The College of Medicine Building at College Road within the grounds of Singapore General Hospital served as the Faculty of Medicine Building of the University of Malaya, the University of Singapore and the National University of Singapore between 1949 and 1985.
A major renovation was carried out between 1985 and 1987 on the College of Medicine Building to restore the tower to its former glory. After restoration and renovation works, it became home to the headquarters of the Ministry of Health (Jul 1987 to date), College of General Practitioners Singapore (1987 to date), and Academy of Medicine (1987-2001). Today, it is known as the “College of Medicine Building”. On 2 December 2002, it was gazetted as a national monument by the Preservation of Monuments Board.
Upon the completion of renovation work, an elaborate opening ceremony was planned. I was requested to help plan the program for the reopening ceremony. Before the official speeches, I proposed the opening ceremony commence with choral performance of appropriate songs connected with medicine and the new building. A piano was required for the stage. Dr Jerry Lim, a GP, kindly offered to sponsor the purchase of a piano, and I was tasked with selecting a piano within the budget provided. With some modifications, the music was chosen as the first item to be performed. After purchasing the piano, I had to look for appropriate music. Thank God, it was amazing that I found the right choral music in praise of the beauty and grandeur of a majestic building. The second and longest of 3 music works presented was composed by me. The title of the 8-page music score for choir and piano was “Ode to Medicine.” Prof Woo Keng Thye from the Renal Medicine Dept of SGH provided the lyrics with some modifications by me to fit the music I wrote. The third piece of music was entitled “Dedication.” This was an adaptation of Schumann’s song “Widmung or Devotion”. Again, Keng Thye provided the lyrics, which I modified to fit the song with a beautiful melody.
All healthcare personnel of the Ministry of Health (Public hospitals and polyclinics and headquarter staff) were invited to audition for the formation of a choir. Eventually, a chorus of about 50 members was formed. I provided the piano accompaniment. Dr Moon, a dental surgeon who received voice training and had conducting experience, served as the conductor for the following practices and rehearsals.
Lawrence Lim, who was then a senior administrative staff of MOH, was responsible for the appearance of the choir members. Everyone would wear uniforms in white, blue and peach-pink colours. Many photos were taken, but I cannot locate them now.
The choral music performance went well and was much appreciated by the audience, which consisted of the PM and other ministers, representatives from public and private hospitals and clinics, and healthcare organisations. It was a full house. I understand that the performance was recorded, but regrettably, I did not receive a copy of the recording.
After the opening ceremony, the auditorium was the venue for lunchtime music concerts. I contributed to several concerts performing duets with Dr Ling Ai Ee, a colleague in Microbiology (virology) and an accomplished pianist. We also performed at the Victoria Concert, Ritz Carlton Hotel and various medical Congresses.
I am glad to share the music score for my choral/piano composition.
Tan It Koon
Before retirement, Dr Tan It Koon was, among many appointments, Head of Clinical Biochemistry at SGH’s Dept of Pathology. He was the Deputy Chairman of the National Theatre Trust and Chairman for Grants and Scholarships of the Spore Cultural Foundation. He received the National Day Awards, PBM, and PPA, for his contribution to cultural and community development and excellence in Public Administration.
