Penang Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO)

27/05/2026

It is not just a performance between Kinta Valley Wind Orchestra and Penang Philharmonic Winds, but a memory made and shared. Beyond the rehearsals and the concert itself, it is the friendships, laughter, conversations, and experiences along the way that make this collaboration meaningful. Music brought both groups together on the same stage, but the moments spent learning from one another and enjoying the journey together are what will remain long after the final note fades.

Photos by , one of the

25/05/2026

Thank you to everyone who made POP-sical! possible.

From the musicians, conductors, organisers, volunteers, sponsors, and audiences, your support and encouragement meant so much to all of us. It was a joy to see Ipoh and Penang brought together once again through music, friendship, and collaboration.

We are grateful for the warm response and hope the music created many wonderful memories for everyone. Until the next performance, thank you for being part of this meaningful journey together.

25/05/2026

Continuing our posting series of getting to know the , we have Philip Yeoh to share some thoughts about our upcoming concert.

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1. You seem to enjoy both theatre and choir performance. How different is it expressing emotions through acting on stage compared to singing as part of a large choir in Carmina Burana?

The key in both mediums is to first understand and appreciate the meaning of the TEXT of whatever you’re performing. Emotion can then naturally proceed from that. But that said, expressing emotion while acting on stage and singing in a large choir are different animals at entirely different levels.

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2. Between foodie outings, hiking, workouts, rehearsals, and theatre activities, your schedule sounds incredibly active. How do you balance all these passions while preparing for a demanding production like Carmina Burana?

I must confess I’m not entirely successful at pulling off every activity in that list every week with the intensity I’d like. It is more of the squeaky wheel getting the most grease at each point in time, with the predominant activity of the week getting more of my time and attention.

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3. Carmina Burana is full of dramatic energy, almost theatrical at times. As someone involved in theatre facilitation and performance, do you experience this work differently from a typical choral piece?

Carmina Burana is definitely far more earthy in character, and even visceral, than the origin of its text would suggest. Yes, I personally approach my singing of this work with the attitude of someone on an extended Freudian slip in the context of where this text was composed.

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4. You’ve also been dabbling with AI, which is such a modern and rapidly evolving field. Do you think technology and AI can change the way people experience music and live performances in the future?

Live performances of any kind have and will always emanate from common human experience and community. People come and see and hear because they RELATE to the stories and songs being rendered onstage, and also to the fact it is real people doing it even as they grant suspension of disbelief where necessary to be in the moment.

AI has already surpassed human technical ability to create and execute music, amongst other kinds of artistic output. But it has always been real PEOPLE who first inspired children who then go on to become maestros and arts enthusiasts. This basic human trait must be preserved and educated into our upcoming generations at all costs. And for the live arts to be sustainable in the face of this AI challenge, humans need to pull together in a big tent for not only the diverse spectrum of the performing arts but also within single communities, e.g. of choral and orchestra performers. Petty rivalries in this day and age will be existentially self-defeating.

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5. After all the intensity of rehearsals and performances, if the choir went for a post-concert supper, what would be your ultimate comfort food choice and why?

There’s really no single choice of food for such an occasion. A post-concert supper would most likely be a celebratory one involving more than myself, so we would go somewhere that’s a bit fancier than is for “comfort” food.

22/05/2026

The One Theatre Hall at The One Academy Penang is the hall we will be performing Carmina Burana. A place where it used hold many performing arts shows, now taken over by one of the most prestigious art and design institutions from Malaysia.

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The One Academy Penang stands out in a real-world practical learning environment, integrated with an urban & island atmosphere that is perfect to stimulate the minds of young design students. It is strategically located near a heritage site, allowing them the exposure to the island's deep culture to spark their creativity.

The One Theatre Hall is a spacious venue with a high seating capacity, raising the comfort level. The large projector screens and superb sound system enhance the visual & audio experience, serving as a point of collaboration for events such as conferences, symposiums, lecturers and seminars.

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If you have not been to this hall for a while, here is your chance!

CARMINA BURANA

Date: 28th June 2026 Sunday
Time: 5.00pm
Venue: One Theatre Hall at The One Academy Penang, Straits Quay

Tickets: https://www.ticket2u.com.my/event/49958/carmina-burana

21/05/2026

News article by T.C. Khor in The Sun featuring interview with Dr. James Boyle, Mr. Jerome Quah, and Ms. Tan Jin Yin, on the topic of AI music.

As AI-generated songs flood streaming platforms, artistes defend the human touch that algorithms cannot replicate

18/05/2026

The have always been the heart of the Penang Philharmonic, bringing together people from diverse walks of life, professions, and backgrounds. We’re delighted to introduce Sindy, a singer with the PPC and a system analyst by profession. Join us as we get to know her better and discover the connection between her work and our upcoming concert Carmina Burana.

1. As a system analyst, your work involves solving problems and understanding how many small parts work together. Do you see any similarities between that and performing in a choir for Carmina Burana?

Yes, definitely. In both roles, there is a strong emphasis on coordination, precision, and understanding how individual parts contribute to a larger outcome. As a system analyst, I need to ensure different components work together smoothly, just like in performing Carmina Burana, where every choir member must coordinate in harmony for a successful performance.

2. Technology and music can feel like two very different worlds. After spending a day working, what draws you back to singing and rehearsals?

Working with systems is all about logic and precision, but singing allows me to reconnect with my emotions and intuition. Rehearsals provide a perfect counterbalance, moving from the world of 'how things work' to the world of 'how things feel.

3. Rehearsals for Carmina Burana can be intense and time-consuming. How has your husband supported your musical journey leading up to this concert?

Since my husband is a performing artist himself, he truly understands the physical and mental demands of preparing for such a grand production. His support isn't just about encouragement—it’s a deep, shared respect for the discipline and passion that Carmina Burana requires.

4. Carmina Burana is filled with dramatic emotions and powerful moments. Which part of the work do you personally enjoy the most?

I personally love singing 'O Fortuna' the most because of its raw, rhythmic intensity. The way the music builds from a whisper to a massive wall of sound perfectly captures the feeling of an unstoppable force, which is incredibly empowering to experience from within the choir.

5. Outside of music and work, what is something about you that people might be surprised to learn?

I’m fascinated by building blocks and complex construction toys. Whether it's data systems at work, music in the choir, or bricks at home, I guess I have a deep-seated love for understanding how small components unite to form a greater, harmonious whole.

17/05/2026

As we prepare for our 2026 combined Penang Philharmonic concert Carmina Burana, let’s get an opportunity to get to know our , Keith Ooh. He is currently singing in both our choruses, the PPC and PPCC.

Here is what we asked him about himself and the concert:

1. As someone working in accounting, where precision and structure matter every day, what does it feel like stepping into the dramatic and emotional world of Carmina Burana?

It feels very exciting and intriguing to be stepping in the dramatic and emotional world of Carmina Burana.

2. Many people may not expect a person in accounting to perform in such a powerful choral work. Do your friends or colleagues react differently when they discover you sing in a choir?

My friends have been very supportive, since they know that I have a love for singing. On the other hand, my colleagues know that I join the choir, but sadly, I can see no interest or response from them.

3. Carmina Burana is filled with intense emotions, from celebration to fate and fortune. Which movement or section speaks to you the most personally, and why?

It would have to be the first two movements of the 1st part. Life has its ups and downs, so much that it would be like two sides of Fortuna (the good and the bad).

4. Choir rehearsals can be demanding, especially for a large-scale work like Carmina Burana. What has been the most memorable or challenging part of this journey so far?

The pronunciation of the text can be a challenge. After listening to many different recordings of Carmina Burana, I would come for choir practices and think “I’ve got this”, but after hearing Chi Hoe and Jin Yin wanting to pronounce words a different way, I realize that I have to put on a clean slate and move with the flow. Also many parts of the music have its challenges in its arrangements. The memorable bits would be laughing together with friends over some funny bits (especially finding out what some of the texts are saying).

5. When the audience walks away after hearing Carmina Burana performed live, what do you hope they will feel or remember most?

The powerful music and powerful voices in accompanying the big orchestra.

25/01/2026

A Homecoming in Penang with Vincent Ong 🎹🇲🇾
王文升钢琴音乐会 · 槟城站荣归之约🎹🇲🇾

Penang is proud to welcome home Malaysian piano sensation Vincent Ong! Experience his extraordinary artistry through a Masterclass & Dialogue and a Piano Recital right here on our island.

📍 Masterclass & Dialogue
🗓 27 March | ⏰ 11:00 AM
📍 Steinway Gallery, Penang

🎶 Piano Recital
🗓 28 March | ⏰ 7:30 PM
📍 Penang Waterfront Convention Centre

As the 1st Malaysian Prizewinner & Finalist at the Chopin Piano Competition, this is a rare opportunity for Penang’s music lovers and students to witness world-class performance and inspiration.

🎟 Tickets & info: rondoproduction.my

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槟城很荣幸盼来马来西亚世界级钢琴家Vincent Ong王文升载誉归来！通过大师班与对谈，以及钢琴独奏音乐会，音乐爱好者可以在他的故乡槟城近距离感受他的世界级音乐魅力。

📍 大师班与对谈
🗓 3月27日 | ⏰ 上午11:00
📍 槟城 Steinway Gallery

🎶 钢琴独奏音乐会
🗓 3月28日 | ⏰ 晚上7:30
📍 槟城滨海会展中心（Penang Waterfront Convention Centre）

作为首位在肖邦国际钢琴比赛中获奖并晋级决赛的马来西亚钢琴家，王文升此次回归槟城演出，是音乐爱好者与学生们不可错过的珍贵机会。

🎟 购票与详情：rondoproduction.my