Orchestra comprises people of various races

THE Puchong community orchestra comprises musicians and singers from different races of various ages and professions.

For accountant Lee Wai Yong, joining the orchestra was almost an accidental event.

And to make it even interesting, he is not playing the ordinary Western instruments like the rest.

Lee Wai Yong: He plays the gu zheng.

he 50-year-old gu zheng player was accompanying his 15-year-old daughter to the audition but he found himself joining the orchestra, too.

“I was talking to them about my interest in Chinese musical instruments and Francisco said he would like to put both Western and Oriental instruments together. That’s how I ended up being part of the orchestra,” he said.

His daughter plays the flute in the orchestra.

The oldest member of the orchestra and choir is Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Yusof, the ex-deputy vice-chancellor of Universiti Malaya, who sings in the choir.

“My wife Khairiah Khairuddin Yusof, 64, and I started singing a year ago. Music has healing power on ageing brain. It is proven by neuro scientists that the healing process improves when music is used as one of the instruments,” the 70-year-old gynaecologist said.

The youngest member is nine-year-old Dennis Lim, who plays the violin.

According to the SJK (C) Kampung Baru Semenyih pupil, he started learning to play the violin when he was five years old.

“I am here together with my elder brothers Nicholas, 14, and Jeff, 12.” Dennis said.

Nicholas said it was fun coming to the orchestra as a weekly activity.
Absorbed: Isaac Lee (left) concentrating on Lee Wai Yong: He plays the gu zheng. producing melodious notes.

“I have made new friends here,” he said.

For Aswara (performing arts university) student Isaac Lee Xi-kwang, 22, the Puchong orchestra is a godsend opportunity for him to practise what he is learning.

Isaac, who plays the violin, drives all the way from Shah Alam every Sunday afternoon to join in the orchestra practice.

He has high praises for orchestra director and conductor Uncle Danny and said he had learnt a lot even in the short period of three months.

Isaac said he had made new friends and learnt new things since joining the orchestra and he hoped many more such community orchestras could be organised to promote music and friendship among the races.

TheStar online