When his 10-year-old son Orion was diagnosed with autism seven years ago, Mr Stuart Ang would not have dreamt that he would one day play in a concert with his son.
But that became a reality for the music enthusiast.
The pair, who played the French horn, joined about 100 other musicians as part of The Purple Symphony to perform for over 1,200 people, including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat.
Mr Ang, 37, said that Orion, who has a short attention span, picked up the French horn only in March and he practices everyday.
The Purple Symphony, which was started by the Central Singapore Community Development Council in 2015, has grown from 80 to more than 100 musicians.
Ms Denise Phua, Mayor of Central Singapore District and adviser to The Purple Symphony, said the orchestra was proof of what individuals with and without special needs could achieve together.
“We want to show others that our musicians can use their talents and abilities to inspire Singaporeans through their music, and be a beacon of inclusivity for others.”
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Source: The Straits Times, 26 August 2019