The Singapore Indian Youth Orchestra and Choir (SIYOC) is home to a new generation of talented musicians, carrying on the legacy of Indian music in Singapore.
The SIYOC is a youth wing of the 40-year-old Singapore Indian Orchestra and Choir founded by Mdm Lalitha Vaidyanathan, who’s also managing director.
The 35 strong youth section is made up of percussionists, veena players, violinists, and vocalists who were brought together with the aim of cultivating young talents, preparing them to perform as a part of orchestral and choral ensembles. More importantly SIYOC serves as a stepping stone for many young musicians to pursue music professionally.
Four young artistes from SIYOC spoke to tabla! about their musical journeys and what it means to these emerging musicians to navigate the traditional music scene.
For Mr Anirudh Avadhanam Srihari,19, a violinist, music came naturally through his family. “Since I was young, whenever I would visit my grandfather in India he would sing, and he would try to teach me. When we came back to Singapore my parents decided to put me into Carnatic violin, from there my interest just grew,” he said Anirudh, who joined the orchestra in April 2023.
Similarly, Ms Moukthika Nagella, 21, was introduced to Carnatic music early in her life by her mother and grandmother, who signed her up for auditions for the SIYOC. While Ms Vimohitha Ravikumar Visalakshi,17, has been learning Carnatic music since she was seven, and Anirudh Balasubramanian, 23, has been formally educated in music for over a decade.
In a society which is highly saturated with western music and art, it was interesting to find out what the appeal of Indian classical music was to these dedicated artistes.
For almost all of them, it was about preserving tradition. Playing or singing classical music is a source of pride and connection to their own heritage. “Singing gives me a sense of belonging to my own culture, my own roots. When western people are embracing their own style of music, why shouldn’t we?” said Ms Moukthika.
Mr Anirudh Balasubramanian, a percussionist, highlighted the importance of having a steadfast identity and preserving an ancient art form through the next generation. A sentiment that was echoed by the SIYOC’s artistic head, senior instructor, and conductor Mrs Vicknesvari Vadivalagan, who said that the SIYOC “helps to not only preserve, but expand the art form of orchestra and choir because it’s a niche area”.
“We’re all doing it because it gives us some kind of happiness, it gives us a purpose,” said Mr Anirudh Balasubramanian.
For many youth, juggling school, work, and other passions can be a massive challenge. Yet, for these young members, the SIYOC is more than just a performing group, it’s a second home. Their weekly rehearsals are moments of relaxation and calm amid the rush of their daily lives.
Being in a place where friendships are forged from melodies, veena player Ms Vimohitha, feels that their kinship goes deeper. “We are actually like a family, to be honest, because we celebrate each other’s successes and we wait patiently until each of us succeeds.”
As these incredibly talented artistes prepare for their next annual performance, happening in March 2026, they shared some advice for those who may be hesitant to pursue music.
“Just go for it, you only live once,” said Mr Anirudh Avadhanam Srihari, who, along with the other three, urged those with musical backgrounds to take a leap of faith and pursue their passions.
As the Indian arts scene continues to thrive in Singapore with young talent, the future seems bright. As they carry on their rich heritage, the rhythm of culture is more alive than ever.
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30 Oct 2025 10:29
