In a unique convergence, Malaysia Day, the International Day of Peace, and the Mid-Autumn Festival were celebrated around the same time this year. To mark the occasion, the Selangor Symphony Youth Orchestra (SSYO) presented a classical concert, “Symphony of Unity,” under the direction of renowned conductor and musical director Eugene Pook.
Held at the iconic Petronas Philharmonic Hall (Dewan Filharmonik Petronas), within the Petronas Twin Towers, the concert featured 60 talented young musicians and choirs, honoring Malaysia’s rich heritage through a harmonious blend of classical and popular music.
The evening commenced with masterful renditions of timeless classics by composers such as Dvorak, Beethoven, and Vivaldi. In the second half, the audience was treated to a diverse medley of pop hits, including “See You Again” and “What A Wonderful World.” The evergreen Chinese classic “The Moon Represents My Heart” and beloved local folk songs like “Rasa Sayang” added a local flavour, performed alongside a 100-strong choir from the Estee Pook Academy and students from Hin Hua High, SMK Kepong, and SJKC Serdang Baru 1.
YB Puan Hannah Yeoh, Minister of Youth and Sports Malaysia, was the guest of honor for the evening. She later expressed her delight on social media, stating her hopes for more platforms that showcase the immense talent of Malaysian youth.
The audience, filled with proud parents and supporters, were visibly moved as they watched their children shine on one of the country’s most prestigious stages.
SSYO, the youth wing of the Selangor Symphony Orchestra (SSO), is a non-profit initiative that nurtures young musical talent, providing opportunities for these musicians aged 11 to 24 to perform both locally and internationally.
The SSO will perform again on 5 and 6 October 2024 with “The Music of John Williams.” For more details, visit the website at www.sso.org.my
