Ipoh Harmony 2026 Welcome Gala Dinner: A Celebration of Musical Excellence and International Friendship
An evening of beautiful music, exceptional talent and international friendship unfolded at Symphony Suites Hotel Ipoh on 7 November 2026, as the Ipoh Harmony Welcome Gala Dinner brought together distinguished guests, musicians, music educators and patrons from Malaysia, China and Thailand.
Held as part of Ipoh Harmony 2026, an international music and cultural exchange programme presented by London Music Academy (LMA) in collaboration with Chye Music Learning Centre, the gala dinner celebrated the universal language of music and its ability to connect people across cultures and generations.
The occasion was graced by the distinguished Guest of Honour, YBhg. Orang Kaya Kaya Panglima Kinta Seri Amar Bangsa DiRaja Datoโ Seri Ab. Wahab bin Datoโ Seri Azizul Hassan, Orang Besar Jajahan Kinta.
Beyond the formalities of a welcome dinner, the gathering became a memorable showcase of musical artistry, featuring accomplished international faculty alongside promising young performers. It was also a meaningful occasion for Ipoh to welcome overseas guests and showcase its growing position as a destination for music, creativity and cultural exchange.
Ipoh Harmony 2026: Music Without Borders
Presented under the theme “Music Connects People, Culture Inspires the Future”, Ipoh Harmony 2026 brought together musical talents and educators from three countries, fostering opportunities for learning, collaboration and cultural understanding.
The programme was jointly organised by Helen Wang of London Music Academy, Dr. Chye Kok Hoong of Chye Music Learning Centre, and Kok Kee Boon of Student Singing Voice.
The international faculty brought together an impressive range of musical expertise. Representing Malaysia was Kok Kee Boon, an acclaimed pianist and chamber musician who founded Jewel Piano Lounge at Baba House Melaka. He is also the founder of the Perak Society of Performing Arts (PSPA), an Ipoh-based not-for-profit organisation established in 1996 to promote and develop music, dance, drama and related arts in Perak. This year marks PSPAโs 30th anniversary. The organisation works with schools, government bodies, and local and international artists to foster a vibrant performing arts culture in the region.
Coincidentally, as PSPA celebrates three decades of promoting the performing arts in Perak, it is particularly apt that Kok Kee Boon is involved in an international initiative such as Ipoh Harmony 2026, which brings musicians, educators and young talents together through music and cultural exchange.
Dr. Chye Kok Hoong, founder and principal of Chye Music Learning Centre, served as Programme Director and local delivery partner.
The international faculty also included Professor Zhu Yujian, a flute professor at Sichuan Conservatory of Music and visiting scholar at Berklee College of Music, and Assistant Professor Prapansak Pumin of Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand, who founded the Thailand International Youth Classical Music Competition.
Their collective involvement gave the programme an international dimension, bringing together different musical traditions, teaching experiences and artistic perspectives.
Welcome Gala Dinner at Symphony Suites Hotel
The Patron Gala Dinner was held at the ballroom of Symphony Suites Hotel, with the event supported by patrons from across Malaysian society and co-hosted by Jewel Piano Lounge at Baba House Melaka.
The setting provided an opportunity for visiting delegates, musicians, educators and local supporters to mingle in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. More importantly, it allowed participants from Malaysia, China and Thailand to strengthen the friendships formed through their shared passion for music.
Scrumptious dinner aside, it was the performances that gave the occasion its distinctive character. From classical compositions and familiar musical theatre favourites to contemporary hits and traditional Chinese music, the repertoire offered something for varied musical tastes.
A World-Class Musical Showcase
The performance segment opened with pianist Alan Cheah, an Ipoh-born musician whose musical journey is particularly inspiring.
Visually impaired, Alan demonstrated his musical abilities through Pirates of the Caribbean, composed by Klaus Badelt and Hans Zimmer. His performance was a reminder that passion, dedication, and talent can transcend physical limitations.
There is also an exciting opportunity awaiting him beyond the gala evening. Alan is set to participate in London Music Academyโs UK Residency in December 2026.
Through LMAโs programme with the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, he will have the opportunity to experience British conservatoire education, interact with educators and fellow young musicians, and gain valuable insights into professional music training, scholarships and future career pathways.
For this young Ipoh musician, the residency represents an important step towards international exposure and further musical development.
Classical Masterpieces from Piano, Flute and Violin
The audience was treated to an elegant collaboration between Professor Zhu Yujian on flute, Assistant Professor Prapansak Pumin on violin and Kok Kee Boon on piano.
Their selections included The Swan by Camille Saint-Saรซns, alongside Oblivion and Libertango by Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla.
Each composition brought a different character to the performance, allowing the audience to appreciate the expressive qualities of the instruments and the musiciansโ ability to work together in harmony.
The combination of flute, violin and piano created a particularly engaging musical experience, balancing lyrical passages with the distinctive rhythms and emotions of Piazzollaโs compositions.
From The Phantom of the Opera to Contemporary Favourites
The programme also ventured into popular music and musical theatre, adding variety to the evening.
Oscar Tiow sang Nothingโs Gonna Change My Love for You, composed by Michael Masser, while playing the piano.
Violinists Jaydon Wee and Lim Cindy, together with pianist Kok Kee Boon, collaborated on The Phantom of the Opera, the celebrated musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Kareem subsequently performed The Music of the Night, another memorable number from the same production, with Kok Kee Boon on the piano.
Kok Kee Boon then serenaded the audience with Golden Hour by JVKE, before presenting Tchaikovskyโs Piano Concerto No. 1, accompanied by violinist Jaydon.
The contrasting repertoire demonstrated the performersโ versatility, moving from familiar contemporary melodies to some of the most recognisable works in classical and musical theatre.
Violin and Erhu Performances Added a Cultural Touch
Violinist Lim Cindy presented Vivaldiโs Winter, from the renowned Four Seasons collection by Antonio Vivaldi. A background video accompanying her performance showed her playing the same piece on the different musical instruments she has mastered, offering an interesting glimpse of her versatility.
Jaydon followed on the piano with A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman, composed by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
One of the more distinctive moments came when Lim Cindy performed Horse Racing by Huang Hai Huai on the erhu, a traditional Chinese two-stringed bowed instrument. Its distinctive sound introduced a touch of Chinese musical heritage into the programme, complementing the international spirit of the gathering.
The vocal segment featured soprano Yiling Chaing and tenor Kelvin Loo, accompanied by Kok Kee Boon on piano. Their repertoire included All I Ask of You and Think of Me from Andrew Lloyd Webberโs The Phantom of the Opera, as well as Habanera from Georges Bizetโs opera Carmen.
Together, the performances presented an enjoyable musical journey across different genres, traditions and generations.
Lim Cindy: A 17-Year-Old Multi-Talented Prodigy
Among the young performers, Lim Cindy stands out for her remarkable accomplishments in music, academics and sports. At just 17 years old, she is already an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, capable of playing 13 different musical instruments equally well.
Her musical journey began remarkably early. She achieved ABRSM Grade 8 Piano with Distinction at the age of seven and obtained the LTCL Diploma in Piano Recital at just ten.
Her intellectual abilities are equally impressive. At the age of 14, she scored 176 out of 180 in the Mensa admission test, earning recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records in August 2023 for achieving the highest Mensa admission test score in Malaysia.
Beyond music and academics, Cindy is also actively involved in sports and performing arts. She is a gymnast, Latin dancer, taekwondo practitioner and wushu athlete. Her sporting achievements include securing third place in the National Gymnastics Circuit at just seven years old.
With such a diverse range of accomplishments at a young age, Cindy is certainly an exceptional talent. Her performances on both violin and erhu during Ipoh Harmony 2026 offered a glimpse of her musical versatility, while her achievements outside music reflect an equally impressive dedication to pursuing excellence across multiple disciplines.
Four Days of Music, Learning and Cultural Discovery
While the welcome gala dinner was a major highlight, Ipoh Harmony 2026 extended well beyond a single evening of performances.
The four-day international programme, held from 6 to 9 November, was thoughtfully arranged to combine music education, cultural exploration and opportunities for interaction among participants.
The programme began on 6 November with the arrival of international guests, hotel check-ins and free time.
On the morning of 7 November, participants attended piano, violin and flute masterclasses and group lessons at Chye Music Learning Centre in Taman Ipoh Selatan. These sessions provided opportunities to learn from experienced musicians and exchange knowledge in their respective disciplines.
The afternoon was dedicated to A Taste of Ipoh, a guided heritage and food tour through Ipoh Old Town. It gave overseas participants a chance to experience the cityโs architectural character, local culture and culinary offerings before gathering for the welcome gala dinner in the evening.
Activities continued on 8 November with the International Friendly Music Competition and Awards Ceremony at Symphony Suites Hotel, followed by a buffet lunch.
The afternoon programme included a Garden Afternoon Tea Party hosted by an LMA patron in the Meru Valley Resort area. Participants later visited Lost World of Tambun Night Park, adding a leisure element to their Ipoh experience.
The programme concluded on 9 November, with guests departing or extending their stay to explore more of Ipoh, including its famous limestone cave temples and heritage attractions.
This combination of musical development and local experiences made the programme particularly meaningful. Participants had the chance not only to perform and learn together but also to appreciate the culture and hospitality of the host city.
Ipoh: A UNESCO Creative City of Music
Ipoh was officially designated a UNESCO Creative City of Music on 31 October 2023, becoming a member of the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). The designation recognised the cityโs musical heritage and its potential to further develop music as an important part of its cultural and creative landscape.
International initiatives such as Ipoh Harmony provide meaningful opportunities to build on this recognition. By bringing overseas musicians, music educators and young performers to Ipoh, the programme encouraged cross-cultural collaboration while giving local talents greater exposure to international musical standards.
For aspiring musicians, opportunities to learn from accomplished faculty members and participate in international exchange programmes can be invaluable. For the city, such gatherings help strengthen its cultural profile and create connections that may lead to future collaborations.
It was encouraging to see Ipoh hosting a programme of this calibre, bringing together different nationalities and generations through a shared appreciation of music.
Event: Ipoh Harmony 2026 Welcome Gala Dinner
Venue: Symphony Suites Hotel, Ipoh
Date: 7 November 2026
Time: 6pm
