Malaysia-China International Music Festival 2019
To celebrate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China, musicians from both countries were brought together to perform at a by-invitation-only concert.
Music promotes peace and understanding, and it is through the arts that harmony is achieved among all the races. Hence, this was the reason that Ipohite world class maestro pianist Mr Kok Kee Boon organised this meaningful event.
Passionate about music, Mr Kok has invited many musicians to perform in his hometown over the years, especially as one of the founders of Perak Society of Performing Arts. Since Year 2000, Mr Kok has been particularly interested in Chinese music, thus his invitation to outstanding musicians from China to perform in Ipoh.
In the pipeline is a Beijing opera performance. There are no further details shared yet, so stay tuned.
Opening last evening’s concert was the Sam Tet Secondary School Marching Band, with a famous song by The Beatles, Hey Jude. The ensemble is an award-winning band and they have been invited to perform at the Seongnam International Youth Wind Festival in South Korea today.
Last evening, they also collaborated with a 60-piece youth orchestra from Shanxi Province, that kept the audience tapping their feet away to the music.
The Bomei Wind Band comprising 60 children aged 8 to 13 years was impressive in their repertoire as well, considering that this junior band was only established a year ago.
Another performance that wowed the audience was put up by the Yuk Choy Chinese Orchestra. The students performed sterlingly, despite their young age.
This concert was not just about orchestral music, as there was also a guitar soloist, Mr Kok’s nephew.
Furthermore, Ken Leong on the saxophone performed his mother’s favourite song, The Moon Represents My Heart, and his dad’s, You Raise Me Up.
Additionally, emcee Ms Ivy Chang, rendered two songs, one in Cantonese and the other, English.
Two students from Methodist Girls’ School, Ipoh also contributed to the international cultural exchange by presenting an Indian classical dance, which was a rare treat for the guests from China.
“MGS is a very unique school in that its student population is divided equally among the three major races of the country,” said Mr Kok.
Evidently, the musical concert would be incomplete without piano performances. First, it was by a Chinese pianist, playing Richard Clayderman’s compositions, followed by Mr Kok himself. It was mesmerising to see how his fingers flirted with the piano keys, to accentuate the most melodious tunes.
One of Mr Kok’s objectives for Malaysia-China International Music Festival was to promote Perak culture and tourism to the guests. Undoubtedly, the Silver State has some of the world’s most enchanting attractions that many are still unaware of.
He also took the opportunity to promote a popular beverage to guests; nope, not Ipoh white coffee but “6 castle tea”, that is a vintage collector’s item; its value increases over time.
Event: Malaysia-China International Music Festival 2019
Venue: Syeun Hotel, Ipoh
Date: 13th August, 2019
Time: 7.30pm
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