Showcasing masterpieces by Richard Strauss and Antonin Dvorak, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) welcomed back its conductor emeritus Choo Hoey for its 35th Anniversary Concert in January.

Joining Choo for Strauss’ Duet-Concertino for clarinet, bassoon and chamber orchestra were SSO’s principal players Ma Yue and Zhang Jin Min. This brought back sweet memories as Choo had conducted Strauss’ Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life) for his swansong in 1996.

Held at the Esplanade Concert Hall, the evening culminated with Dvorak’s New World Symphony, which received a standing ovation—one of many throughout the night—from the full house.