UTAR Sungai Long Chinese Orchestra (UTARSLCO) organised a Chinese Orchestra Concert on 9 June 2019 at Sungai Long Campus.

The theme of the concert this year was ‘旋·绿 Laurel’, representing the intention of UTARSLCO to spread the awareness of caring for the environment through music. It was also an opportunity for the participating students to enhance their management skills and their soft skills while bringing an intensified musical enjoyment to the audience.

Prof Ewe (fourth from left) at the opening ceremony with Dr Goh (centre), Osamu Moroe (fourth from right), Tan (third from left), Woh (third from right) and event sponsors

The musical concert was attended by Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Prof Ir Dr Ewe Hong Tat, UTARSLCO Conductor and Instructor Dr Goh Hong Lip, UTAR Sungai Long Choir Club Conductor and Instructor Osamu Moroe, UTARSLCO Advisor Tan Chun Yuan, UTARSLCO Chairperson Woh Kah How, event sponsors, UTAR students, staff and the public. The concert also saw participation of students from other universities such as Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Asia Pacific University (APU), UCSI University, Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM), Multimedia University (MMU) Melaka Campus, HELP University, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) and Sunway University.

Prof Ewe highlighting the importance of soft skills and lifelong learning

In his opening remarks, Prof Ewe congratulated the UTARSLCO for their efforts and substantial work that provided a major contribution to the success of the event. He believes that this is in line with the UNESCO Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 13 which is to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. He said, “Music has been known as a powerful means of communication to convey messages. We are gathered here together for a good reason as we listen and enjoy the music which allows us to think of and appreciate our environment.”

He also mentioned that all the activities outside of the classroom provide students with a platform to showcase their talents and enable them to acquire other soft skills, and he hopes that the students would take the opportunity to make new friends through this musical concert and continue to boost their interpersonal skills and cultivate lifelong learning as they grow. He also shared his personal story with the audience and highlighted the important role of music in life.

Woh expressing his hope to raise environmental awareness through music

Woh, on the other hand, expressed his appreciation to all the support given. According to him, ‘Laurel’ was the fourth concert by UTARSLCO which aimed to address the environmental concerns through the power of music. “In these four years, we have worked hard to promote Chinese orchestra music which focuses on traditional songs with an addition of modern music while still maintaining the essence of the Chinese music,” he said, adding that the committee works hard to bring different kinds of orchestral music to the public every year.

Performers delighting audiences with their mesmerising talents

The performances involved a wide variety of musical instruments

Among the songs that were performed at the musical night were “Long Teng Hu Yue” (龍騰虎躍), “Jasmine Flower”(茉莉芬芳), “Elves of the Night” (森林狂想曲), “Rhythm of the Rain”(雨中的旋律), “Original Sabahan”(正港沙巴漠), “Sogno Di Volare” (飛翔之夢), “Heal the World”(治愈世界), “Earth song”(地球之歌 ), “Victory” and “Guandong Overture”(關東序曲 ).

Audiences were amazed by UTAR Choir’s remarkable performance

Not only did the music night attract audiences by instrumental pieces of music, but it also allowed the audiences to enjoy performances by UTAR Choir Unit. The choir performed two songs, namely “Sampo and Totoro Medley” and “Colors of the Wind” (風之彩)under the conduction of Osamu Moroe. With a warm response from the audience, the concert came to an end with the song “Avengers”.

Established in June 2015, UTARSLCO held its fourth concert this year, ‘旋·绿 Laurel’ to present a whole new image and to change the traditional mindset of the public towards Chinese music by performing different types of music styles besides traditional Chinese music. The first concert “The Origin” was held in October 2016; while the second concert “Infinity” in July 2017 and the third concert “Just” in June 2018. The society has also recently received the Gold Award in one of the competitions during the Red Sonata Fiesta International Arts Festival 2018.

This year’s concert‘旋·绿 Laurel’serves the purpose to inspire action to save the planet

Participants created enjoyable memories at the photo booth

UTARSLCO successfully ended their fourth concert

Communicating environmental awareness at music concert