THE Penang Philharmonic Winds (PPW) will stage one of its annual performances at Dewan Sri Pinang this Sunday, featuring popular music from films and animation in a programme aimed at attracting wider public interest.
Titled ‘A Magical Music Adventure’, the performance, from 3pm to 5pm, will bring together around 65 musicians comprising professionals, working adults and students.
Conductor Ng Choong Yen said the concert had drawn an encouraging response, with about 600 tickets sold so far.
“Our repertoire this year focuses on movie and animation music, which is more familiar and appealing to audiences in Penang.
“We want to provide the best experience for the audience through music they know and enjoy,” he told Buletin Mutiara.
Ng said preparations began about two to three months ago, with members rehearsing every weekend.
He said weekday sessions were usually held in the evenings after work, while Sunday practices ran for three hours.
“Many of our members are working adults, so they come after office hours.
“They also sacrifice their Sundays to rehearse for the concert,” he said.
Ng said members ranged in age from 15 to 40, with younger players mostly drawn from school bands.
He added that the orchestra group did not charge membership fees and also provided free classes to some participants.
“In return, they volunteer their time for our concerts.
“It is a community platform where members build friendships, improve their skills and perform for their families and the public,” he said.
Ng mentioned that the group occasionally invited professional tutors to conduct sectional training and help musicians improve further.
He said one of the orchestra’s proudest achievements was completing all nine Beethoven symphonies in April 2024 through the Penang Philharmonic Community Orchestra.
“That was a major milestone because it involved a full orchestra and a huge choir,” he said.
Ng noted that the organisation now had more than 200 members across two choirs, a wind orchestra and a symphony orchestra.
He said younger members often left Penang after completing their studies, resulting in regular turnover.
“We constantly recruit and train new members, but that is normal for community orchestras,” he added.
Following this Sunday’s concert, the ensemble has lined up more performances this year, including a choir concert in June, another in September and an opera production in November.
Ng also expressed hope that Penang would one day have a proper concert hall with good acoustics.
“Penang is an international city and we hope to have a suitable venue not only for orchestras, but also for dance, theatre and other arts performances,” he said.
Visit https://www.ticket2u.com/ for registration.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat