Singapore Architecture: The SCO Hall @ Singapore Conference Hall

The Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) Hall is a well-known icon of Singapore's commercial thoroughfare Shenton Way. Completed and opened in 1965, it was known as Singapore Conference Hall (Dewan Persidangan Singapura) or simply Trade Union House or NTUC Conference Hall, as it housed the offices of the trade unions. In 1979, it was the temporary home of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, which performed its inaugural concerts there before moving to Victoria Concert Hall in 1980. Today, the refurbished Singapore Conference Hall is now the home of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra.

This is the side of SCO Hall 

that used to face the sea.

A spacious foyer and concourse.

Heritage corner (1st floor) and 

SCO musicians' roster (2nd floor)

The giant dagu (taiko) drums 

are popular with visitors.

Giant models of ancient 

Chinese instruments adorn the walls.

Replicas of ancient Chinese slung bells.

The concert halls seats over 800. 

When Victoria Concert Hall opens 

with a reduced capacity of 600, 

SCO Hall could become a preferred venue 

for solo recitals and chamber concerts. 

Here, Chinese pianist Zhang Haochen 

gives a superb piano recital 

to an enthusiastic audience.