Young musicians score gold overseas at first try

Seng Jun (standing) leading the orchestra to its win at the 11th HKIMF.

COUNTLESS hours of practice by young musicians has brought Malaysia gold in a global music competition.

At the 11th Hong Kong International Music Festival (HKIMF), 37 pupils of the Sri KDU String Orchestra wowed audiences.

Although it was their international debut, the orchestra achieved the highest score in the Primary school category.

Their winning entry brought to life Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, which is regarded as a challenging piece with little room for error.

The first-timers earned a place among other winning youth orchestras and individual performers from China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Thailand and other Asian countries.

The win was all the more amazing because the Sri KDU String Orchestra made its debut just two and a half years ago.

At that time, their members, who are all Malaysians, were musically untrained.

They were guided by Foo Mei Kay, a teacher with a background in both music education and educational psychology.

Foo is also head of Structured Performing Arts at Sri KDU School in Kota Damansara, Selangor.

With assistance from fellow teacher Elkie Foo Kai Shi, she formed an ensemble with pupils aged between eight and 13.

“Their final performance was a culmination of teamwork and discipline.

“Witnessing other remarkable performances further enriched the experience of participating in the competition,” she shared.

The Sri KDU String Orchestra’s success at the HKIMF, their first international competition, reflects our school’s commitment to holistic education, said principal Shamsiah Anverdeen.

“This competition has not only awarded our students a Gold Medal but has also gifted them with cherished memories, stronger friendships and a deeper passion for music.”

The school’s and music teachers’ commitment earned the gratitude of the orchestra members as well as their families.

Months of intense preparation to perfect their performance became a bonding experience.

Primary 5A pupil and violinist Chow Seng Jun recalled the camaraderie and commitment of the team, saying, “I’ll never forget practicing the song for the competition in our pyjamas at the hotel after dinner.”

As concertmaster, Seng Jun demonstrated his skills by performing a solo section of the piece during the competition.

For eight-year-old Wong Ray Kenn, one of the youngest members on the team, his passion for playing Violin 1 has grown stronger after the competition.

The trip also allowed them to explore Hong Kong, with visits to iconic sites like Sky 100, Disneyland and The Peak.

Sri KDU also received three Excellent Gold Awards through Cheong Carine, 14, Cheong Kar Zen, 13, and Tang Yan Khai, eight, in the solo piano category within their respective age groups.