While others were becoming doctors, engineers, chefs, or administrators, I chose to be an arts practitioner instead. Because – why not? The Performing arts can be a career choice; contrary to what many believe, and it CAN put food on the table.
I started as an alternative-folk singer-songwriter and sang for the choir ensemble ‘Young KL Singers’. 21 years later, I was promoted to Group Theatre Manager of the KL Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC) and The Actors Studio, and now I’m the Group General Manager.
It’s been a long journey through the arts.
In fact, I have always loved the performing arts (particularly music) since my primary school days.
The performing arts have also imparted many soft skills to me, which have bolstered my confidence in dealing with people. It has added immeasurable value to my life, and now, I would like to add value to the lives of others as well.
And that’s where I got the idea to run this 3-month mentorship programme to nurture young and rising Malaysian artistes.
It was October 2022 when the audition for the programme was held. A total of 36 auditioned, and four were selected at the end of the process.
They were given training in working with a choir, basic musicianship, basic sight-reading (notes) reading, vocal technique, character and emotion work, and presentation methods.
Not only that, but we also brought in 2 other experienced mentors: myself, working together with Fuad Alhabshi of the Kyoto Protocol, and the AIM nominee, Bihzhu!
Most training uses the ‘Let’s Rock’ (an upcoming concert) song list as the rehearsal material. However, all the tools given to them or what they learned may not necessarily be used only for rock concerts, but they can be applied across the board.
And these 4 mentees and us mentors will perform with the KLPAC Symphonic Band and the YCA Chorus!
What are my hopes and dreams for Malaysia’s arts and culture scene?
Well, I believe we must stop labeling the arts as non-essential, and it must be treated as a vital component in everyone’s life.
During the MCO, we all consumed the arts in one way or another to get through the day—be it reading a book, watching a TV series, therapeutic colouring, listening to music, or blogging!
It has always been part of us without us realising it; it is our life!
Malaysians usually prefer to watch music concerts and stand-up comedy (after the pandemic). Prior to that, the musical genre was our best-seller.
And the arts put food on the table and are a rice bowl for many.
It contributes to the national economy, too, (and this can be verified via reports and statistics by agencies like the Malaysian Cultural Economy Development Agency (CENDANA).
It is time that Malaysian arts and practitioners get the respect and recognition they deserve, like many of our peers overseas.
I also hope more Malaysians will be more vocal in insisting that it is part of their lives and contribute to its development.
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The ‘Let’s Rock’ Concert will take place on 30 March until 2 April 2023 at Pentas 1, The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac).
The brainchild of Ian Chow, this rock concert with a difference is back with crowd favourites Fuad Alhabshi of Kyoto Protocol and AIM nominee Bihzhu as headliners!
Headbang to hit rock songs from the 80s to the New Millennium by Bon Jovi, Goo Goo Dolls, Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam, Ed Sheeran, Jason Mraz and more.
For more information, please visit www.klpac.org
The show will feature mentored vocalists Kathleen Roshene, LeonieTunez, Hannah Ahmad, and Sean Kok, as well as the 20-piece klpac Symphonic Band led by Music Director Cheryl Mah, a 4-piece band led by Arranger & Co-Music Director Ui Li, and the 30-member YCA Chorus led by Chorus Master Mak Chi Hoe.
