Founding and Mission
Huaxia Philharmonic Society was initiated by Mr Li Liegang in early 1993 and officially registered in January 1994. Its members come from diverse backgrounds including music, literature, education, business and industry, united by a shared passion for Chinese culture and classical music, and a strong commitment to giving back to society.
As a non-profit arts organisation, the Society is dedicated to the following objectives:
Promoting musical exchange locally and internationally
Enhancing public appreciation of music
Fostering friendship through music and actively serving the community
Nurturing musical talent and advancing innovation in the mandarin music scene
Artistic Achievements and Major Activities
Under the leadership of President Li Liegang, the Society has, over more than three decades, established seven choirs, namely Donghua Choir, Experimental Choir, CHIJ St. Nicholas Choir, New Wings Choir, Xinmin Choir, Glorious Choir, and the Xinyin Children’s Choir. It has organised national children’s singing competitions, published high-quality children’s songbooks and recordings, and presented a wide range of cultural programmes including the concerts entitled “An Evening of Poems and Songs” (宋词今曲) and “A Rendezvous with Tang Poetry“ (唐诗新韵), lecture series on Music and Life, and talks on Chinese cultural heritage.
The Society has also hosted numerous large-scale classical concerts and public outreach music lectures. In 2001, it premiered the original mandarin musical Serenade (歌中情), marking a pioneering milestone as Singapore’s first Broadway-style Mandarin musical.
In 2024, in collaboration with the New Horizon Music Society, the Society presented the original mandarin musical Reviving Serenade (再现·歌中情). Integrating music, literature, dance and theatrical arts, the production paid tribute to the perseverance of local arts groups during the COVID-19 pandemic and vividly expressed the Singapore spirit of unity, resilience and optimism throughout three challenging years.
In addition, the Society has continuously organised large-scale public vocal masterclasses conducted by President Li, bringing the art of classical singing to the wider community.
International Exchange and Honours
President Li Liegang has led the Society on overseas performances and exchanges to Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, mainland China, Australia, the United States and Europe, earning international recognition and acclaim.
In 2006, the Society participated in the 16th International Festival of Advent and Christmas Music in Prague and was awarded the Silver Prize (Petr Eben Prize). In 2011, it won the Gold Prize at the 3rd Singapore International Chinese Choral Festival.
In recent years, under President Li’s leadership, the Huaxia Male Choir, together with the Donghua Female Choir, has undertaken multiple overseas exchange performances, including collaborations with the School of Music, Jimei University (Xiamen) and the Hulunbuir Arts Theatre, performing alongside professional ensembles and receiving high praise.
Innovation and Talent Development
The Society actively explores innovative approaches to music education. During the pandemic, it launched online vocal training programmes, and President Li published a book in Chinese entitled “Principles of Online Vocal Training Classes” (歌唱声乐慕课)., contributing to the advancement of vocal pedagogy.
Founded in 2020, the Huaxia Male Choir comprises members from diverse professions such as senior executives, scholars, engineers and artists. Within just a few years, the choir has distinguished itself in Singapore’s choral scene, earning acclaim for its refined musicianship and sincere and deeply moving stage presence.
Membership and Advisory Board
The Society currently has over 100 members. Its advisory board includes Honorary Advisor Dr Ho Kah Leong, former Senior Minister of State, and Professor Eddie Kuo, Emeritus Professor of Nanyang Technological University. The late cultural luminary Mr Pan Shou graciously provided the calligraphic inscription of the Society’s name.
