UTAR celebrates the sound of music
In conjunction with the inaugural UTAR Music Festival 2012, UTAR Music Club held a piano competition at the Heritage Hall at UTAR Perak campus on 28 July 2012.
Two categories were contested, namely, the solo and duet performance. Prior to the grand finale, an elimination contest was held three weeks earlier in which fifteen precocious pianists vied for the six allotted tickets to the individual finals. The six finalists were then randomly paired for the double act. The event was well-received by the audience, who turned up as early as 6.30 pm to support their choice candidate.
In the solo category, Business Administration student Cheong Ming Wei emerged top with stirring renditions of 'The Entertainer' and 'Memory'. The second spot went to Biotechnology student Hanson Lau, who charmed with heartfelt renditions of the classics 'Colours of the Wind' and 'Time Travel'. Psychology student and crowd favourite Eeleen Ang Wei Shan, whose engaging renditions of 'Simple Pleasure' and 'The Moment' drew thunderous applause, came in third. It was double joy for Eeleen, when her riveting collaboration with communications and networking student Joseph Foo, garnered the champion title in the duet category. The dynamic duo powered to an impeccable performance of the upbeat 'Hungarian Dance No 5'.
According to Cheong, the win has whetted her appetite to participate in more piano competitions. She mused, "The win startled me as I did not have ample time to gear up for the finale. I couldn't believe my ears when my name was called upon." Cheong also commended UTAR Music Club for organising the competition, calling it "a great avenue to unearth raw talents." She exemplified her point by mentioning Karen Kong, the UTAR alumni who has charted remarkable success in showbiz after she discovered by a producer through UTAR Talent Night 2005.
Hosted by UTAR Music Club, the UTAR Music Festival 2012 aimed to raise awareness and to showcase musical influences from the East and West. The Music Festival consisted of four sub-events, namely, the Music Sharing and Exhibition, Karaoke Competition, COU Concert, and Music Night. The sub-events were featured prominently on 27 July, 1 August, 3 August, and 5 August respectively. Among the highlights was a star appearance by renowned electronic violinist-songwriter-actor-producer Dennis Lau during the Music Sharing Session on 27 July.
Accomplished Pianists: Winners of the piano competition, (from left) 1st runner-up Lau, champion Cheong, and 2nd runner-up Ang.
Feeling the Music: Cheong concentrating during the grand finale of the piano competition.