Quoting German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, “without music, life would be a mistake”, the Perak Society of Performing Arts (PSPA) continues to wow the audience with their 9th international ensemble aptly titled, ‘A night of Musical Kaleidoscope: From Bach to Yiruma’ at the Tenby Schools Ipoh Auditorium on Saturday, August 15.
The audience was mesmerised as the musicians played Vivaldi’s all-time favourite, ‘The Four Seasons Violin Concerto’, Bach’s famous ‘Air on G’ and ‘Brandenburg Concerto’, the exotic Bizet’s ‘Carmen Fantasy’ to the heart-warming Yiruma’s ‘River Flows Into You’ and many more.
Directed by renowned Malaysian conductor and a clarinettist Eugene Pook, twelve talented international artistes from Canada, Singapore, Netherlands and Malaysia charmed the audience with their musical skills.
What made this year’s ensemble different from other years’ was the special appearance and performance by Andrew Simon, a clarinet soloist from USA, which included John Corigliano’s Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra, a piece by the award winning composer under whom he studied.
As a tribute to the Sultan of Perak for his patronage, PSPA also organised the Royal Performance at the Grand Ballroom of Syeun Hotel, Ipoh on Thursday, August 20. The show was attended by HRH Sultan Nazrin Muizzudin Shah, state dignitaries and the upper crust of Ipoh’s society.
“It is with this heart filled with gratitude and appreciation that your humble servant welcomes Your Royal Highness to this Royal Performance of the PSPA International Ensemble 2015, dedicated to Tuanku on behalf of the members of PSPA,” said Datin Rosalina Ooi-Thong, President of PSPA in her opening remarks.
The ensemble did a repeat performance. Against a backdrop of changing landscapes and seasons, the musicians gave a superlative performance, enrapturing the audience with their virtuosity.
The artistes on stage that night were Christina Zhou (violin), Ooi Khai Ern (violin, Gabriel Lee (violin), Lim Jae Sern (violin), Benjamin Wong (viola), Andrew Filmer (viola), Roeland Duiine (cello), Lee Kett Chuan (cello) and Liew Soon Yee (double bass), Jeremy Samolesky (Piano), Alina Windell (flute) and Andrew Simon.
Ili Aqilah
