About the Young Musicians' Society
The Young Musicians’ Society (YMS) was formed in 1969 under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education to promote ensemble musicmaking among the youth of Singapore. At that time, YMS’ three main ensembles were the Singapore Youth Orchestra, the Singapore Youth Chinese Orchestra and the Combined Schools Choir – later renamed the Singapore Youth Choir (SYC). SYC was to become the first Singapore performing arts troupe to be recognized internationally for their achievements in the field of choral music.

Through the years, YMS has carved a niche in the arts community as an organisation dedicated to the promotion and support of local musical arts. Working on the firm belief that music is for everyone, YMS continues to play a pivotal role in arts education and outreach.

Following the successful organisation of the first Asia South Pacific Choral Symposium in August 2001, YMS has taken on the task of further enriching the local choral scene through the organisation of more targeted workshops such as the First Aid for Choirs and Conductors series.

YMS Arts Centre: A musical hub and more
In 1993, under the National Arts Council’s (NAC) Arts Housing Scheme, YMS was given an old shop house along Waterloo Street that was to be refurbished into the YMS Arts Centre, complete with an auditorium (two hundred seats) and three music studios. At the encouragement of the NAC, YMS incorporated as a non-profit arts company in 1996.

The YMS Arts Centre is home to the SYC Ensemble Singers and has become a regular rehearsal venue for groups such as The Chamber Players and Dynamicworkz. The YMS Auditorium is used regularly as a concert venue for musicians, music groups, music teachers, schools and theatre groups; a workshop venue; and a music examination centre.