ACS (International) Chamber Orchestra: Trip to France and Amsterdam

ACS (International)’s very own Philharmonic Orchestra embarked on their annual trip in a smaller group – Chamber Orchestra – to perform overseas, with France and Amsterdam as their destination from 21 to 29 November.

The trip consisted of the group touring France and Amsterdam’s various churches such as the La Madeleine Church, Saint- Germain L’Auxerrois Church, and Maria Van Jessekerk, for public performances. Another prominent venue that we performed a public show was Disneyland France, giving both old and new musicians a great chance to hone their musicianship under the spotlight. We were also able to experience the beauty of both countries as we went on tours to various historic sites: France’s Louvre, Eiffel Tower and the Opera, the Kinderdijk windmills and cheese factories of Holland, to name a few, allowing us to truly take in the vast expanse of the countries’ histories and learn more about their culture.

In the end, the best part of the trip was being able to spend time with our fellow musicians in the orchestra. Through enduring long hours of practices and rehearsals, performing onstage with one another, and experiencing the cultures of countries abroad, we have come to know each other as friends, rather than colleagues. The word “Philharmonic” originates from the Greek words philos (“loving”), and harmonica (“harmony”), a fitting word to express the unity and passion we feel in performing, for both the elation of musician and audience alike.

Russell Tan Kiat Wei President, Chamber Orchestra