Six prominent members of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) extended their stay in Singapore to hold a free concert at the Singapore Botanic Gardens on 10 January. It was Israel’s gift to Singapore, celebrating a close friend’s 50th birthday.

Building on the success of the IPO’s 80th-anniversary concert at the Esplanade Concert Hall on 7 January, the ensemble performed The Four Seasons by Vivaldi.

Around 5,000 Singaporeans gathered at the world-heritage site to enjoy the concert. It was the IPO’s first performance at the Singapore Botanic Gardens since it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gardens are almost 150 years old.