Internationally renowned Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra leads the way.
June 25, 2024
By Foong Pek Yee
FOR many, it is a walk down memory lane.
And for music lovers, it is a performance by a world class orchestra not to be missed.
The good news is this August will see the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO), established in 1977, performing in Malaysia for the first time – Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Debut Malaysia Tour 2024.
To date, the orchestra has been invited to perform at famous venues and festivals all over the world, including Europe, North America, Asia, Australia and the Arctic Circle.
The upcoming performance in Malaysia, organized by Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), will be held at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, Kuala Lumpur on August 3 and 4, and at the Dewan Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew in Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) in Penang on August 7.
Under the guidance of HKCO resident conductor Chew Hee Chiat, the performance comprises two series.
Dynamism: Chew Hee Chiat who joined Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra in 2002, has a Master of Music in orchestra conducting from the University of South Carolina. He also holds a double Bachelors degree in cello performance and computer science from the Southeast Missouri State University. He is now HKCO’s assistant artistic director and resident conductor (photo: hkco.org).
Chew says the “Classic Series” on the August 3 performance at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas in Kuala Lumpur is from HKCO’s reserved repertoire of Chinese classic music and also works by Hong Kong composers.
The program (based on hkco.org) :
The Chorale of Spring Ng King-pan.
Essence (The sixth movement from Ji) Ng Cheuk-yin
Jing‧Qi‧Shen Chan Ming-chi , Sanxian, Narrative Singing and Orchestra
Song of the Black Earth Sui Lijun. Lyrics by Shang Cunbao
Sanxian: Zhao Taisheng
Sanxian: Zhao Taisheng
Kampung and the City Chow Jun Yi (Chinese music without bounds international composition competition original composition- Best Orchestra Work)
Follow the Pagoda Tree to Trace the Roots of Our Ancestors Zhao Jiping
The Yellow River Capriccio Cheng Dazhao
And the “Movie and Television Series” includes some popular theme songs from Hong Kong will be held at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, Kuala Lumpur on Aug 4.
The program (based on hkco.org) :
Theme from Laputa Joe Hisaishi Arr. by Chew Hee Chiat
Malaysia Pop Songs
Getaran Jiwa P. Ramlee Arr. by Kong Su-leong
Dikir Puteri Pak Ngah Arr. by Chew Hee Chiat
Sinaran Azlan Abu Hasan Arr. by Tan Kah Yong
Impossible Medley Arr. by Ng King-pan
Vocal and orchestra Light of Life lyrics by Kwok-Kong Cheng, Chelsia Cheng Arr by Chan Ka-wing.
Sam’s Songs in the Movies Sam Hui Arr. by Ng Cheuk-yin
Love of the Past Joseph Koo (Gu Jia Hui) Arr. by Tan Kah Yong
Time We Have Gone Through Together Wu Wai-lap Arr. by Ng Cheuk-yin
A Medley of Themes from Television Drama Series Joseph Koo (Gu Jia Hui).
The program (based on hkco.org) for the performance at the Dewan Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew, TAR UMT in Penang on August 7:
Theme from Laputa Joe Hisaishi Arr. by Chew Hee Chiat
Malaysia Pop Songs
Getaran Jiwa P. Ramlee Arr. by Kong Su-leong
Dikir Puteri Pak Ngah Arr. by Chew Hee Chiat
Sing Sing Sing Louis Prima Arr. by Ng King-pan
A Medley of Themes from Television Drama Series Joseph Koo (Gu Jia Hui)
Follow the Pagoda Tree to Trace the Roots of Our Ancestors Zhao Jiping
The Yellow River Capriccio Cheng Dazhao
Celebrating Milestones: Music is the bridge. UTAR president Datuk Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat during a press conference on HKCO (photo: utar.edu.my).
Updating details of the event at a press conference on June 6 , Dr Ewe highlighted its significance as” an event in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China”.
“It is more than promoting the appreciation of Chinese orchestra music.
” It is a platform for cultural exchange, appreciation and networking .”
Works from famous Malaysian composers; Chow Jun Yi’s Kampung and the City , Azlan Abu Hasan (Sinaran) and P Ramlee (Getaran Jiwa) will also be featured at the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra – Debut Malaysia Tour 2024,
Double celebration: Puan Sri Chelsia Cheng (third from right) and Dr Ewe (third from left) at the press conference on the HKCO ‘s upcoming performance in Malaysia in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia China diplomatic relations.
And it was also 50 years ago (1974) when she as Chan Chau Ha then went into showbiz (photo: utar.edu.my)
Puan Sri Chelsia -an award winning actress, singer and songwriter – will be special guest performer on August 4.
Winner of the Golden Horse Award for Best Actress in 1976 , Puan Sri Chelsia remains a household name and influential figure with her charm and charisma.
Joining force to bring in Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra -Debut Malaysia Tour 2024 are the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, the Professional Cultural Center Orchestra, Pertubuhan Hui Yin Seh Ayer Itam and media partners- Sin Chew Daily, Guang Ming Daily, Mango Media and Star Media Group.
For further enquiries on the event, contact Ms Hee (016-3312561) Mr Lim (016-4150325)
