Paul Selvaraj Abisheganaden was more than a conductor; he was a visionary who dedicated his life to the growth of classical music in Singapore. His tireless contributions to music and education transformed Singapore’s cultural landscape, making him one of the country’s most revered musicians. A recipient of the Cultural Medallion in 1986, Abisheganaden’s impact went beyond conducting orchestras—he nurtured talent, pioneered musical institutions, and left behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Early Life and Education
Born on March 27, 1914, in Penang, Malaysia, Paul Abisheganaden moved to Singapore with his family at the age of two. Paul Selvaraj Abisheganaden was the eldest of nine children and grew up in a household where music played a significant role. His father, an amateur musician, introduced him to the violin, igniting a lifelong passion for music. By the age of six, he was receiving formal violin lessons from Chee Kong Tet, a renowned musician, at a cost of $2 to $5 per month—a considerable sum at the time.
His education began at Serangoon English School, and he later attended St. Andrew’s School. Paul Selvaraj Abisheganaden passed his Senior Cambridge examinations in 1931 before enrolling at Raffles College, where he graduated with a diploma in the arts in 1934. Though his academic background was in the arts, his heart belonged to music.
A Dual Career: Education and Music
Paul Selvaraj Abisheganaden started his professional life as an educator, joining the education service and teaching at Geylang English School. There, he composed the school anthem, the Geylang English School Song, a testament to his early compositional talents.
From 1959 to 1961, Paul Selvaraj Abisheganaden served as the principal of Victoria School, and from 1963 to 1968, he was the principal of the Teachers’ Training College. Later, he became the Chief Inspector of Schools until his retirement in 1969. His contributions to the education sector were invaluable, but he never strayed far from his first love—music.
Championing Classical Music in Singapore
Paul Selvaraj Abisheganaden’s work in classical music began to gain momentum in the 1940s and 1950s when he actively championed Western classical music in Singapore. He founded one of the country’s first string ensembles, the Singapore Chamber Ensemble (SCE), in 1950. This group remained a major force in Singapore’s music scene for nearly three decades until the establishment of the professional Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) in 1979.
His experience during World War II also shaped his musical journey. While working as a teacher, he played the violin in the Japanese-led Syonan Kokkaido Orchestra and had his first taste of conducting when he stepped in for an indisposed leader. This opportunity paved the way for his future as a conductor.
In 1947, Paul Selvaraj Abisheganaden became the first Singaporean to receive a British Council scholarship to study music in the United Kingdom. He spent two years at London’s Guildhall School of Music, studying conducting under Joseph Lewis. When he returned in 1949, he filled the gap in Singapore’s need for trained vocal teachers and choral conductors.
Milestones in a Glorious Career
- 1956: He was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his contributions to music.
- 1958: Conducted the first orchestral performance of Majulah Singapura, which later became Singapore’s National Anthem.
- 1963: Organized and conducted the first Southeast Asian Festival of Arts at the National Theatre.
- 1978: Led a 4,500-strong choir at the Billy Graham Crusade at the National Stadium.
- 1979: Became the director of the Centre for Musical Activities at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and founded the NUS Symphony Orchestra.
- 1986: Honored with Singapore’s highest artistic award, the Cultural Medallion.
- 2005: Published Notes Across the Years: Anecdotes from a Musical Life, a definitive history of Western classical music in Singapore.
A Legacy That Lives On
Even in his later years, Paul Selvaraj Abisheganaden remained a central figure in Singapore’s music scene. He was a mentor to countless musicians, an advocate for music education, and a bridge between generations of artists. He continued to inspire young musicians through lectures, storytelling, and mentorship.
Paul Abisheganaden passed away on August 31, 2011, at the age of 97, leaving behind an enduring legacy. In 2012, his daughters commemorated his impact by donating $100,000 to the National University of Singapore to establish the Paul Abisheganaden Grant for Artistic Excellence. This grant continues to support aspiring musicians, ensuring that his contributions to Singaporean music remain alive.
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