Singapore-born classical musicians have made significant contributions abroad and are respected for their sensitivity, brilliant interpretation and technical perfection. London-based pianists Seow Yit Kin and Toh Chee Hung and US-based violinist Siow Lee Chin are critically acclaimed for their performances across the globe. The local jazz and contemporary music scene has also produced outstanding musicians and composers, namely composer Iskander Ismail, and jazz musician Jeremy Monterio.

Singapore's own professional opera production company, The Singapore Lyric Theatre, was formed with the aim of persenting popular musicals and opera and creating opportunities for regional talents to perform in good opera productions. The company is largely Singaporean but taps the experience of an international cast from the US, Europe and Asia.

The Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is regarded as one of Asia's most accomplished orchestras. The 16-years-old orchestra has over 90 full time members and has toured Europe and Southeast Asia. It has played with renowned soloists and performed with the world's best opera singers at their Singapore concerts. The SSO performs about 110 concerts a year with a varied repertoire, highlighting European classical composers.