Queen graces ‘a love story’ concert dedicated to her

Budding artist: Her Majesty meeting a student artist who had his artwork displayed at the corridors of Istana Budaya during the royal concert. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: It was a concert billed as “Mulanya Di Sini Cerita Cinta” (It begins here ... a love story).

Graced by Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, the two-hour performance featured big names such as Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Datuk Wan Aishah Wan Ariffin and Noraniza Idris.

The Education Ministry’s royal concert was held at Panggung Sari, Istana Budaya on Friday.

It opened with a performance by a dance and orchestral team, followed by a sketch from theatre students.

Guests were treated to 24 songs ranging from pop tracks like Easy On Me, Beggin’ and Teman, to folk tunes such as Ayuh Juragan, Laksamana Raja Di Laut and Joget Jambu Merah.A segment titled Seribu Wajah was meant to raise awareness on the challenges experienced by students and teachers amid the pandemic.

The concert ended with Menjunjung Kasih Tuanku, a segment dedicated to the Queen.

“I’d like to say thank you for the amazing performances.

“Next year, there’s going to be a new Agong. There are 340 days remaining, so to all the Malaysians who have accepted us, I’d like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Her Majesty said in a speech.

(The term of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah will end in 2024).

According to a statement by the Education Ministry, the royal concert was introduced in 1997 to express the ministry’s love for Their Majesties.

It also serves as a platform for students and teachers to showcase their creativity and potential in music, dance, theatre and visual arts.

Friday’s concert was participated by 270 people including students and teachers from primary and secondary schools across Malaysia as well as ministry officials.

Also present was Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.