prof. Toh Ban Sheng

Singapore

Starting out essentially as a self-taught musician, the former Physics teacher, completed double master degrees in Choral Conducting and Voice from the USA with the support of National Arts Council Bursary. Toh has since been recognized as a eminent conductor and music educator with a illustrious track record, garnering more than 60 gold awards at international and national competitions. An active member in international choral scene, Toh is highly sought after as guest-conductor, clinician, and adjudicator. He has also written for International Choral Bulletin and published his music in the USA. Having won numerous Grand Prix, Category Champions and Special Jury Prizes with his choirs in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, and Slovakia, he has been honoured with Conductor’s Prizes seven times. To date, he has brought his conducting work to many major cities such as London, Paris and Vienna. At home, Toh has twice won the highest national accolade of Best Choir of the Year Award. He has also served as a Music Specialist with the Ministry of Education. Among many other appointments received, in 1999, he conducted the 800-strong National Day Parade Combined Choir at the national stadium on live telecast. In recognition of his artistic achievements and contributions in the Singapore music arena, Toh was conferred in 2006 the Young Artist Award by the National Arts Council. He currently directs choirs in Catholic Junior College (since 2006), Crescent Girls' School (2012), Dunman Secondary School (1994), Raffles Institution (since 2003) and Raffles Junior College (since 1998), Raffles Singers (since 2001), St Joseph's Institution (since 2009) and Amoris Singers (since 2011). Toh is married with a daughter. His self-titled book “The Accidental Conductor” was published in 2010. The Choral Series under his name with Earthsongs Music Publication was launched in 2012.