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    NUSS-YST Fundraising Concert raised over $400,000 with matching grant from the Tote Board. (Photo credit: YST)
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    Photo credit: YST
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    Photo credit: YST

NUSS-YST Fundraising Concert - Beyond The Score: Simple Gifts and Springs of Transcendence

25 November

The first-ever fundraising concert organised by NUS Society (NUSS) and Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (YST) on 25 November raised over $400,000 to date, with matching grant from the Tote Board, to help needy NUS students. The amount raised exceeded the initial target of $250,000. This concert was the eighth instalment of Beyond The Score: Simple Gifts and Springs of Transcendence. Livestreamed on NUSS’ YouTube channel, it garnered 650 views online (as of end November 2021).

Presented by YST students and Vice Dean Associate Professor Brett Stemple and Principal Conductor Jason Lai, the concert featured an hour-long programme of music by American composer Aaron Copland. Guests were brought on a journey across Copland’s songs and his ballet-score masterpiece Appalachian Spring and video excerpts from Martha Graham’s original ballet choreography. Said NUSS President Mr Edward Tay (Law ’92), “We are pleased to serve our alma mater in cultivating the spirit of giving and especially to support needy students. We wish to thank our members and friends of NUSS for their generosity in contributing to this worthy cause.”

Associate Professor Ho Chee Kong (Affiliate Alumnus ’19), Interim Dean of YST commented, “It has been our pleasure working with NUSS on the Beyond the Score series and sharing music through our curated interactive programmes. In this year’s event, we are especially delighted to give further support to NUS students, as we continue to give music greater resonance in the community.” Amid global challenges, the concert sought to provide music of solace, celebration and reflection. The concert also featured a Q&A session where Associate Professor Stemple and Mr Lai answered questions posted to them online.

The amount raised will be channelled towards the NUS Alumni Bursary Endowed Fund, NUSS Golf Section Bursary Endowed Fund and other funds for needy students in NUS.

Submitted by Ms Teo Kuan Yee (Arts and Social Sciences ’94)

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