From its outdoor carnival-like “Music Play Date”, The klpac Symphonic Band heads indoors for another exciting programme entitled “An Uncommon Journey” on 13 and 14 August 2022 in Pentas 1, the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac).

Music can turn a bad day into a good one and people rely on and yearn for it, especially musicians who have been deprived of ensemble playing for the past two years.

“An Uncommon Journey” is a labour of love and a massive undertaking of over 50 like-minded music educators and musicians. Musicians aged 16 to 22 of varied backgrounds from students to working adults jumped at this opportunity to learn and perform with the klpac Symphonic Band’s section leaders and experienced members, distinguished local band directors and conductors, some even travelling from out-of-state weekly.

The programme brings together three well-respected conductors and educators: Founder of Malaysian Zephyr Ensemble Ho Chee Kiang who teaches flute and lectures at UCSI and University Malaya; Yamaha Music Malaysia’s Artist-Educator Dr. Low Chee Meng who is the Music Director of the South-Western Alberta Youth (SWAY) Wind Ensemble and the Wind Orchestra of Lethbridge University; and Selangor Symphony Orchestra and klpac Symphonic Band musician Mustaqim Abdullah who is also a brass teacher at University Putra Malaysia and travels around the country conducting trombone workshops.

The 13-week programme will culminate in a heartwarming concert titled “An Uncommon Journey” lovingly curated to celebrate people and our various cultures. The show opens with the timeless ‘Melody’ by beloved Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk, a symbol of hope in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

Adding on some local flavours will be songs by Malaysian composers like Yeo Chow Shern’s ‘Celebration and Dance’, which portrays people of different races celebrating and dancing together. Also featured is ‘Puteri Gunung Ledang’ by music director, composer and wind orchestra arranger, Suhaimi Yacub and multi-award-winning folk song, ‘Jingli Nona’ arranged by Mustaqim Abdullah himself.

Other highlights of the programme include one of the best-known fairy tales Thomas Doss’ ‘A Princess Tale’, Jacob de Haan’s ‘Ammerland’ which portrays a vivid impression of beautiful blossoms, endless country roads and exquisite lake as well as Cait Nishimura’s ‘In Dreams’ which will take you on an emotional musical journey of hope.

Formed in 2009, The klpac Symphonic Band under the baton of Cheryl Mah provides a platform for wind and bass musicians to hone their skills and perform regularly. It also aims to develop music appreciation and understanding through outreach programmes as well as casual concerts such as its recent outdoor concert “Music Play Date”.

Tickets for “An Uncommon Journey” priced at RM50 can be purchased here. Visit the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac) for more information., call +603 4047 9000 or WhatsApp +6018 227 7212. Each ticket sold goes towards keeping klpac and The Actors Studio afloat. Public can make a donation here.

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Cover image supplied by The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre.