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Perak National Chinese Orchestra Festival Makes History in the Malaysia Book of Records

The Perak National Chinese Orchestra Festival 2024 etched its name into the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) on the evening of 27 December 2024, with a remarkable feat of orchestral brilliance.

An ensemble of 210 Perakian students performed a spectacular set of Christmas-themed music in front of the iconic Ipoh Town Hall, delighting an audience eager to witness history in the making.

2024 Perak National Chinese Orchestra Festival
2024 Perak National Chinese Orchestra Festival

The presence of several distinguished guests graced the Perak National Chinese Orchestra Festival 2024. Y.B. Tuan Chaw Kam Foon, Member of the Perak State Legislative Assembly for Menglembu, attended the event representing the Minister of Housing and Local Government, YB Tuan Nga Kor Ming. Y.Bhg. Dato’ Sri Chooi Yoke Kwan, Mr. Tan San Poh, including respected Ipoh City Councillors were also present, enhancing the festival’s success.

Y.B. Tuan Chaw Kam Foon, Member of the Perak State Legislative Assembly for Menglembu, representing the Minister of Housing and Local Government, YB Tuan Nga Kor Ming
Y.B. Tuan Chaw Kam Foon, Member of the Perak State Legislative Assembly for Menglembu, representing the Minister of Housing and Local Government, YB Tuan Nga Kor Ming
2024 Perak National Chinese Orchestra Festival with the iconic Ipoh Town Hall as a backdrop
2024 Perak National Chinese Orchestra Festival with the iconic Ipoh Town Hall as a backdrop

210 Musicians, Two Iconic Christmas Classics

Under the baton of conductor Ms. Chris Kok Sing Yee, the orchestra performed two beloved Christmas classics: Last Christmas by WHAM! plus Jingle Bell Rock. The harmonious melodies resonated through the air as artificial snowflakes fell from above, spreading festive cheer while marking a milestone as the “Most Chinese Orchestra Performers in a Christmas Festival.”

the Chinese orchestra as part of the 2024 Perak National Chinese Orchestra Festival
the Chinese orchestra as part of the 2024 Perak National Chinese Orchestra Festival
percussion performance
percussion performance

A Grand Opening with Hakka Flair

The joyful event began with a stirring rendition of a traditional Hakka song performed by a renowned Hakka singer, Mr. Chan San Bao from Guangzhou, China.

performance by renowned Hakka singer, Mr. Chan San Bao from Guangzhou, China
performance by renowned Hakka singer, Mr. Chan San Bao from Guangzhou, China

This evocative opening was brought to life by the accompanying orchestra of Pertubuhan Kebudayaan dan Orchestra Cina Ipoh, Perak, setting the stage for an evening of cultural and musical excellence.

Video: Performance by renowned Hakka singer, Mr. Chan San Bao from Guangzhou, China

A Milestone for Perak and Ipoh

The 2024 Perak National Chinese Orchestra Festival not only showcased extraordinary musical talent but also reflected the vibrant cultural heartbeat of Ipoh.

By earning a place in the Malaysia Book of Records, the occasion highlighted the city’s commitment to promoting arts & culture on a grand scale.

Video: Last Christmas: Malaysia Book of Records – Most Chinese Orchestra Performers In A Christmas Festival

A Conductor’s Vision Realised

Ms. Chris Kok Sing Yee, the festival’s conductor, realised her vision through meticulous preparation and dedication. Her leadership ensured that the 210 musicians delivered an unforgettable performance, blending modern festive classics with the richness of Chinese orchestral traditions.

Video: Jingle Bell Rock: Malaysia Book of Records – Most Chinese Orchestra Performers In A Christmas Festival

the festival's conductor, Ms. Chris Kok Sing Yee
the festival’s conductor, Ms. Chris Kok Sing Yee

Bringing the Community Together

The Perak National Chinese Orchestra Festival 2024 was brought to fruition through the advocacy of Ipoh City Council (MBI), with support from Yayasan Hasanah, Arts for All Seasons (ArtsFAS), and the Ministry of Finance Malaysia.

entry into the Malaysia Book of Records - Most Chinese Orchestra Performers In A Christmas Festival
entry into the Malaysia Book of Records – Most Chinese Orchestra Performers In A Christmas Festival
Malaysia Book of Records - Most Chinese Orchestra Performers In A Christmas Festival
Malaysia Book of Records – Most Chinese Orchestra Performers In A Christmas Festival

Organised by Pertubuhan Kebudayaan dan Orkestra Cina Ipoh, Perak, and co-organised by Persatuan Kebudayaan Tarian dan Nyanyian Cina Menglembu, Perak, the event celebrated the rich heritage of Chinese music while fostering a spirit of collaboration to elevate Ipoh’s cultural landscape.

Celebrating unity, culture, besides music, the festival underscored the importance of preserving and promoting traditional art forms while inspiring the younger generation to engage in meaningful cultural activities.

Ipoh City Mayor Y.Bhg. Dato’ Haji Rumaizi bin Baharin @ Md Daud said, “I hope Ipohites can organise similar programmes to attract more tourists to our city and provide opportunities for Ipoh residents to introduce our cultural arts on the international stage, ensuring they are recognised worldwide.

speech by Ipoh City Mayor Y.Bhg. Dato' Haji Rumaizi bin Baharin @ Md Daud
speech by Ipoh City Mayor Y.Bhg. Dato’ Haji Rumaizi bin Baharin @ Md Daud

“Why not take a step further by collaborating with Chinese orchestras from Ipoh’s friendship cities, such as Medan, Hat Yai, and Nanning? This could open up exciting opportunities for cultural exchange and elevate Ipoh’s presence in the global arts community.”

A Legacy for the City of Ipoh

The Malaysia Book of Records recognition plaque was presented by MBOR representative, En. Megat Faris Hussein Megat Muzaffar Shah, to Ipoh City Mayor Y.Bhg. Dato’ Haji Rumaizi bin Baharin @ Md Daud. By achieving this success, the Perak National Chinese Orchestra Festival has set a new benchmark for cultural events in Malaysia. Its recognition in the Malaysia Book of Records further reinforces Ipoh’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Music, a title officially designated in 2023 to celebrate the city’s rich musical heritage and vibrant cultural scene.

some of the 210 musicians
some of the 210 musicians

As the final notes of Jingle Bell Rock faded into the night, the audience erupted in applause, marking not just the end of a music festival but the beginning of a new chapter in Ipoh’s cultural history.

Event: Malaysia Book of Records – Most Chinese Orchestra Performers In A Christmas Festival
Venue: Ipoh Town Hall
Add: Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab, 30000 Ipoh, Perak.
Date: 27th Dec 2024
Time: 9pm

With love

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