History 

The club was formed in September 1994 and adopted the name of ‘String Ensemble’. The ensemble was guided by Mr. Willy Ong, our first conductor. He is an experienced violin and viola teacher and had set the foundation for the ensemble. When Mr. Willy retired, Mr. Poh Yee Luh, who was the principal cellist in Singapore Chinese Orchestra, took over the conducting baton. His efforts have groomed the club into maturity and at the 10 th Anniversary year, he led the club to her maiden public concert in The Old Parliament House. After the first jubilant concert also marked the end of Mr. Poh’s contract. The conducting baton was then handed over to one of the finest Alumni player our club has ever had, Mr. Xu Zhong Hao. Marking this progressive transition, the club was renamed ‘NTU String Orchestra’. Over the years, the club witnessed a significant increase in numbers with the addition of new blood and talent. In addition, we had new directions for the club and the word ‘Orchestra’ deemed no more appropriate than any as the name for the club.

Throughout the years, we had players from all walks of life. Some participated in respectable musical bodies like Singapore Youth Orchestra, while others were new enthusiasts exposed to the delight of ensemble playing. Besides the difference in playing standards and experience, we also have a good mix of people of different nationalities. However music is able to bridge our differences and bring us together. The sense of togetherness is also present with our alumni. The club is a channel that they stay connected to NTU. They constantly return to perform together with our present undergraduates. It is with their constant support that we are able to bring the club to greater heights. They brought back valuable experience, guidance and established a link between the past and the present.