Nanyang Polytechnic Symphony Orchestra took top honours in the “Symphonic Band” category at the Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival 2008 in Vienna recently. The City of Vienna also named Nanyang Polytechnic Symphony Orchestra - winner of the Summa Cum Lauda Award in the “Symphonic Band” category, with a cash prize of €1500.

Held from 4 – 11th July, the Summa Cum Laude (SCL) International Youth Music Festival is one of the premier youth music events in Europe, providing a unique platform for the world's most gifted youth choirs, bands and orchestras to showcase their talent. Thirty-two ensembles/music groups from 16 countries took part in this year’s festival.

Ensembles undergo a rigorous selection process by competition jury members, which included world-renowned musicians/educators such as Dr Ronald Smart, Walter Rescheneder and Otto M.Schwarz before they can compete.

For the competition, the Nanyang Polytechnic Symphony Orchestra was required to perform a compulsory piece entitled “A Festive Overture” by Alfred Reed and another by a composer from their home country. The second piece is entitled “Pecos Pueblo” by Singapore’s very own, Wong Kah Chun.

Highlights of the SCL Festival 2008 include workshops and seminars held at the University of Music in Vienna, one of the largest arts universities in the world.

Nanyang Polytechnic Symphony Orchestra had the honour of showcasing their winning performance at the Golden Hall of the Musikverein - one of the three finest concert halls in the world and home to the Vienna Philharmonic.

They received the award at the closing ceremony held at the magnificent Festival Hall of Vienna's City Hall, hosted by the Mayor and Governor of Vienna.

After the SCL-Festival, the Nanyang Polytechnic Symphony travelled to Salzburg for the annual Cantus Salisburgensis International Choir and Orchestra Festival, held on 10 & 11 July. Our Symphony Orchestra performance received a standing ovation at the end of their performance at the Collegiate Cathedral.