How Jazz Association Singapore’s upcoming gala uses the power of jazz to connect with each other

How does the gala contribute to the mission of Jass in supporting the local jazz community?
Jass has been established since 2016. It’s through the generosity of our donors and sponsors that we are able to fulfil our dream and implement many of our initiatives including the Jass Music Scholarship and the Jass Support Fund. The scholarship programme has supported ten scholars to date, many of whom have since graduated and are active contributors to the jazz scene as educators and professionals. The Jass Support Fund which was established during the pandemic has also helped and continues to offer short-term financial support for jazz musicians who are impacted by crisis. The donations received also contribute towards the production of our multiple concerts each year. They not only showcase our musicians’ talents and capabilities but also play an integral role in driving job opportunities for them.

What are some of the key fundraising goals for this year’s gala?
I have always been a passionate advocate for “Made-in-Singapore” jazz music. That was why we launched the “Build Your Legacy Through Jazz” pledge series in 2022. This gives donors an amazing opportunity to work alongside our local jazz composers to build their own legacies through a bespoke jazz music composition. For a cash donation starting from $2,500 (eligible for 250 per cent tax deduction benefit), a donor will be able to enjoy a new jazz composition specially composed for and dedicated to the donor and/or his or her loved ones, leading to performance of the bespoke composition at a Jass concert.

How has the gala evolved since its inception and what milestones are you particularly proud of?
The Jass Benefit Gala 2024 will be our sixth gala since our inception. As I look back, there are so many moments and milestones that bring back many fond memories. Our gala has grown in scale over the years. As we continue to build on the foundation we have created, the gala has become one of the key events on the social calendar.

The whole-hearted and unwavering support of our donors and their guests continues to fuel me and the Jass team to work towards a more unique and memorable gala experience each year. We are deeply grateful to the Jass fundraising and gala committee. Each and every member has stood by Jass over the years. Despite their extremely busy schedules, the gala committee members still find time to contribute ideas and rally support from their respective networks to make each gala a success.

What role do you believe jazz plays in promoting cultural exchange and community engagement in Singapore?
Singapore is in a very unique position in the world. We are a cultural melting pot. We are also at the heart of where many art forms meet. We should be leveraging these in our pursuit of creative excellence. I am very glad Jeremy Monteiro, our founding executive director and music director, together with Weixiang Tan and Chok Kerong, both our senior associate music director and associate music director respectively, have seized the opportunity to build on the traditions of jazz and collaborate with other musicians playing Asian-ethnic instruments to explore the Singapore identity through jazz.

Jass strives to play a strong role in community engagement, always fostering relevant aspects in our modern society such as mental wellness, youth, education, cultural exchange, inclusiveness, social engagement, sustainability and environmental consciousness.

How does Jass hope to build an audience for jazz in Singapore?
Jass is on a never-ending journey of growth. We need to stay true to our vision of building Singapore into a city of jazz in order to continue creating a positive impact in society.

We are very cognisant of the need for the jazz genre to stay relevant in our highly volatile and modern world. This involves blending tradition with innovation to captivate and inspire audiences across diverse ages in today’s fast-paced world. We will continue to strengthen our partnerships so that we anchor ourselves in the hearts and minds of people and be a relevant part of their daily lives.

How will this year’s ball differ from other years?
Jass is a global citizen. We wish to do our part to make a positive impact on society. This year, we are starting on our journey towards sustainability through our gala. We are making steps towards embracing a paperless format and are thankful that our media partners are also aligned with us. Rather than giving out printed copies of magazines, we will be encouraging our donors and guests to obtain their digital copies instead. We are also working with Shangri-La Hotel to ensure the ingredients in the dishes are sustainably sourced, wherever possible. The Jass Benefit Gala 2024 is also the first time we are creating a multi-sensory experience for our donors and guests. We are excited to bring a memorable experience for all our highly-valued guests.

What message do you hope guests will take away from the event, both about jazz and the broader community it supports?
We hope that guests leave the Jass Benefit Gala 2024 with a deeper appreciation of jazz, not just as a musical genre, but as a powerful, unifying force that transcends cultures and generations. Jazz embodies resilience, inclusivity creativity and collaboration, important values that resonate strongly within our broader community. We also hope that our guests will join hands in our commitment to sustainability, reflected in our efforts to ensure this gala is as eco-friendly as possible.

Finally, we wish that our guests recognise the vital role Jass plays in uniting people of diverse cultures and beliefs in Singapore and in bringing the resilient spirit of improvisation to the community.

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