Press Conference on Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Debut Malaysia Tour 2024

Second row, sixth from left: Prof Dato’ Ewe and Mr Chew with the attendees

A press conference was held for the “Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra – Debut Malaysia Tour 2024” which will be held on 3 and 4 August 2024 at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, Kuala Lumpur and on 7 August 2024 at Dewan Sri Pinang, Penang. The press conference took place on 17 February 2024 at ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre.

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) is proud to organise this debut performance in Malaysia in collaboration with the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO). This marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time the HKCO performs in Malaysia. The HKCO performances will be under the guidance of the Assistant Artistic Director and Resident Conductor of HKCO, Mr Chew Hee Chiat.

While the HKCO performances promote the appreciation of Chinese orchestra music; they also provide a platform for cultural exchange, networking among orchestra music fans, and a broader appreciation of the Chinese culture, its musical instruments and its unique rendition of Chinese music.

The Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra – Debut Malaysia Tour 2024 is mainly funded by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

It is supported by The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, the Professional Cultural Center Orchestra, and Pertubuhan Hui Yin Seh Ayer Itam. The media partners are Sin Chew Daily, Guang Ming Daily, Mango Media and The Star Media Group.

From left: Mr Tan, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Mr Chew, Mr Lim and Prof Choong during the launch

At the press conference, Prof Dato’ Ewe said, “Let us all anticipate the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra - Malaysia Tour 2024, where we will experience a splendid performance that not only entertains but also enhances the richness of our cultural fabric. It is a celebration of cultural richness, an opportunity for the audience to immerse themselves in the beauty of Chinese musical traditions.”

Mr Chew shared with excitement, “It felt like a dream come true to be able to come back to Malaysia and perform with the group. It is a good time to bring a world-class Chinese orchestra to Malaysia so all of us can get more exposure, share experience and progress further.”

 

Mr Chew (far right) during the Q&A session

Prof Dato’ Ewe delivering his speech

The Classic series will showcase captivating performances like Ng King-pan’s “The Chorale of Spring”, Ng Cheuk-yin’s “Essence (The Sixth Movement from Ji)”, Chan Ming-chi’s “Jing‧Qi‧Shen”, Sui Lijun “Song of the Black Earth” the enchanting Sanxian, narrative singing and orchestra, the evocative narrative singing by Zhao Taisheng, Chow Jun Yi’s (a talented young Malaysian composer) “Kampung and the City”, Zhao Jiping’s “Follow the Pagoda Tree to Trace the Roots of Our Ancestors”, and Cheng Dazhao’s “The Yellow River Capriccio”.

The Movie and Television series will feature iconic tunes such as Joe Hisaishi’s “Theme from Laputa”, Malaysian Pop classics like P. Ramlee’s “Getaran Jiwa”, Pak Ngah’s “Dikir Puteri”, and Azlan Abu Hasan’s “Sinaran”. Feel the enchantment of “Impossible Medley” arranged by Ng King-pan, groove to Sam Hui’s “Sam’s Songs in the Movies”, reminisce with Joseph Koo’s nostalgic “Love of the Past”, embrace the heartfelt melodies of William Wu Wai-lap’s “Time We Have Gone Through Together”, and enjoy Joseph Koo’s “A Medley of Themes from Television Drama Series”.

Also present at the press conference were Sin Chew Media Corporation Bhd General Manager of Communications and Promotion Mr Tan Kim Chuan, Professional Cultural Center Orchestra (PCCO) Co-Founder Mr Lim Guan Lee​, UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, esteemed guests from the PCCO and Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS.

To purchase tickets, visit https://www.dfp.com.my/hong-kong-chinese-orchestra (Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS) or https://www.ticket2u.com.my/event/34618/hong-kong-chinese-orchestra-debut-malaysia-tour-2024 (Dewan Sri Pinang, Penang).

For further enquiries, contact Ms Hee (016-3312561) / heecy@utar.edu.my or Mr Lim (016-4150325) / lsjen@utar.edu.my