An unforgettable evening of music, distinguished company and generosity marked the Jazz Association (Singapore)’s 10th Anniversary Gala, celebrating a decade of nurturing local talent and championing the future of Singapore jazz.
On 26 September 2026, the Jazz Association (Singapore) or JASS held its 10th anniversary Benefit Gala, themed ‘When You Wish Upon a Star – A Decade of Dreams’ at the Island Ballroom at Shangri-La Singapore. Graced by the guest of honour, Prime Minister of Singapore and Minister for Finance Mr Lawrence Wong, the occasion brought together distinguished guests, philanthropists, musicians and supporters for an evening dedicated to the enduring power of jazz and the generosity that sustains it.
The celebration brought about a record-breaking fundraising achievement of more than S$1.4 million, the highest total in JASS gala history. Beyond the impressive sum, the milestone reflected a decade of collective commitment to music education, youth development, community outreach and the welfare of professional musicians.
The gala’s musical programme brought together renowned artistry and emerging talent, reflecting JASS’s commitment to excellence while creating opportunities for the next generation of performers.
Amongst the special performers was Teresa Carpio, one of Asia’s enduring vocal talents. With a career spanning decades, her presence added a distinctive touch to the celebration, bringing generations of music lovers together through the expressive power of her voice.
Also taking the stage was Maya Raisha, a promising Singaporean jazz vocalist and recipient of the JASS Music Scholarship 2025. Currently pursuing her Master’s in Jazz Studies (Performance) at the Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens College, New York, she represents the international aspirations and artistic potential of the young musicians nurtured through JASS’s programmes.
A highlight of the evening was a combined orchestra featuring musicians from JASSO and JASSYO!, led by Music Director Maestro Jeremy Monteiro alongside Deputy Music Directors Chok Kerong and Tan Weixiang. This showcased the depth of Singapore’s jazz talent and the importance of mentorship in developing future generations of musicians.
One of the most significant moments of the anniversary gala was the inaugural presentation of the JASS Philanthropy Award, recognising individuals and corporations whose contributions have helped nurtured and advanced Singapore’s jazz community.
The inaugural recipients were:
- Mr Albert Chiu
- Composers and Authors Society of Singapore Ltd
- Mr and Mrs Adrian and Susan Peh
- Professor Jeremy Monteiro
- Neo Group Limited
- Mr and Mrs Julian and Sandra Chang
- EFG Bank AG
With their contributions, it serves as a reminder that a thriving arts community depends on more than artistic talent alone. Behind every performance, scholarship and outreach initiative is a network of supporters who believe in the value of music and its ability to enrich lives.
Adding a memorable personal touch to the evening, donor Mr Roger Parellada walked away with a very special prize: a Heritage H-535 guitar autographed by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
Made possible through the support of guitar sponsor Swee Lee, the prized instrument became one of the evening’s distinctive highlights. The gesture brought together the spirit of giving and a shared appreciation for music, creating a lasting memento of a milestone celebration.
As JASS celebrates its first decade, the anniversary gala was both a celebration of achievements and a reaffirmation of its mission. The record-breaking sum raised will support the organisation’s continuing work in educating and developing youths, and community outreaches; helping to sustain opportunities for local talent and broaden access to jazz.
Its 10th anniversary was not simply a look back at a decade of milestones, but a celebration of the musicians, mentors, donors and supporters who have helped bring that vision to life.
As the evening drew to a close, one message resonated beyond the music: the future of Singapore jazz is a collective endeavour, shaped by those who perform, those who nurture talent and those who believe in the importance of keeping the arts alive.
For JASS, a decade of dreams has become a foundation for the next — one in which music continues to inspire, connect and bring communities together.
For more information, visit: www.jazzgala.sg/programme-2026
