For You And I Orchestral Concert

A celebration of song, music, and dance brought Ipoh alive last Sunday at Auditorium RTM Perak. The Ipoh Philharmonic Orchestra backed singing students from Estee Pook Academy in a two-hour orchestral concert, interspersed with ballet performed by students from The Dance Academy.

Themed “For You And I”, the concert kicked off with orchestral instrumental music. First was Carmen Overture by Bizet, followed by the popular Pirates of the Caribbean.

Then, amidst loud claps and cheers, appeared Estee Pook, the founder-cum-principal of Estee Pook Academy. She is also the older sister to Ipoh Philharmonic Orchestra conductor, Eugene Pook.

some of the youngest singers from Estee Pook Academy

She headlined the concert by showcasing her vocal prowess starting with Celine Dion’s My Heart Will Go On. The next song was a Chinese piece 如愿 (Ru Yuan), then the Malay track, Lagenda by Sheila Majid. For good measure, Estee performed two other songs: 心事谁人知 (Xin Shi Shui Ren Zhi) and 当你老了(Dang Ni Lao Le), a duet.

Sharing the limelight were Estee Pook Academy singers, with ages ranging from 6 to their 60s. One is never too young or too old to pursue singing. Estee shared that she has students who are well into their 80s.

It was a very inclusive performance. From classic numbers to songs in a multitude of languages, from ballet to Korean dance, there was something for everyone. View the full photo album on our official Facebook Page by clicking HERE.

all the performers with Ipoh Philharmonic Orchestra

At the tail end of the concert, the Ipoh Philharmonic Orchestra gave Estee a surprise by playing the “Happy Birthday” song to celebrate her birthday. Her students gifted her bouquets and even a birthday cake. The audience joined them in singing the birthday song, to Estee’s delight.

As the first Ipoh professional orchestra, Ipoh Philharmonic Orchestra’s presentation of “For You And I” is one of its contributions to the city, enhancing its recognition as a “City of Music” by the UNESCO Creative City Network (UCCN).

Video: For You And I Orchestral Concert