Third Press Conference on Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Debut Malaysia Tour 2024

The third press conference for the upcoming “Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra – Debut Malaysia Tour 2024” was organised on 6 June 2024 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus.

The “Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra – Debut Malaysia Tour 2024” will be held in collaboration with the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO) on 3 and 4 August 2024 at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, Kuala Lumpur and on 7 August 2024 at Dewan Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew, TAR UMT Penang Branch. UTAR is proud to organise this event in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China.

The event marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time the HKCO performs in Malaysia. The 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.

To further celebrate the 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra will also include in their performances a Malaysian composition titled Kampung and the City, by Malaysian composer Chow Jun Yi, and local Malaysian tunes like Azlan Abu Hasan’s Sinaran and P. Ramlee’s Getaran Jiwa. This collaboration not only showcases the wide repertoire of the Chinese orchestra music but also signifies the harmony and the unity that orchestra music brings to the Malaysian audience.

Prof Dato’ Ewe delivering his speech

UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat said at the press conference, “This momentous occasion is made special by the esteemed guidance of the orchestra’s conductor, Mr Chew Hee Chiat, who is a proud Malaysian. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr Chew for his invaluable support and dedication in making this collaboration a reality. His leadership has been instrumental in bringing the HKCO to Malaysia. Moreover, Mr Chew’s Penangite identity adds a personal touch to this collaboration, infusing it with a unique essence that fosters cultural connections and creates an unforgettable experience for all involved.”

“If you would like to experience the unique charm of the HKCO, then this DEBUT Malaysia tour will be a music feast that you should not miss,” enthused Prof Dato’ Ewe.

A pre-recorded speech by Mr Chew

A pre-recorded speech by Mr Chew was also played during the press conference. According to Mr Chew, they have prepared two sets of repertoires for this debut tour, namely the “Classic Series” and the “Movie & Television Series”.  He explained that the “Classic Series”, as the name implies, uses the reserved repertoire of the HKCO, which is also a classic Chinese musical work. It also includes works by local Hong Kong composers. As for the “Movie & Television Series”, there is an adaptation of the theme song by Hayao Miyazaki’s “Castle in the Sky”, as well as some theme songs that are well-known in Hong Kong. Mr Chew ended his speech by urging the public to buy the tickets and watch the exciting HKCO – Debut Malaysia Tour 2024.

Furthermore, HKCO and UTAR announced that the Chairman of Lion-Parkson Foundation, Puan Sri Chelsia Chan Chau Ha, will be the special guest performer for the second session on 4 August 2024 at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS.

Puan Sri Chelsia Chan is renowned for her exceptional talent as an award-winning Hong Kong actress, singer, and songwriter. She won Taiwan’s prestigious Golden Horse Award for Best Actress in 1976.  Puan Sri Chelsia Chan will grace the stage with two captivating songs, “生命之光 My Life · My Light” and “偶然By Chance”.

Puan Sri Chelsia Chan expressed her excitement about rehearsing the related songs at the press conference and emphasised the need to begin practising since only two months remain. Adding to the excitement, this year marks the 50th anniversary of her remarkable career in the entertainment industry, making it an honour to celebrate this milestone with her.

Also present at the press conference were Sin Chew Media Corporation Bhd Communications and Promotion General Manager Mr Tan Kim Chuan, The Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra DEBUT Malaysia Tour 2024 Coordinator Mr Hew Kok Leong, and guests from the Professional Cultural Center Orchestra and the Hui Yin Seh Association.

For more details on the upcoming shows and ticket purchases, please 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 Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew).

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

Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra – Debut Malaysia Tour 2024

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.

Prof Dato’ Ewe (third from left), Puan Sri Chelsia Chan, Mr Tan and Mr Hew with the attendees

The poster