(From left) Zaiff Sharqil, Ahmad, Filmer and Yeoh performing Colombian classics during the Colombian national day event.
THE 212th National Day of Colombia was commemorated with an evening of music and art at Dominus Arts Venue, Fairview International School, Kuala Lumpur.
At the start of the event, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Chamber Choir sang both the Malaysian and Colombian national anthems.
Guests were later treated to a performance by the UiTM Latin American String Quartet, led by prize-winning Colombian conductor Dr Juan Daniel Montoya, who is also a senior lecturer at the university.
The quartet mesmerised guests with well-loved Colombian classics by composers such as Gentil Montaña, Adolfo Mejía and Lucho Bermúdez.
Sanchez says Malaysia and Colombia have enhanced bilateral ties through common goals and a mutual agenda.
Concertmaster and violin lecturer Ahmad Munir, Sunway University’s Assoc Prof Andrew Filmer, UiTM music performance coordinator Yeoh Pei Ann and UiTM student Zaiff Sharqil Zairol Fazril formed the quartet.
Visually, the venue was decorated with batik art bearing images of Colombian birds, butterflies and exotic fruits.
In his speech, Colombia Embassy of Malaysia charge d’affaires Raul Sanchez said:
“Colombia and Malaysia have taken advantage of our common goals and mutual agenda to enhance bilateral relations.
A batik-stencilled canvas made available for guests to leave their mark.
“I would like to express my gratitude to UiTM, Fairview, Dominus Arts Venue and KPJ Healthcare for being partners in bringing together the people of Malaysia and Colombia through music.”
“Tonight, talent could be seen in many ways, through the batik art you will take home, made by the delicate hands of a local artist and through the mix of voices singing our national anthem,” he said.
Sanchez added that talent could also been seen in the interpretation of the sounds and joy created by Colombian composers.
Among those present at the event was Deputy Works Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup.
