Symphonic Beyond conducted by Dr Low Chee Meng sets the stage for a rousing, highly energetic, electrifying performance –  befitting the orchestra that turned 14  in January.  Founded in 2010 with a grant from the SiWu Education Trust Fund, the Kinta Valley Wind Orchestra (KVWO) has gone from strength to strength, observes Sook Mei … Continue reading "The Winds of Change"

A typical day for Eric Lee is an  hour of jogging in the morning followed by  three hours of music practice.  This distinguished conductor and trombonist sees perseverance, discipline and focus as not only a must in a person’s musical pursuit but also an integral part of character building. By Foong Pek Yee foongpekyee@gmail.com July … Continue reading "He lives and breathes music"

Eu Tong Sen made his fortune in tin and rubber in Malaya. Cheated death on at least two occasions, he went on to lead a luxurious lifestyle with his 11 wives, 13 sons and 11 daughters,  and give back to society at the same time.  During his life time (1877 – 1941) he owned many … Continue reading "An extraordinary man and his TCM story"

Let the music speaks: Concert pianist Lee Jae Phang at Yamaha Music Centre in Kelana Jaya on July 9, 2024. By Foong Pek Yee foongpekyee@gmail.com July 12, 2024 While each and every piece of music is unique and captivating , skills  are needed to bring out their character. This applies to music at any level. … Continue reading "It is about bringing out the character"

Internationally renowned Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra leads the way. June 25, 2024 By Foong Pek Yee foongpekyee@gmail.com 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 … Continue reading "On the right note and enlightening"

Coping with modernity:  Younger generation of South Koreans are at the crossroads. (photo taken in Myeongdong on Feb 3, 2024). May 2, 2024 By Foong Pek Yee foongpekyee@gmail.com The streets in Songpadong in Seoul are quiet on a winter evening. We enter a cafe packed with young people, much to our relief  we spotted an … Continue reading "More and more young South Koreans opt to remain single."