HKCO Debut Malaysia Tour 2024

HKCO members performing at Petronas Philharmonic Hall in Kuala Lumpur

The Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO), in collaboration with UTAR, embarked on its highly anticipated debut tour in Malaysia at the Petronas Philharmonic Hall in Kuala Lumpur on 3 and 4 August 2024, and at Dewan Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) in Penang on 7 August 2024.

The concert was sponsored by the Hong Kong Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, the Professional Cultural Center Orchestra, and Pertubuhan Hui Yin Seh Ayer Itam. The tour also benefited from the valuable collaboration of media partners, including the Star Media Group, Sin Chew Daily, Guang Ming Daily, and Mango Media. Their contributions helped make the event a memorable cultural exchange and a celebration of musical artistry.

The reception for the HKCO Debut Malaysia Tour 2024 took place on 3 August at 7:30PM, prior to the commencement of the concert. Among the esteemed guests were Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia Education Counsellor Mr Zhao Changtao, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia Attache Mr Tang Jing, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Jakarta Director-General Ms Libera Cheng Ching Mon, HKETO Jakarta Deputy Director Mr Daniel Chan, HKCO Executive Director Dr Celina Chin Man Wah, and HKCO Assistant Artistic Director and Resident Conductor Mr Chew Hee Chiat and HKCO Assistant Conductor and Resident Conductor Mr Rupert Woo Pak Tuen.

Also present were Toh Puan Ena Ling; Ir Academician Emeritus Prof Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Chuah Hean Teik, UTAR Hospital Board Chairman and UTAR Council Member; Emeritus Prof Dato’ Dr Tan Chong Tin, Member of the UTAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees (BOT) and UTAR Hospital Board; Tan Sri Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn, UTAR Council Member; Datuk Lim Si Cheng, UTAR Council Member; Dato’ Ng Wan Peng, UTAR Council Member; Mr Hew Fen Yee, UTAR Council Member; Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, UTAR President; Mr Ong Whee Tiong, Secretary of the UTAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees; and  Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations.

Additionally, Academician Emeritus Prof Dr Cheong Soon Keng, Deputy Chairman of the UTAR Hospital Board, attended alongside UTAR Hospital Board Member, CEO and Medical Director, Prof Dr Lau Hui Ping; Prof Tunku Kamarul Zaman, UTAR Hospital Board Member; Dr Hew Fen Lee, UTAR Hospital Board Member; Assoc Prof Dr Te Kian Keong, UTAR Hospital Board Member; Dr Ang Kong Hui, UTAR Hospital Deputy CEO and COO; and Ms Maria Khong, UTAR Hospital Deputy CEO.

The event also welcomed other notable attendees, such as Mr Koo Cheng, Executive Director and CEO of Sin Chew Daily; Puan Hassina Begam Abdul Gani, Chief Executive Officer of Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS; Datuk Eddie Heng Hong Chai, President of the Malaysian Chinese Language Council and Chairman of the Management Committee of HGH Convention Centre; Datuk Seri Ooi Chean See, Former Founding Resident Conductor of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra; Dato’ Tan Wei Lian (Dato William), Executive Chairman of TWL Holdings Bhd; Dato’ Frank Choo Chuo Sion, Managing Director of Xiao En Group; Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Tang Yong Chew, ibis KLCC; and Dr Yeoh Chye Kee, Managing Director of Choice Approach Sdn Bhd.

Ms Libera Cheng stated, “Through their performances, we aim to deepen the understanding and appreciation of our traditions and various cultures. We also want to celebrate our heritage and long-standing ties with Malaysian fans through these beautiful art pieces, which serve as a bridge connecting our people. Just like Malaysians, culture and heritage are integral parts of our lives, and we will continue to strengthen people-to-people connections.”

Ms Libera Cheng Ching Mon delivering her speech

Mr Chew extended his gratitude to UTAR, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, and other supporters for making the concert possible. Reflecting on his roots in Kedah and Penang, Mr Chew shared how a casual conversation with friends inspired him to bring the orchestra to Malaysia. He emphasised the importance of this debut performance, noting the two concert themes, ‘Classic’ and ‘Movie and Television’, which feature both classic Chinese orchestral works and popular film and TV theme songs.

Conductor Mr Chew Hee Chiat leading HKCO’s first performance in Malaysia

Prof Dato’ Ewe expressed his deep honour and excitement about bringing the prestigious orchestra to Malaysia for the first time since its founding in 1977. The idea originated during a discussion with Mr Chew last year, particularly in light of the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia’s diplomatic relationship. Prof Dato’ Ewe emphasised the collaborative efforts of various Malaysian agencies and organisations in organising the orchestra’s debut tour, which includes performances in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. He concluded by expressing gratitude to all the partners, the Ministry, the Chinese Embassy, and the organising committee for their support.

Prof Dato’ Ewe delivering his speech

On the first day, a remarkable audience of over 750 music enthusiasts gathered to witness this magnificent event. The orchestra’s 90 talented musicians delivered an exquisite repertoire to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and China. The premiere performance, themed ‘Classic Series’, featured captivating pieces such as “The Chorale of Spring,” “Song of the Black Earth,” “Follow the Pagoda Tree to Trace the Roots of Our Ancestors,” and “The Yellow River Capriccio,” among others, leaving the audience in awe.

The second day’s concert featured the theme ‘TV and Movie Series’, offering an unforgettable experience with a selection of iconic tunes. The audience was captivated by pieces like “Theme from Laputa” and Malaysian pop classics, such as P. Ramlee’s “Getaran Jiwa,” Pak Ngah’s “Dikir Puteri,” and Azlan Abu Hasan’s “Sinaran.” The enchantment continued with the “Impossible Medley,” arranged by Groove, which included Sam Hui’s beloved hits from “Sam’s Songs in the Movies.” Audiences were taken on a nostalgic journey with melodies like “Love of the Past,” “The Time We Have Gone Through Together,” and “A Medley of Themes from Television Drama Series.”

A toast before the performance (from left) Tan Sri Chuah Hean Teik, Mr Chew Hee Chiat, Prof Dato’ Ewe Hong Tat, Mr Zhao Changtao, Ms Libera Cheng Ching Mon and Dr Celina Chin Man Wah

Impressive Petronas Philharmonic Hall

The souvenir rattle drum given to audience to participate in one of the performances

HKCO conductor Mr Chew Hee Chiat interacted very professionally with the audience and made the performances incredibly fun for them

HKCO members’ incredible performance on stage under the direction of conductor Mr Chew Hee Chiat

Thunderous applause from the audience at the end of the performance

Lion-Parkson Foundation Chairman Puan Sri Chelsia Chan Chau Ha sang two songs as guest performer during the HKCO performance on 4 August 2024

Mr Chew Hee Chiat and Mr Zhao Taisheng meeting their enthusiastic fans at the end of the performance