By Balqis Jazimah Zahari
IPOH: The 2024 Perak National Chinese Orchestra Festival set a record in the Malaysian Book of Records (MBOR) as the ‘Most Chinese Orchestra Performers In A Christmas Festival’ in the country.
The historic performance took place at the Ipoh Town Hall courtyard here last night.
With a lineup of 202 musicians, the orchestra performed two songs, ‘Last Christmas’ and ‘Jingle Bell Rock’.
The courtyard was flooded with excited spectators watching the orchestra performance, which was accompanied by artificial snow.
The large-scale orchestra event was organized by the Perak Ipoh Chinese Orchestra Cultural Association, in collaboration with the Menglembu Perak Chinese Dance and Music Cultural Association, with the support of the Ipoh City Council.
At the beginning of the event, the program was also enlivened by a performance from that orchestra group together with a Hakka singer from China.
A representative from MBOR, Megat Faris, was present to present the MBOR certificate.
The event was attended by Ipoh Mayor, Datuk Rumaizi Baharin, and Steven Chaw Kam Foon, who also represented the Minister of Housing and Local Government, Nga Kor Ming.
Chairman of the Perak Ipoh Chinese Orchestra Cultural Association, Kok Sing Yee, said the orchestra involved a collaboration of musicians from across Perak.
“We opened registration, and within two months, we successfully gathered 202 musicians.
“We took about three days to fully practice to make this MBOR achievement possible,” he said when met at the event.
Sing Yee, who is also the project director, added that participants ranged in age from as young as 10 years old and had a background in playing musical instruments.
Meanwhile, Rumaizi, in his speech, stated that this orchestra program aligns with Ipoh’s recognition as a City of Music by UNESCO.
He said that MBI encourages the people of Ipoh, especially the youth, to organize music performances and introduce the culture of musical arts internationally through social media.
“I am confident that this first-ever performance in Ipoh City is highly anticipated by the people of Ipoh.
“With this Malaysia Book of Records achievement, it will help promote the tourism sector in Ipoh.
“Furthermore, it will stimulate the local economy and encourage young people to participate in healthy activities, bringing numerous benefits,” he added.
He further mentioned that other organizations could organize similar programs to attract more tourists to Ipoh City.
