By Owen Lee
Ipoh’s rich heritage came alive not only through its architecture and cuisine last weekend, but also through music as the Selangor Symphony Youth Orchestra (SSYO) hosted its 2025 Orchestra Camp from July 11 to 13 at the heart of Ipoh Old Town.
The three-day camp gathered more than 50 talented young musicians aged 11 to 24 from across Malaysia and Indonesia, all of whom came together for one shared purpose: to make music, learn, and connect.
Led by the visionary founder and conductor Eugene Pook, this year’s SSYO camp was more than just a training ground, but it was a celebration of cross-cultural friendship, musical growth, and youthful creativity. The camp culminated in a public concert on Sunday afternoon, July 13, at Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay & Event Hall, where the young orchestra performed beloved Disney classics to a full house.
A Camp that Nurtures and Unites
Before the orchestra concert, participants immersed themselves in a rigorous schedule of orchestral rehearsals and sectional workshops. From cello and violin to flute, trumpet, and percussion, every instrument section received focused coaching to polish their performance and deepen their understanding of orchestral collaboration.
The coaching team featured renowned music educators such as Dr. Andrew Filmer, violist and UCSI University academic; Isaac Chan, a rising Malaysian cellist; and British violinist Angus Gibbon, who also co-directed the camp. Their guidance helped shape both the sound and spirit of the orchestra.
“Music has the power to unite and promote well-being,” said Eugene Pook, who also serves as Music Director of both the Selangor Symphony Orchestra and its youth division. “This camp isn’t just about notes and rhythms. It’s about young people building lifelong friendships, learning essential life skills, and finding joy in creating something together.”
Disney Magic, New Voices
The concert theme which was a lineup of Disney and musical theatre hits was carefully chosen to appeal to both performers and audience members. With tunes like Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and You’ve Got a Friend in Me, the repertoire brought energy, emotion, and nostalgia to the hall.
“Disney music is well-known and well-loved,” said the organizer. “It stirs up excitement among young musicians and helps them connect more easily with the audience.”
Adding a vocal layer to the performance were singers from the Estee Pook Academy Choir. Founded in 2022, the academy brings together voices from ages 4 to 85 and is driven by the belief that music is for everyone. The choir’s presence was felt through heartfelt renditions of A Whole New World, Reflection, and This Is Me, with standout performances from vocalists like Wendy Woo, Alicia Wong, Chun Ming Xuan, and more.
Building Tomorrow’s Musicians
The SSYO is highly regarded as one of Malaysia’s leading youth orchestras. Its purpose is not only to train musicians, but also to instill in its members a love of music as an essential aspect of life, regardless of whether they pursue it professionally.
Each year, the SSYO holds collaborative programs such as this camp, as well as side-by-side concerts with the Selangor Symphony Orchestra, exposing young talents to a professional orchestral setting.
For many of the young participants, the Ipoh camp was a first-time opportunity to play in a full orchestra, explore new cities, and make friends from another country. For others, it was a chance to deepen their passion in a supportive environment that valued both discipline and joy.
As the final notes of Thank You for the Music echoed through Sarang Paloh’s heritage hall, there was no doubt that this weekend was one to remember. Not only for the performers on stage, but for everyone who witnessed the magic of music, community, and youthful spirit.
