phoon Yew Tien, to name but a few. The orchestras also seeks to enrich wind repertoire with arrangements by their very own members.

Over the years, The Philharmonic Winds and Youth Winds have developed a number of music series, which have been popular with their audiences. These include: 

• “Philharmonic Winds in Concert” series (cutting edge wind repertoire)
• Philharmonic Youth Winds’ “Classique” series (notable wind compositions)
• “Fun with Music” (Children’s concert series)
• “Singapore Compose” (local composers and compositions)
• “Philharmonic Winds Goes Pop” (signature pop series, including arrangements by our members)
• Philharmonic Youth Winds’ “Songs Our Parents Love” series (pop oldies’ series)
• “Sounds of Japan” series (Japanese wind repertoire)

International Accolades 

PWO has been proud to fly the Singapore flag high on the world stage, first announcing its arrival in a First Prize win at the 2005 World Music Contest, Kerkrade, The Netherlands – a four-yearly gathering of the best wind orchestras in the world. In 2013, PWO clinched Second Prize in the International Wind Band Contest –City of Valencia, Spain. In 2018, PWO won a Gold Medal in the Concert Division back home at the Singapore International Band Festival, and later performed as a guest orchestra at the same festival in 2022. Most recently in July 2024, the orchestra participated in the prestigious WASBE 2024 international conference held in Korea, where it was one of the 10 bands chosen internationally to present a full length concert, alongside world class orchestras such as the US Navy Band.

• 2005: Gold with Distinction, 1st Division, 15th World Music Contest; Kerkrade, the Netherlands
• 2008: Top Band, 1st Division, Singapore International Band Festival, Singapore
• 2009: 40th Anniversary of Japan Band Clinic
• 2011: World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) Conference, Chiayi, Taiwan
• 2013: Second prize, 127th Certamen Internacionalde Bandasde Música (127th International Wind Band Contest), Valencia, Spain
• 2014: Hong Kong International Band Fair
• 2018: Gold medal, Concert Division, Singapore International Band Festival, Singapore
• 2022: Singapore International Band Festival
• 2024: World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) Conference, Gwangju-Gyeonggi, South Korea

Guest Conductors and Soloists

PWO strives for continuous growth and development through partnerships with renowned authorities in wind orchestra, conductors, composers and musicians. It has also collaborated with musicians and experts in other art forms, relishing the interdisciplinary connections that it has made. Find out more about our collaborations with guest conductors and other guest performers.

Community Engagement and Education

PWO brings music to the general public by performing at neighbourhoods, and to anywhere it believes it can make a difference. Through these outreach performances, PWO seeks to inspire generations of future performers, make music accessible, and support social causes.

PWO regularly participates in the National Arts Council’s programmes and initiatives, such as its Singapore Arts Festival, Arts in Your Neighbourhood series, and Silver Arts Festival. Through these, it has brought music to the community, performing at Gardens by the Bay, Botanic Gardens, Marina Bay Financial Centre, Esplanade Outdoor Theatre, and at heartland locations such as Toa Payoh, Tampines, Boon Keng, Yishun and Pasir Ris. Its instrumental ensembles also regularly perform for the Arts Education Programmes in schools.

PWO supports social causes, having performed at the Yellow Ribbon Run, Pathlight School, and for Car-Free Sundays. In 2014, it staged a fund-raising concert for the Children’s Charities Association of Singapore, raising $35,000 for needy children. 

Through its activities, PWO also facilitates masterclasses conducted by its musicians and conductors. The orchestra also serves as a platform for composers and arrangers to have their works performed, thus providing opportunities for local talents to be showcased.

---

Philharmonic Wind Orchestra

Board of Directors

Executive Committee

---

Annual Report