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1996 was a special year for the Society. Under the good auspices of TOYOTA's sponsorship, I brainstormed the idea of having John Duarte in Malaysia for our Guitar Camp '96. Unfortunately or rather fortunately, a camp does not provide sufficient publicity for a big company like TOYOTA. Hence a recital was suggested.
Once again, I had to come up with an idea. This time, I thought that commissioning a composition from a renown composer like Jack would be great....especially if he wrote on a Malaysian theme. Hence, the birth of Variations on a Theme by P. Ramlee (Getaran Jiwa).
Now that a world premiere was at hand, I had to find a performer. Chua May Ling had just completed her LTCL with me and from my knowledge of the guitar fraternity in Malaysia, I could find no better person. She was at that time the best lady guitarist in Malaysia (who could give the guys a run for their money as well - sounds sexist but true).
Well, everything put together, I had a world premiere, the presence of a renown composer, the best lady guitarist in Malaysia... this should fulfill the criteria for our sponsorship!
Incidentally, this whole world premiere gives us a first in a few aspects, namely :
- John Duarte's variations on a local tune for the guitar is the first composition by a renown composer writing for the instrument in Malaysia
- Chua May Ling's debut in this world premiere with the composer present is also a first.
- She is the first lady guitarist to give a full-length public recital.
Here are some photos to remember the event.
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| Society's promotion counter outside the Grand Ballroom Renaissance Hotel, Kuala Lumpur |
Arrival of guests ushered by the Toyota girls in red.
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Arrival of Toyota's Chairman Dato' Haji Rahmat Jamari. |
Simon speaking with the Managing Director Dato' Michael Lim and the General Manager Martin Wee. |
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Sophie & Diane Edmundson, John Duarte with Simon & Evelyn Cheong
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Eddie Chin, a well known Malaysian Tenor, our gracious Master of Ceremony.
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Chua May Ling.
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Chua May Ling taking a bow.
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Chua May Ling giving acknowledgement to John Duarte after her rendition of 'Variations on Getaran Jiwa'.
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Dato' Haji Rahmat Jamari presenting a memento to John Duarte.
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Simon Cheong presenting a plaque to Dato' Haji Rahmat Jamari.
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Autograph seekers surrounding May Ling.
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Autograph seekers surrounding John Duarte.
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The reception after the recital.
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May Ling and Simon sharing a moment with Dato'.
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One final photo to end the evening. The Committee with John Duarte.
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Looks like four generation! Teacher, student, student's student, student's student's students...! |
The Committee members. |
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