Voices: A History Of Singapore Choirs

Book info: Voices: A History Of Singapore Choirs (Hardcover, 194 pages) – WSPC, 2026. Language: English.

This book is about the history of Singapore choirs starting from the early 20th century right up to the present day. It includes choirs that have made an impact in Singapore's history, and notable personalities who have composed choral music, established new choirs, and have helped Singapore choirs win overseas competitions. This is the first book documenting how Singapore choirs that were unknown before the 1980s, are now famous internationally, winning numerous awards. It is the only book available about the history of Singapore choirs and the people involved in its success. It delves into the different choirs from the large to the small Chamber Choirs and Acapella singing groups. The different styles of music sung by the choirs, ranging from classical to pop-rock, the songs and instruments used in the different ethnic groups, and combination of choral songs with dance and other actions are detailed in this book. Editorial Reviews About the Author Dr Kenneth Lyen is a paediatrician, writer, and composer involved in special education. He graduated from Oxford University Medical School before undertaking specialist paediatric training at the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London, and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Upon his return to Singapore, he was appointed as a senior lecturer and consultant at the National University of Singapore.

Besides clinical work, he has been involved in special education. He was on the board of management of the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) which held its meetings at the Lee Kong Chian Garden School. He also founded three schools under the Rainbow Centre which helps disabled and autistic children, namely the Rainbow Centre at Margaret Drive (1987), Yishun Park (1995), and Woodlands (2018). He is grateful to the Lee Foundation for supporting these special schools. For his work with disabled children, Kenneth received the Public Service Medal in 1997 and the Public Service Star in 2022.

Dr Lyen has co-authored over 16 books on a variety of topics, including paediatrics, parenting, creativity, education, and musical theatre. He has published original research papers on paediatric endocrinology, neurology, and infectious diseases, and medical review articles. He has previously served on the editorial board of the Singapore Medical Journal, Motherhood, and Young Families. He has composed music for 33 musicals that have been staged in Singapore.