by KT Leong
On August 4, a groundbreaking concert was held in the hall of Shen Jai High School. Lions Club of Ipoh Host, alongside Jsic Music, made dreams a reality with the Dare to Dream concert, a symphonic fusion in harmony.
In front of an audience of hundreds, they were able to make an extraordinary achievement in the Malaysia Book of Records, by setting a new record for “Most Pianists in a Song Performance” with an astonishing 163 pianists coming together.
What sets this achievement even further apart is the partnership of technology and practicality, as the pianists performed not only on keyboard, but through a music app. Demonstrating that music is accessible even for people without the access or space for a physical piano.
YB Loh Sze Yee, the State Exco for Tourism, Industry, Investment & Corridor Development of Perak, stated that this Dare to Dream event was more than just a concert, as this collaboration between Lions Club of Ipoh Host and Jsic Music achieved many goals. From helping to promote Visit Perak Year 2024, establishing Ipoh as a city of music as well as promoting the arts and culture. He noted that we can look forward to the next generation to bring music and culture to Ipoh, as this concert not only gave them a chance to get exposure, but improve their resumes, should they choose to pursue a further career in music.
Hew Siew Chin, who conducted for the concert, was able to educate and inform the audience in between performances. For instance, she explained the importance of being in a performance that’s covered by the media, as that will improve a musician’s chances of being accepted into top schools such as Harvard or the world renowned Juliard. As well as how soloist would receive flowers after their performances.
And what performances there were, such as the Fanfare that started off the concert, the powerful violin performance by Mr. Caleb Ong Ziyi and Mr. Jacob Ong Zixing as well as the soothing melodies of Emma Lai Chai Mei’s solo on the GuZheng.
But perhaps the most unique performance was from the tenor, Chen Shanbao, as he was accompanied by a troupe of deaf performers from Persatuan Sukan Orang Pekak Perak (PESDeaf) under the conductorship of Alvin Chua. Together, these Sign Singers enhanced the already charismatic Chen Shanbao’s song with the beautiful, dance-like quality of sign language.
