Tag: piano

On the wings of music

 

Datuk Dr Ken Phua and Datin Cathlyn Lee in the music industry.

By Foong Pek Yee

foongpekyee@gmail.com

Photos: Courtesy of BMGB

May 9, 2026

She  plays the piano and her second son follows in her footsteps.

Her firstborn and third and youngest child, both boys, play the drums while her husband plays a few instruments including the guitar.

“A kid who learns and plays music is a happy kid,” says Datin Cathlyn Lee on the power of music.

She says her sons were given the freedom to choose their choice of instrument when they were a few years old.

“As parents, it is important for us to observe, listen and encourage our children to make their choice,” Lee says on  picking the right instrument for kids.

With a theme:  Children, their parents and music teachers dressed in pyjamas for a performance at Bentley Music Academy.

Lee’s musical journey started with organ when she was a small kid.

She switched to piano later and graduated with  Grade 8.  She is also into singing.

Datuk Dr Ken Phua is the managing director of Bentley Music Group Berhad (BMGB) .

BMGB is the exclusive dealer for Steinway Piano since 2006 and Lee is BMGB’s director of marketing (Steinway Piano Division).

Exclusive:  at the Steinway Piano Gallery in Wisma Bentley Music in Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya.

BMGB, listed on Bursa Malaysia LEAP Market this  February,  was founded by Dr Phua’s father Phua Sin Loke in 1975.

It started in a shoplot in Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur and relocated to the bustling Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur in the 1980s. The senior Phua passed away in 2019.

While the senior Phua might not play any musical instrument, the development of his brainchild over half a century speaks volumes of his vision and perseverance.

Conducive:  In line with its motto  “Performance First”,  BMGB is the one-stop-centre for musical needs.

Today, BMGB with its headquarters in Wisma Bentley Music in Mutiara Damansara in Petaling Jaya  has six specialized divisions :

I. Showrooms in Petaling Jaya , Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Baru

2. Steinway Piano Gallery

3.Distribution

4. Auditorium

5. Project

6. Academy

Lee says music is a lifelong journey, from music appreciation to learning, performance and practice.

She also points out the need to get professional advice on choosing the instruments and how to take care of the instruments.

And BMGB is a one-stop- centre catering to the musical needs of individuals and institutions/organisations, says Lee.

She says the students in Bentley Music  Academy is from age two onwards.

There is no age limit and the students are from all walks of life.

Music has the potential: Making a difference to a child’s development.

Music learning is wholesome – helps to raise healthy and happy children, inculcating discipline and perseverance from young and this goes a long way.

Young talents:  BMGB executive director Lewis Hooper with the pianists at  the 7th Steinway Malaysia Youth Piano Competition 2025.

Important venue:  Bentley Music Auditorium, Wisma Bentley Music, Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya.

Music is also a good way to de-stress and relax after rigorous training / exercise or a busy day.

Lee says her second son who is into competitive sports will play the piano to relax.

“I  play the piano and sing,” says Lee of her packed schedule juggling  between family and business and that music is her way to relax.

Among others, she is preparing for the 8th Steinway Malaysia Youth Piano Competition 2027.

And most of all,  BMGB is  spreading its wings to East Malaysia soon.

 

Taking music to the next level

 

Proud achievers …While learning, practising and  playing the piano build music skills and is a form of brainpower training, performing on stage is an ultimate test. The Piano Students of Lee Jae Phang at the Studio Recital 2025  at Yamaha Festival Hall, Kelana Jaya, Malaysia on Sept 13, 2025.

By Foong Pek Yee

foongpekyee@gmail.com

sept 16, 2025

The recital is meaningful as well as enlightening for the students ; from celebrating their achievements to figuring out areas that need improvement.

As teacher Lee Jae puts it: “The concert is meant to be a learning experience for everyone. We only grow stronger with every performance we do,  so you have bigger and better experiences to look forward to.”

Concert pianist and teacher Lee Jae delivering his welcome address at the Yamaha Festival Hall on Sept 13, 2025 recital.

 

Students who took part in the recital.

Learning piano to acquire the skills and mastering it is,  a journey with its many milestones.

While some students may be talented, it takes  discipline, hard work, diligent  practice  and most of all,  the help and guidance of a good teacher to realize the students’ full potential.

The same applies to all students .

And guidance and support from their parents and/ or family members especially for the very young students, is  equally important.

The presence of the students’  family members at the recital  speaks volumes.

Every student is unique.

For this recital, preparations started from choosing the piece, practising the technicalities, polishing it,  practise playing for others  to  stagecraft.

All in, the  teacher, students and their family members made the recital a resounding success.

Looking forward to next year’s recital!

Ushering in Chinese New Year with a twist

In the mood for celebration
 Jan 29, 2025
By Foong Pek Yee
foongpekyee@gmail.com
Concert pianist and teacher Lee Jae Phang says his musical arrangement this year unites the famous Gong Xi Gong Xi (Congratulations, Congratulations) with a variation on it and a new tune, both composed by him.
Combining his musical imagination and creativity , he succeeded in bringing out the month-long festive mood  in the  three-minute arrangement and piano recital.

The upbeat Gong Xi Gong Xi  at one point takes on a hurried character that denotes frenzy festive shopping amidst decorations in malls  and streets flowing with the colours of red, yellow and gold – a symbol of prosperity for the Chinese.

In keeping with the Year of the Snake theme, he says the new melody also coils around itself, recalling the music of the snake charmers of Asia.
Beneath the hustle and bustle, the happier feelings  that comes with the new year celebrations saw the new tune kicks in half way into the arrangement.
“The new tune is lyrical and folklike with a lilting accompaniment that  complements it in character,” says Lee Jae, of the celebrations which placed importance on family reunion,  friendship  and a  thriving community.
An arrangement that befits an auspicious occasion, Lee Jae describes the final section:
“Gong Xi Gong Xi theme returns cautiously at first, and builds to a climax.
“Handfuls of chords create richer harmonies in the piano, a grand culmination of the variety of musical emotions that were explored in the piece.
” You will also hear Chinese drums in the bass rounding off this final section.”
Enjoy !
Happy Chinese New Year

Beethoven is more than the piano

Concert pianist Lee Jae Phang(right) and professional cellist Lyubomira Stankova.

MENTION Beethoven (Ludwig Van Beethoven), the piano comes to one’s mind.

In the classical music world, Beethoven (1770-1827) who ranked among the world’s greatest composers, had also written several works for the cello and piano as a duo combination.

In his hands, the cello gained independence and assumed a more soloistic role in an ensemble context.

A piano and cello recital on March 2 and March 3, 2024 by  concert pianist Lee Jae Phang and professional cellist Lyubomira Stankova is set to be a very enlightening experience.

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Another milestone in classical music.

Trio Mastro (from left, Hank Su Ren Han, Lee Jae Phang and Lyubomira Stankova) is all set to present chamber music at the highest possible level.
by Foong Pek Yee
Dec15, 2023.
THEY have very different musical journeys.
Bulgarian-born cellist Lyubomira Stankova moved to Asia shortly after graduating  and stays in Malaysia now.
Malaysian concert pianist Lee Jae Phang who spent his formative years studying and performing music in the United Kingdom returned shortly before the start of the Covid 19 pandemic.
Taiwanese-born violinist and conductor Hank Su Ren Han is based in Malaysia.
And  fate would have it the three accomplished musicians  met in Malaysia and found synergy – playing chamber music
That was in  December 2022 at Sunway University In Petaling Jaya where they were engaged to adjudicate the Persatuan Chopin’s International Music Competition Malaysia.
Lyu says chamber music – one of her specialties – always has a special place in her heart.
Lyu
But finding equally inspired colleagues committed to the meticulous preparation of programs  can be challenging, she says, adding that the turning  point took place when she met  Lee Jae and Hank who are chamber music enthusiasts.
Hank and Lee Jae
Discovering Lee Jae’s specialization in Beethoven works, she says they  formed a  piano- cello duo.
Shortly after they reached out to Hank, and their first meeting to do some sight reading saw them forming a trio which they named  Trio Mastro.
Synergy: Hank, Lee Jae and Lyu performing at the Christmas Concert in Lyu Music Academy in Kota Damansara on Dec 12, 2023.
 They performed:

Beethoven Piano Trio in C minor, Op. 1, No. 3, First Movement
Allegro con brio

Haydn Piano Trio in C Major, Hob. XVI/27, First Movement
Allegro

Dvořák Piano Trio in E minor “Dumky”, Op. 90
Lento maestoso – Allegro quasi doppio movimento – Lento maestoso – Allegro

Raff Cavatina

Arnold Heart Throbs

Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 6

Lee Jae says the word mastro means master in Italian. It is also an occupation name for a teacher or for a master craftsman.
“We chose this name to reflect our professional standing as a concert performer and teacher, and also to reflect our dedication to education.”
Lee Jae also notes the importance of having a clear purpose in one’s musical journey , and that the process towards achieving it calls for perseverance and humility at all times.
And the same applies to other  aspects of  life, he says, underscoring  the role of learning music in character building.
Lyu says each of them brings diverse experiences and strong personalities;  making it a wonderful collaboration and sharing of a common belief in classical music.
And the founders’ common goal is to present chamber music at the highest possible level.
Says Lyu: ” As musicians, our responsibility and joy lie in collaborating with like-minded artists to present the audience with the profound works of great composers.
“Chamber music uniquely blends the essential skills of group collaboration and individual soloist expression, creating a magical dynamic on stage.”
Lyu notes that their mission in fostering an appreciation for classical music will go a long way instilling teamwork skills in the younger generation through chamber music.
Young talent: Lyu and her students performing at the Christmas concert.
 Finale : The Christmas concert ended on a high note.
A great performance on stage is certainly more than meets the eye.
Lee Jae who likens the job of a performer to that of an inspired messenger says:
“We read the notes and symbols by the composers, decipher, understand and interpret them,  and use our skills with our instruments to communicate the essence of the music to our audience.
“A high level performance is one that moves, inspires and engages the audience who are partakers in the performance itself.”
While the trio had different musical journeys, training that followed different paths and having performed around the world, Lee Jae says hard work, perseverance, patience and dedication are their common traits.
Regardless of pursuits and location, Lyu says persistent hard work, unwavering dreams and refusal to give up are essential.
To her, she says success hinges on persistence, love and having a clear vision for the path towards realizing one’s dreams .
Hank, trained in Taiwan and in Tokyo under several renowned violin teachers, had performed extensively around the world.
Many of his students who have won scholarships to study abroad, excelled in international examinations and international music competitions have gained Hank the recognition of a teacher with unique teaching abilities.
He describes playing violin as not only his love but also his life.
Nurturing talented and world renowned artists and hosting international competitions augurs well for a nation’s image, Hank says, citing  Singapore  which started supporting classical music  10 to 15 years ago has made headway.
As the saying goes,  “Let the playing do the talking”.