Introducing the Academy Cohort 2026

The Singapore Chamber Music Festival (SCMF) 2026 has announced the confirmed participants for this year’s Chamber Music Academy, welcoming a vibrant cohort of young ensembles from across Singapore. Selected through a competitive application process, these groups will embark on an immersive programme of coaching sessions, workshops, and collaborative activities designed to nurture the next generation of chamber musicians.

The Academy brings together students and emerging performers who share a commitment to ensemble playing — where communication, listening, and artistic sensitivity are as vital as technical skill. Participants will work closely with faculty artists and mentors, gaining insights into rehearsal techniques, interpretation, and the nuances of performing as a cohesive unit. Some ensembles will also be featured in the Academy Showcase Concert at the close of the programme.

This year’s cohort reflects the diversity and vitality of Singapore’s youth music scene, with participants drawn from school programmes, youth orchestras, and independent ensembles.

Participating Ensembles:

• 3BIP
  Alpheus Tan Qi En / Violin
  Sungjoo Kim / Piano
  Madeline Grace Sim / Cello

• Aurelia
  Athena / Violin
  Tara / Violin
  Vienna / Violin
  Darius / Cello

• Crescendo Quartet
  Cathy Chen / Violin 1
  Elliot Lim / Violin 2
  Kaden Khew / Viola
  Madeline Grace Sim / Cello

• MGS String Quartet
  Nay Chi Win Min / Violin 1
  Kate Lim / Violin 2
  Lauren Lim / Viola
  Alyssa Teo / Cello

• MYSO Quartet
  Ng Kim Suai / Violin 1
  Wong Zhu Yu / Violin 2
  Wong Zhu Ning / Viola
  Guan Jie Ning / Cello

• SLS String Trio
  Stephanie Leow / Violin 1
  Leeann Tan / Violin 2
  Khoo Shu Min / Viola

• The Sigma Quartet
  Sarah-Anne Chan / Violin 1
  Reyen Fann / Violin 2
  Annamaria Vespasiani / Viola
  Xavier Thean / Cello

• Pythagoras String Trio
  Chua Suen Ern / Violin
  Kaden Khew / Viola
  Jayden Qin / Cello

Pythagoras Quartet, formed in 2024 for Singapore Chamber Music Festival 2024, is back as Pythagoras String Trio with Chua Suen Ern on violin, Kaden Khew on viola and Jayden Qin on cello.

Throughout the festival period from 25 March - 5 April 2026, these ensembles will have the opportunity to refine their artistry, deepen their collaborative skills, and experience the unique challenges and rewards of chamber music making. By working intensively in small groups, participants learn not only to perform together, but to listen, lead, and respond — skills that form the foundation of lifelong musicianship.

The SCMF Chamber Music Academy continues to serve as a vital platform for nurturing young talent in Singapore, fostering connections across schools and musical communities while celebrating the shared joy of making music together.