Sunway University Ensemble Wows with Movie Soundtracks

Starting off with the main theme from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, the Sunway University Ensemble entertained the audience with a magical night of music from selected movie soundtracks. Stringing the audience emotions, the Ensemble’s repertoire for the night included themes and medleys from Pirates of the Caribbean, Spirited Away, James Bond, The White Tower, The Chronicles of Narnia and Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark.

The audience was also treated to two songs, Aka Tonbo (A Japanese folk song) and Scarborough Fair presented by the Sunway University Choir.

United by a love of music, the Ensemble is made up of musicians encompassing Sunway’s students of diverse backgrounds pursuing studies in various programmes at Sunway. These individuals demonstrate a sound knowledge of musical instruments, ranging from strings and brass to woodwinds. The current musicians, whose average age is 18, voluntarily commit themselves to one practice session a week from their busy academic schedules for at least a year, converging to improve, share the joy of music and perfect their skills.

"We gather for the love of music and together we produce music. I hope to have more performing opportunities like the Movie Soundtrack as it is my greatest reward to perform for a big crowd like that and see the audience enjoys our music.” said Lok Jian Ming, secretary and violinist of the Ensemble, first year student of Australian University Programme at Sunway College.

Rockie Siew Wi Nam, conductor and consultant of the Ensemble has more than 20 years of teaching experience in musical instruments, specifically piano and keyboard. Siew who has a music degree from Middlesex University, London was voted Best Keyboardist for the Yamaha Asian Beat 2003.

Like an orchestral crescendo, the Ensemble has come a long way. Since May 2008, it has grown tremendously. Starting with just a small group, it had grown into a distinctively large group today. Just like any marvelous performance, the few minutes’ glory on stage requires long preparation that many do not see. “Setting up the hall alone requires a minimum of 2 hours a day. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Not to forget, students also sacrificed hours of practices, up to a point that most of them suffered the tension between studies and music” said Siew.

Mia, who aspired to be an actuary, shared her time management experience. She spent a minimum of 4 hours a week to practise violin. “Normally we organise big events during off-peak seasons because organising concert can be demanding. It took out a lot of time and effort. But I am glad that I have a supportive committee to help me out. After going through all of these, we got closer together, just like a family. After all, music helps to de-stress. Whenever it comes to stressful moments like this and examination, I will play my violin to de-stress.”

The Ensemble, under the covering of the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation has successfully upheld its core value of nurturing well-rounded students and as a catalyst for fostering excellence in musical talent. The Ensemble has been invited for numerous performances during Sunway University’s graduation ceremonies, the National Annual Corporate Report Awards 2010 and most recently the Star Education Fund’s 20th Anniversary Celebration, October 2013.

The Sunway Education Group, under the auspices of the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation has recently introduced a new Sunway Talent Scholarship to identify and grow musical talent. This scholarship is awarded to students with outstanding music achievements.