JASS Gala 2026
When You Wish
Upon A Star
A Decade of Dreams
One evening. Ten years in the making.
The Gala
Saturday, 26 September 2026
Island Ballroom
Shangri-La Singapore
- 5:00 PM
- Security screening & cocktails
- 6:30 PM
- Guests to be seated
- Dress
- Starry Night Elegance
Featuring
Stars of the evening
- Jeremy Monteiro
- Teresa Carpio
- Maya Raisha
- JASSO & JASSYO! Combined Orchestra
About JASS
Building Singapore’s jazz future
Founded in September 2016, Jazz Association (Singapore) is Singapore’s first charity dedicated to developing jazz education, artistic excellence and outreach, while promoting Singapore jazz globally.
Through its orchestras, scholarships, performances and community programmes, JASS brings the joy of jazz to people from all walks of life and helps Singapore grow as a leading global city of jazz.
Our Short Story
A bold idea that learned to swing
JASS grew from the vision of Professor Jeremy Monteiro and fellow jazz advocates Albert Chiu, Edmund Lam and Susan Leong: to create a stronger ecosystem for musicians, audiences and the next generation.
A decade later, that shared belief connects professional artistry, youth development, music scholarships, outreach and support for musicians in times of crisis.
A decade of music in motion.
10-Year Milestones
Ten years of performance, education, youth development, outreach and community connection.
2016–2026
Year by year
Eleven chapters in the continuing story of jazz in Singapore.
2016I’ve Got a Pocketful of Dreams
Jazz Association (Singapore) was registered with ACRA on 26 September 2016.
2017Now’s the Time
JASS became a registered charity on 24 March.
Maiden Voyage: JASSYO! made its inaugural appearance at the Lion City Youth Jazz Festival with jazz legend Benny Golson, while JASSO debuted at the 13th JZ Festival in Shanghai.
How High the Moon: The inaugural benefit gala, “Ella 100, Jazz Forever!”, welcomed Dr Vivian Balakrishnan as Guest of Honour and featured Carmen Bradford.
Count Your Blessings: The JASS Appreciation Award was introduced.
2018Milestones
JASS was conferred Institution of a Public Character status on 23 November, making donations eligible for a 250% tax deduction.
One Flight Up: The JASS Music Scholarship was established.
Weaver of Dreams: JASS collaborated with ART:DIS on an inclusive workshop series weaving students’ original poetry into musical arrangements.
2019Higher Ground
The JASS Ambassador Award was introduced to recognise supporters whose fundraising and advocacy went beyond the scope of the Appreciation Award.
2020Come Rain or Come Shine
The JASS Crisis Fund was created to support musicians affected by the economic uncertainty of the pandemic. It was renamed the JASS Support Fund in 2023.
2021Giant Steps
The National Arts Council recognised JASS as a Major Company.
Rasa Sayang: “Pesta Jazz—A Jazzy Celebration of Malay Songs” brought Ramli Sarip, Rahimah Rahim, Siti Nur Iman and Rudy Djoe to the Capitol Theatre.
2022Places and Spaces
JASS became an arts tenant at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre.
State of Mind: “Swinging Through Our Emotions” debuted on World Mental Health Day.
With a Song in My Heart: Build Your Legacy Through Jazz was established, enabling donors to commission bespoke compositions and support new Singapore music.
2023Straight, No Chaser
JASS received participation acknowledgement at the Charity Transparency and Governance Awards, affirming its public accountability and governance practices.
Detour Ahead: Minister Edwin Tong presented JASS with the COVID-19 Resilience Certificate for its digital concerts and financial support for local jazz musicians.
2024The Connection
The Lion City Youth Jazz Festival became the Lion City Jazz Festival, expanding its mentorship model and pairing JASSYO! musicians with international masters from the Dizzy Gillespie Big Band.
Eastern Sounds: “Jazz It Up! 2024—A Jazzy Celebration of Chinese Songs” featured Teresa Carpio, Wysom Wong and Serene Koong.
2025Spread Your Wings
JASS advanced Singapore’s cultural diplomacy at the Thailand International Jazz Conference, Jarasum Jazz Festival and Melbourne International Jazz Festival, marking major bilateral anniversaries.
New Ground: The monthly JASS Spotlight Series began at The Jazz Loft @ Blu Jaz, championing outstanding young jazz talent.
2026Upward Bound
JASS Junior launched to give musicians aged 18 and below access to private coaching, mentored ensemble rehearsals and performance-based learning.
The Enabler: The JASS Catalyst Fund was created in April to support professional development, recording projects and international performance opportunities.
Tonight, the dream takes the stage.
Programme
One unforgettable evening.
Ten years in the making.
Saturday, 26 September 2026
Island Ballroom · Shangri-La Singapore
5:00 PM
Arrival
Security Screening & Cocktails
6:30 PM
Welcome
Guests to Be Seated
7:20 PM
Welcome
Opening Address & Speech by Guest of Honour
7:40 PM
Performance
Opening Performance
8:00 PM
Recognition
JASS Awards Presentation
8:35 PM
Performance
Core Performance
9:15 PM
Fundraising & Finale
Announcement of Total Funds Raised & Finale Performance
9:30 PM
Celebration
JASS 10th Anniversary Birthday Celebration
9:45 PM
After-Party
Dance Set
Voices that light the night.
Artists
A Decade of Dreams
Teresa Carpio · Jeremy Monteiro · Maya Raisha
Featured Artists
Meet the stars
Three distinctive voices. Three extraordinary musical journeys. One momentous evening.
01
Special Guest
Teresa Carpio
A Voice That Defines Generations
One of Asia’s most enduring vocalists, celebrated for her emotional depth, technical mastery and ability to connect across languages and generations.
For more than five decades, Teresa Carpio has remained one of Asia’s most respected vocalists, admired for technical excellence and an ability to communicate emotion with clarity, restraint and depth.
Born into a musical family and immersed in performance from an early age, she rose to prominence in the 1970s as Mandopop and Cantopop expanded across the region. Her sincerity and distinctive interpretive voice set her apart.
Across languages, genres, concert halls, television and international stages, Teresa has balanced versatility with an unmistakable identity. From intimate ballads to large-scale productions, she makes the story inside each song the centre of the performance.
Her influence reaches generations of Asian artists who regard her as a benchmark for vocal integrity and emotional authenticity. At the JASS Benefit Gala, her appearance celebrates an enduring artistry that continues to move and connect audiences.
02
Music Director
Jeremy Monteiro
A Guiding Star of Singapore Jazz
Singapore’s “King of Swing”—a pianist, composer, mentor and cultural force who helped place Singapore jazz on the international stage.
Cultural Medallion recipient Jeremy Monteiro has played a defining role in the growth and global recognition of Singapore jazz. Known as Singapore’s “King of Swing”, he is a pianist, pioneer, mentor and cultural force.
In 1988, he became the first Southeast Asian to lead a band of established international jazz musicians at the Montreux Jazz Festival, performing as Monteiro, Young & Holt and Friends. The appearance marked an important international milestone for both Jeremy and the region.
His playing is grounded in swing, expressive phrasing and deep respect for jazz tradition, while remaining open to reinvention. Whether he leads an orchestra, collaborates internationally or performs in an intimate setting, technique is matched by a palpable sense of joy.
As Executive Director of JASS, Jeremy has also helped nurture younger musicians and create platforms for them to learn, perform and grow, including JASSO and JASSYO!. His work joins performance, mentorship and community in service of Singapore jazz’s future.
03
JASS Music Scholar
Maya Raisha
A Rising Star of Singapore Jazz
A compelling new voice whose music moves effortlessly through jazz, soul, R&B, musical theatre and Brazilian influences.
Maya Raisha is a distinctive voice in Singapore’s new jazz vanguard. She received the JASS Music Scholarship in 2025 and was selected as one of Esplanade’s Next Wave Artists in 2024, earning a place in the Mosaic Jazz Fellows programme.
Raised in a musical household, Maya began classical piano and percussion at four. She moved into jazz at twelve and started performing professionally the following year, building on a strong classical foundation.
Singing in English, Malay and French, she brings jazz, soul, neo-soul, R&B and musical theatre into a fluid musical language, while continuing to expand her interest in Brazilian jazz.
Her performances have taken her from Marina Bay Sands to Carnegie Hall. As a JASS Music Scholar, Maya is pursuing a Master’s in Jazz Studies at the Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens College in New York, where she has also performed with the Louis Armstrong House Big Band.
The Orchestras
A generation-spanning sound
Singapore’s leading professional jazz musicians perform alongside the next generation of outstanding young talent.
04
Main Orchestra
JASSO
Jazz Association Singapore Orchestra
Around 20 of Singapore’s finest professional jazz musicians, carrying Singapore jazz onto local and international stages.
05
Youth Orchestra
JASSYO!
Jazz Association Singapore Youth Orchestra
Around 20 musicians below the age of 35, nurtured through mentorship, ensemble development and meaningful performance opportunities.
Silent Auction
Auction
Give generously.
Enter the auction
Commission An Original Jazz Composition
Build Your Legacy Through Jazz
Your Jazz Legacy
Commission An Original Jazz Composition
Whether honouring a cherished relationship or commemorating a milestone occasion, commission a bespoke jazz composition crafted exclusively for you or your loved ones.
Your contribution supports JASS programmes while creating opportunities for homegrown Singaporean composers.
With Gratitude
Donors
The people behind the music.
JASS Philanthropy Award
Honouring exceptional generosity that advances the mission and long-term impact of JASS.
Individual Honourees
- Mr Albert Chiu
- Mr & Mrs Adrian and Susan Peh
- Professor Jeremy Monteiro
- Mr & Mrs Julian and Sandra Chang
- Anonymous Donor
Corporate Honourees
- Composers and Authors Society of Singapore Ltd
- Neo Group Limited
- EFG Bank AG
JASS Ambassador Award
Recognising supporters who have made significant fundraising contributions and championed Singapore’s jazz scene.
Individual Category
- Mr Albert Chiu
- Dr Edmund Lam
- Mrs Susan Peh
- Professor Jeremy Monteiro
- Mrs Sandra Chang
- Ms Sally Liew
- Zou Family Fund
- Dr Euan Murugasu
- Ms Cho Pei Lin
- Ms Valerie Cheah
- Ms Layla Pi
- Mrs Lim Hwee Hua
- Mr Nicholas Lin (Pivot & Partners)
- Anonymous Donor
- Dr Mary Ann Tsao
- Mr Roger Parellada
- Ruifeng Wealth Management
Corporate & Media Category
- Composers and Authors Society of Singapore Ltd
- Tatler Singapore
- ICON Singapore
- Beyond2359
JASS Appreciation Award
Recognising valued individual and corporate supporters whose contributions strengthened the work of JASS.
Individual Category
- Mr Christopher Chuah
- Ms Wendy Long
- Ms Julia D'Silva
- Anonymous Donor
- Ms Wee Wei Ling
Corporate & Media Category
- Christopher Guy
- GLP
- HyalRoute Communication Group Limited
- Sembcorp Industries Ltd
- Christopher Chuah Law Chambers LLC
- DBS Bank Ltd
- FriedRice Entertainment
- Hotel Properties Limited
- Nuri Foundation
- Neo Group Limited
- Simone Jewels
- a+
With Gratitude
Donor Acknowledgements
We thank every individual, family and organisation whose support keeps the music playing and helps the next generation flourish.
The team behind the evening.
Committee
Fundraising & Gala Committee
- Mrs Susan PehGala Chairperson,
Board Vice-Chairperson - Dr Edmund LamBoard Chairman
- Ms Karen Li-Mei ChanBoard Treasurer
- Professor Jeremy MonteiroBoard Director, Executive Director & Music Director
- Mr Sean WuBoard Director
- Mrs Sandra ChangBoard Director
- Ms Sally LiewBoard Director
- Mr Christopher ChuahBoard Director
- Dr Euan MurugasuBoard Director
- Mr Wilbur ZouBoard Director
- Ms Cho Pei LinGala Committee Member
- Mr George SoGala Committee Member
- Ms Layla PiGala Committee Member
- Mr Lucas YongGala Committee Member
- Ms Valerie CheahGala Committee Member
- Ms Wendy LongGala Committee Member
JASS Secretariat
- Mr Jonathan Foo
- Ms Cheryl Seet
- Ms Kelly Kwan
- Ms Doreen Eng
- Ms Charlene Poh
- Mr Timothy Lee