A Heart For The Arts
Singapore Tatler|January 2018

Kris Foundation director Kris Tan is one of a growing number of philanthropists committed to the long-term nurturing of young talent in the arts sector. Along with other dedicated donors and industry veterans, she tells Grace Ma what sustainable arts giving entails

Grace Ma
A Heart For The Arts

A COMMITMENT TO GROW the arts sector can only be fuelled by a personal passion. Kris Tan loved music so much growing up that she not only encouraged her two sons and daughter to be music lovers and accomplished musicians like herself, the director of Kris Foundation has also actively supported the local classical music scene through her foundation, and as a member of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) Ladies’ League.

Set up in 2011, the Kris Foundation’s mission is to provide young classical musicians with opportunities to develop their skills, expand their knowledge and enrich their potential talent. It organises a few concerts a year to showcase promising young musicians, highlight lesser-known instruments such as the viola, and give musicians experience in solo public performances. At a recent concert in December last year, students from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts not only performed classic pieces by Austrian composer Franz Schubert, but also two musical compositions titled Sommerlied and Flower Visages by Tan’s 24-year-old daughter, Lim Kang Ning.

“I think Singapore needs to have a lot more of our own music compositions; pieces that can be recognisable as Singaporean,” says Tan. “I’m always thinking of how I’m going to help the younger generation, such as providing a conducive space for practice and performance, opportunities for both performance and self-expression, and also resources to do research. I also hope to build up a strong library of music research by perhaps extending an arts residency to young musicians as well as composers.”

This story is from the January 2018 edition of Singapore Tatler.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the January 2018 edition of Singapore Tatler.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM SINGAPORE TATLERView All
Mathew Leong
Tatler Singapore

Mathew Leong

As the Norway-based Singaporean chef celebrates a milestone year both personally and professionally, he opens up about the toughest moments of his career and why failing is not an option

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Asian Inspirations
Tatler Singapore

Asian Inspirations

Chef Ace Tan on his second restaurant, Asu-his love letter to regional Asian cuisine

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
State of the Arts
Tatler Singapore

State of the Arts

Arts nominated member of parliament Usha Chandradas discusses growing the creative economy by focusing on both supply and demand

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Through a Curator's Lens
Tatler Singapore

Through a Curator's Lens

Circe Henestrosa, a fashion curator and the head of the School of Fashion at Lasalle College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, merges her personal connection with artist Frida Kahlo with her extensive curatorial experience to explore intersecting themes of identity, disability and cultural heritage

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Second Nature
Tatler Singapore

Second Nature

Poet and educator Yong Shu Hoong brings fresh perspectives to the helm of the Singapore Writers Festival, from interdisciplinary perspectives to multilingual programmes

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Wine Down
Tatler Singapore

Wine Down

Nothing wraps up the day like a nice glass of vino. From flashy hedonistic escapades to geeky watering holes, these new wine bars promise celebrated viniferous pours that will please even the most discerning of oenophiles

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
A Legacy in Silhouettes
Tatler Singapore

A Legacy in Silhouettes

Kristina Blahnik, CEO of the designer shoe brand Manolo Blahnik and the niece of its legendary founder, shares her insights on preserving the house's heritage and introduces the new Manolo's Silhouettes campaign

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
To Have and to Hold
Tatler Singapore

To Have and to Hold

With its sumptuous textures, Loro Piana's elegant autumn/winter 2024 collection is a chic celebration of craft, quality and the universal appeal of tactility

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Scent of Strength
Tatler Singapore

Scent of Strength

Hermès unveils its first chypre perfume, Barénia―a captivating fragrance crafted by renowned perfumer Christine Nagel that embodies bold femininity and celebrates the brand's rich heritage

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Nocturnal Revival
Tatler Singapore

Nocturnal Revival

Nighttime skincare rituals will get a boost of supercharged restoration with La Mer's new Rejuvenating Night Cream

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024