Choo Hoey

Choo Hoey (朱暉, 20 October 1934 – 11 August 2025) was a Singaporean musician and conductor. Choo founded the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and was also its first resident conductor and music director. Choo was awarded Singapore's inaugural Cultural Medallion for music in 1979.

Early life and education Choo was born in Palembang, Sumatra, Dutch East Indies on 20 October 1934, to father, Choo Seng, a Chinese migrant from Chaojhou, Guangdong, China and his mother from Nanking, Jiangsu, China.

Choo's first encounter with classical music started from listening to his father's collection of records and was drawn to the violin. His father noticed his attraction and started his lessons in violin with a Teach Yourself book. After Choo Hoey's primary education in 1945, his family migrated to Singapore in 1946 Choo Hoey also proposed the creation of the Singapore Symphony Chorus and along with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, led them to their 1980 international debut in Scandinavia. Upon his retirement as music director and conductor in the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Choo Hoey was appointed conductor emeritus in honour of his contributions and service.

Personal life and death Choo Hoey was married to Alexandra, a Greek archaeologist, and had two sons; one of is Yen Choo, an associate professor at Nanyang Technological University’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine. He resided in London and Athens, where he died, at his summer house.

Known as a great spotter of young talent, he was not afraid to be outspoken. His phrase was, ‘I do what I know is right, and the consequences be damned.’ His job was not to please people or be politically correct, but to be true to the music. “He never cut corners, and was as tough on himself as he was with other musical professionals.”

Choo died on 11 August 2025, at the age of 90.

Honours For his contribution to music in Singapore, Choo Hoey was awarded the Republic's inaugural Cultural Medallion (1979). He was also conferred the Public Service Star in 1982, and was made an Honorary Doctor of Letters of the National University of Singapore in 1989. In 1997, Choo Hoey was knighted with the status of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the Government of France.