Asian Premiere Concert: Gustavus Symphony Orchestra & Jazz Ensemble

For almost two solid hours, Ipohites were enthralled by the orchestral and jazz music by the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra (GSO), conducted by Dr Ruth Lin, and Jazz Ensemble, with Dr Dave Stamps as director.

GSO from Gustavus Adolphus College USA was one of the finalists in the 2015 American Prize (College/University orchestra division), and was featured at the 2016 MMEA Midwinter Clinic.

All proceeds from this concert was in support of Lighthouse Hope Society, a non-governmental organisation in Ipoh that serves the Hungry, Homeless and Helpless.

The charity music performance began with the symphony orchestra playing the piece by Aaron Copland, Rodeo: Buckaroo Holiday. It was followed by Steve Heitzeg’s Fanfare for a Weapon-Free World, John William’s Star Wars theme, Leroy Anderson’s Alma Mater and Morton Gould’s Symphonette No. 2.

The second part of the event was by the jazz ensemble, but prior to the handover, the two groups of musicians collaborated on two pieces, with Anya Menk on vocals: Someone to Watch Over Me and St. Louis Blues.

Dr Dave Stamps brought out the best from his students, performing a repertoire of five jazz pieces combining classics and newer numbers, to the delight of the attentive audience. Beginning with Bill Holman’s Told You So, then Stevie Wonder’s I Just Called To Say I Love You, among others. The show concluded with Avalon.

The musicians from Gustavus Adolphus College are on a Malaysia-Singapore 2020 tour, which kick started in Kuala Lumpur on 28th Jan, followed with Penang (30th Jan), Ipoh (31st Jan), Melaka (3rd Feb), and thereafter, Singapore.

Event: Asian Premiere Concert: Gustavus Symphony Orchestra & Jazz Ensemble
Venue: Weil Hotel, Ipoh
Date: 31st Jan, 2020
Time: 8pm

Video Playlist: Gustavus Symphony Orchestra & Jazz Ensemble