Veteran symphony orchestra and Chinese orchestra conductor, Lin Ah Leck, has died at the age of 69 on Oct. 13, 2019.

Lin contributed immensely to the local conducting and music scene over more than 40 years.

He was the band conductor of the Maris Stella Symphonic Band, Maris Stella Symphonic Band Alumni, Raffles Girls' School Symphonic Band, St Hilda Secondary School Wind Orchestra, St. Gabriel's School Symphonic Band, and Temasek Junior College Symphonic Band.

Lin also conducted the Singapore Wind Symphony, Moulmein Wind Symphony, The Philharmonic Winds, Braddell Heights Symphony Orchestra (BHSO) and Braddell Heights Chinese Orchestra.

Besides being a well-loved conductor, Lin also composed many vocal and music pieces.

Died from dengue fever

According to Lianhe Zaobao, Lin's son said that Lin was hospitalised after being diagnosed with dengue fever for the first time.

Lin started vomiting last Monday (Oct. 7), but the family initially thought it was just food poisoning.

His condition worsened afterward and he subsequently fell into a coma before passing away on the evening of Oct. 13.

His son added that despite feeling unwell, Lin still conducted a performance at Tiang Lim Association earlier this month before being sent to Changi General Hospital for treatment.

Wake details

According to a post on Lin's Facebook page, Lin's wake will be held at 638 Bedok Reservoir Road from Oct. 14 to Oct. 19.

Cremation will be held at Mandai Crematorium at 3pm on Oct. 19.

The post also appealed to Lin's students and orchestra members to contribute in the following ways:

1. Volunteer at the wake during night-time

2. Provide family members with Lin's performance photos for keepsake purposes. They can send a digital copy via [email protected] or pass his relatives the hard copies.

3. Volunteer to perform any orchestra pieces at Lin's wake.

Top photo from Band Fusion