By Anne Das
For one weekend this July, the streets, heritage buildings and riverside spaces of Old Town Ipoh will provide the backdrop for a celebration of music that brings together young talent from across the region.
The National Orchestra Camp & Festival 2026 will take place from July 3 to 5, bringing approximately 60 young musicians from Malaysia and Indonesia to the city for three days of rehearsals, workshops, performances and cultural exchange.
Organised by the Selangor Symphony Youth Orchestra (SSYO), the festival is the vision of Ipoh-born conductor Eugene Pook, who hopes to create an event that showcases both the musical talent of young performers and the unique character of Old Town Ipoh.
For Pook, the festival is an opportunity to share the charm of Old Town Ipoh with musicians and visitors from beyond its borders.
He believes Old Town offers a rare setting where culture, heritage and community can come together within a walkable city centre.
“Old Town Ipoh is one of the most unique places in Malaysia. Visitors can arrive by train, cross the street from Ipoh Railway Station, and immediately enjoy concerts, workshops, heritage buildings, cafés, hotels and world-famous food all within walking distance,” he said.
“I believe there is no other place in Malaysia with such a unique setting for a music festival.”
The event also complements Ipoh’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Music, while creating opportunities for young musicians to learn from experienced performers and educators from Malaysia, Singapore and the United Kingdom.
Among the highlights will be a Jazz on the Street performance by the acclaimed WVC Jazz Ensemble led by Tay Cher Siang, a Riverwalk Concert featuring Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons performed by the SSYO Chamber Soloists, and a Faculty Open Rehearsal that gives audiences a behind-the-scenes look at how professional musicians prepare for performance.
Visitors can also attend a special lecture titled Leading from the First Chair: Leadership & Responsibility of the Concertmaster by Lynnette Seah, former Concertmaster of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.
The festival will conclude with a Grand Finale Orchestra Concert featuring all 60 young musicians alongside distinguished coaches and guest artistes.
Beyond the performances, organisers hope the event encourages visitors to spend time exploring Old Town’s heritage architecture, riverside attractions, boutique hotels, cafés and food scene.
With participants, coaches and guests travelling from different parts of Malaysia and abroad, the festival is expected to bring additional activity into the city while introducing new audiences to what Ipoh has to offer.
Organisers hope this inaugural edition will become an annual fixture on the city’s cultural calendar, growing into a signature event that attracts music lovers, tourists and young musicians from across the region.
National Orchestra Camp & Festival 2026
📅 3–5 July 2026
📍 Old Town Ipoh, Perak
🎟 Free and ticketed events available
For festival information and tickets,
visit www.sso.org.my/upcoming-concerts or contact 014-974 6885.
Seating for ticketed events is limited. Book now!
