The Singapore Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce that SSO Principal Jin Ta won First Prize in the Haifa International Flute Competition 2000 held in Israel from 21-28 December 2000.

Jin Ta won for himself US$2500 as well as invitations to play with the Haifa Symphony Orchestra, at the Schubertiadenburg, Germany and at the Haifa International Music Festival. Out of all the cassette tapes/CDs submitted for registration, the jury selected 15 candidates to be put through 3 rounds of intense competition. Jin Ta was the only Asian of the fifteen.

There was a special winner's concert where Jin Ta performed with the Haifa Chamber Orchestra, whose members mostly consisted of members of Israel Philharmonic.

Jin Ta's trip to Haifa was supported by the National Arts Council through an SIA-NAC Travel Grant.

Another competition lined up for Jin Ta is the Maria Canal International Competition for Flute and Piano in Barcelona, Spain. This will be held in April 2001. A new recording by Jin Ta entitled A Flute Recital by Jin Ta featuring the works of Bach, Takamitsu, Muzcyski and Poulenc will also be released in March.