Experience joie de vivre at Singapore Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony Ball 2024

This year’s programme is specially curated by Graf himself, who will also be conducting the ball for the first time. Born into a music-loving family, the Austrian conductor’s interest in music began during his childhood, and he found his passion for conducting soon after.

Today, Graf has years of experience under his belt. Formerly music director of the Houston Symphony, Graf has frequently appeared with all major orchestras in North America and Europe, including New York, London Symphony and Vienna Philharmonic. On conducting his first SSO Symphony Ball, he shares: “I’m very nervous but very curious”.

Throughout the evening, guests can look forward to spectacular performances by the national orchestra. While the official programme line-up is kept a secret for now, Graf hints at a particular piece he looks forward to playing: Bizet’s Petit Mari, Petit Femme. Translated to mean ‘little husband, little wife’, Graf explains how this is a “sweet” piece and “not at all childish in the music”, making it understandable for all ages. “I can’t give everything away,” he teases, adding that the orchestra will be playing “about half of a regular concert length in music” and will feature entertaining and short pieces.