Penang Wind Orchestra

THE Penang Wind Orchestra (PWO) will be performing for the first time at renowned international concerts in South Korea and China this month.

The 55-member orchestra, conducted by local music maestro Woon Wen Kin, will perform at the Jeju International Wind Ensemble concert in South Korea and at another concert in Shenzen, China, under the invitation of the Shenzen City Cultural Department.

Woon, who is also Penang Symphony Orchestra music director, said the concert in South Korea would be held until Aug 20, and after that, they would perform for three days in China.

Woon said it was an honour to perform at both concerts as they would not only represent Penang but the country as well.

“The PWO has performed at various public and official state functions for the past years. This will be the first time that our members will participate in international concerts,” he said during interval time of a concert by the orchestra at Dewan Sri Pinang recently.

Woon said PWO had gained a reputation and recognition as one of the country’s top wind orchestra since its formation in 2002.

At the recent two-hour concert, the orchestra performed theme songs and tunes from movie blockbusters such as Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Sound of Music besides Putra Putri and Big Band Stomp.

Woon said since the formation of PWO, the orchestra had cultivated many talented and young musicians who were now employed by professional organisations and music bodies.

The orchestra has a wide repertoire ranging from classical symphonic works to pop and jazz music.

Also performing at the concert was guest vocalist Serene Yoon How Wan, who is a leading soprano in the state.