The Phil Blogs

The 2008/09 Phil Committee

2008-12-23T15:19:00.002+08:00

The following new committee of The Philharmonic Society of Selangor for 2008/09 was elected during the recent AGM of the Society. Congratulations!

Chairperson: Cheryl Teh
Vice Chairpeson: Richard Yeoh
Secretary: Erin Lee
Treasurer: Alain Boey
Committee Members: Wong Wing Thim, Pan Swee Chin, Joanne Mah, Elaine Lee, Nichole Lam

Christmas @ CHIJ, Cheras

2008-12-22T09:19:00.014+08:00

The choir of The Philharmonic Society of Selangor sang for the sisters at the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, on December 21st, under the baton of Cheryl Teh. The performance was followed by tea, catered by choir members (and with the delicious contribution of specialty teh tarik by one of the sisters!)

Some photos from the event are posted below. Here's wishing all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

(1) The choir...
(2) An appreciative audience..
(3) The small group on Still a Bach Christmas....
(4) Wishing all a Merry Christmas...
(5) Sister Anne addresses the choir

The Phil's AGM 2008

2008-12-01T16:58:00.001+08:00

The 51st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Society will be held as follows:

Date: 20 December 2008
Venue: 19, Persiaran Basong, Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur.
Time: 7.00 pm

A complimentary dinner for all fully paid up members shall follow the AGM. Guests are welcome at RM30.00 per person.

Kindly RSVP by 15 December 2008 to selangor.phil@gmail.com / SMS 012.383.1654 (Cris) or 012.260.3802 (Wai Leng)

Postponement of 50th Anniversary Dinner

2008-11-30T23:43:00.000+08:00

Please note that the 50th Anniversary Dinner earlier scheduled for December 14th, 2008 has been postponed to a date in early 2009. Further information will be provided on this blog in due course.

Phil It Up! Coming your way this August 16th!

2008-07-19T17:52:00.005+08:00

The Philharmonic Society of Selangor presents

Phil It Up!

A one-night-only concert, part of The Phil's 50th Annviversary celebrations, showcasing some of The Philharmonic Society of Selangor's talented members, both past and present.

Featuring Classical, Crossover, Jazz & Contemporary Favourites performed by The Penang Trio, Eddy Chin, Timothy Ooi, Zalina Lee, Janet Lee, Cris Yap & Friends, and The SNL Singers.

Date & Time:
Saturday August 16th 2008, 8.30pm

Venue:
IndiCine, KLPac, Level 2, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan (off Jalan Ipoh) Kuala Lumpur

Tickets:
Admission by donation: RM35 minimum
Ticket Contact : 017-659 4583; tickets@thephil.org.my

Preview of 'Hey Mr Phil' at Metrojaya Mid Valley on June 28th

2008-07-02T08:24:00.009+08:00

At the Preview of Hey Mr Phil! @Metrojaya Mid Valley, Saturday 28th June 2008 (photos taken by Kelly Teh)

Get your tickets to Hey Mr Phil! now!
(Fri July 4th 8.30pm / Sat July 5th 8.30pm / Sun July 6th 3pm)

Call/SMS (017) 659 4583 or email tickets@thephil.org.my

Rehearsal Shots

2008-06-27T19:10:00.012+08:00

Hey Mr Phil! in the news

2008-06-26T16:45:00.005+08:00

From http://www.star-ecentral.com/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/26/soundnstage/21632100&sec=soundnstage

Thursday June 26, 2008

Get your phil

By N. RAMA LOHAN

The Philharmonic Society of Selangor celebrates its 50th anniversary with ... what else but a whole lot of great music.

THE uninitiated may think that the nation’s classical music pursuits began with the formation of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra in 1998. On the contrary, half a century ago, the Philharmonic Society of Selangor (The Phil) had already begun its sojourn of bringing enthusiasts of classical music and performing arts together, an initiative instigated by expatriates living in the country then.

The Phil is one of the oldest and most established performing arts societies in Malaysia. From its humble beginnings in 1958 as a group of music lovers who got together to put up shows, it now counts among its successes productions like The Sound of Music, The King and I and Guys and Dolls. Classical offerings from the organisation include Rutter’s Requiem, Haydn’s Creation and Orff’s Carmina Burana and contemporary treats such as Music from Movies and Musicals and In The Mood. Imagine this, it all began with eight men and three women, a dream and the then sum of RM179.44 in a bank account.

Conductor for the night, John March, leading the troupe through rehearsals (pic).

It’s not all about history lessons though as The Phil looks to celebrate its golden anniversary in style, according to Alain Boey, chairman of the movement. Hey, Mr Phil!, the first of The Phil’s upcoming productions in conjunction with its anniversary, kicks off the festivities from July 4 to 6.

“The songs are a collage of the productions over the last 50 years. It’s basically all the songs from the musicals. There’ll be some opera, excerpts from classical compositions and some modern music as well, all done in a medley sort of fashion,” Boey revealed.

“In August, we’ll have Phil It Up! – A Three Course Recital, which is basically a collage of a few genres ... classical, jazz and contemporary. This will be performed by the past members of The Phil, some of whom are very senior and returning just for the show. Over the past 50 years, the Phil has developed many talents ... like Maya Karin, Peter Williams, Adibah Noor, Doreen Tang and many more,” he continued.

Alain Boey (pic): ‘The songs are a collage of the productions over the last 50 years.’

This year looks to be a busy one for the Phil and it culminates in the staging of The Boy Friend (staged across the months of November and December and directed by Philip Chai), a particular favourite of Tan Sri Khoo Kay Peng, Group Chief Executive of the MUI Group, the main sponsor for the arts society. “For Boyfriend, which is set in the French Riviera, we’re bringing in new talents.”

While the settings for most of the productions have a more global touch to it, the Phil will be looking to giving it a feel that’s closer to home. “We’re trying to adapt some of the music into more local settings, for example, some of the medleys will be from Sound of Music, Guys and Dolls, Les Miserable and so on, but there’ll still be a local sense about it,” Boey explained.

While the Phil’s endeavours over the years have not gone unnoticed, retaining recognition hasn’t been all that simple. “In the earlier days, The Phil was the only society catering to performing arts but as the industry developed over the years, there have been many more foreign productions coming in and a lot of our talents have made it into various other productions as well. So in terms of awareness to our work, I would say it was stronger during the early years but in the 1990s, as Malaysia began bringing in more foreign productions, things have picked up.”

Naturally, this has affected the level of interest among potential members as well. “In terms of recruitment, all members have to go through a series of auditions. In terms of spectators, it’s hard to garner interest, but where singers are concerned, it is slightly challenging because there are a lot more productions these days, and too few singers to go around, especially with conflicting schedules.”

Hey Mr Phil! will be staged at Panggung Bandaraya, Kuala Lumpur, from July 4 to 6. For ticketing details, e-mail tickets@thephil.org.my or call 017-659 4583. For more information, visit www.thephil.org.my.

Tickets on sale now for The Phil's 50th Anniversary Shows!

2008-06-16T09:19:00.017+08:00

Book your tickets now for the following three shows in celebration of The Phil's 50th Anniversary!

Tickets:
SMS/Call 017-659 4583
Email tickets@thephil.org.my

......................................................................................................

Come with us on a trip down memory lane - Relive The Phil's past musical productions in this retrospective concert!

July 4 & 5, 2008, 8:30pm
July 6, 2008, 3:00pm
@ Panggung Bandaraya (Where it all began!)
Tickets: RM30, 50 , 70

A One Night Only concert showcasing The Phil's talented members past to present: The Penang Trio, Eddy Chin, Timothy Ooi, Zalina Lee, Janet Lee, Cris Yap and the Swinglow Singers

August 16, 2008, 8:30pm
@ Indicine, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC)
Tickets by donation (minimum donation RM35)

Laugh! Cry! Be enchanted by Sandy Wilson's classic tale of the Roaring 20's in the French Riviera

November 13-17, 2008
@ Panggung Bandaraya (Where tradition continues!)
Ticketing info will be available soon

GRAND FINALE: ANNIVERSARY GALA DINNER

@ Corus hotel KL on December 14, 2008

Proudly supported by

View our poster on our website here!

The Phil's 50th Anniversary Celebrations will kick off soon!

2008-05-12T11:36:00.006+08:00

The Phil’s programme for 2008 kicks off with “Hey Mr. Phil!” from 4 – 6 July at the Panggung Bandaraya under the baton of John March. Essentially a musical trip down memory lane, “Hey Mr. Phil!” will showcase excerpts from the musicals that have been produced by the society in the 50 years since its inception. This will be followed in August by “Phil It Up!” on August 16th, a one-night-only concert at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC) showcasing The Phil's talented members past to present - The Penang Trio, Eddy Chin, Timothy Ooi, Zalina Lee, Janet Lee, Cris Yap and the Swinglow Singers. The grand finale performance of the year will be Sandy Wilson’s “The Boy Friend”, produced and directed by Philip Chai to be staged from 10 – 17 November at the Panggung Bandaraya.

Do join us in our 50th annversary celebrations - watch this space for info on ticket sales!

Meanwhile, do sign up for the Pranayama Breathing Technique for Singers & Actors workshop with Dominique Lonchant on June 14 & 21!

About The Phil

The Philharmonic Society of Selangor, or “The Phil” as it is affectionately known, is one of the oldest and most established performing arts societies in Malaysia. From its humble beginnings in 1958 as a group of music lovers who got together to put up shows, The Phil now counts among its successes productions like The Sound of Music, The King and I and Guys and Dolls, as well as classical offerings such as Rutter’s Requiem, Haydn’s Creation and Orff’s Carmina Burana and contemporary treats including Music from Movies and Musicals and In The Mood. The Phil also organises regular workshops to provide education in the performing arts through its Theatre Education Programme. As it celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2008, The Phil aims to continue to provide accessible opportunities for learning, producing and presenting quality performances in the performing arts through fellowship, activities and education.

The Phil's objectives have always been to share the pleasure of singing and to support organisations in worthwhile community projects. Over the years, proceeds from The Phil’s productions have been donated to various charitable organisations such as the National Stroke Association of Malaysia, the National Cancer Society of Malaysia, the Malaysian Association for the Blind, Bethany Home and Persatuan Kanak-Kanak Istimewa Kajang.

The Pranayama Breathing Technique for Singers & Actors - A Workshop with Dominique Lonchant

2008-05-09T20:05:00.005+08:00

The Philharmonic Society of Selangor's Theatre Education Programme is organising a two-session workshop on the Pranayama breathing technique with 'breathing master' Dominique Lonchant. Those who have attended Dominique's sessions have observed marked improvement in singing and vocal projection and breath control (speak to anyone who was involved in Broken Bridges The Musical, Tunku The Musical... )

Do come explore the art of breathing well with Dominique Lonchant!

The workshop consists of 2 two‐hour sessions:
Session 1: Saturday June 14, 2008, 10.00am – 12.00pm
Session 2: Saturday June 21, 2008, 10.00am – 12.00pm

Venue (both sessions):
Studio 5, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC)

Workshop Fee: RM 180 per participant (for both two‐hour sessions)

Please email selangor.phil@gmail.com to register.

Please see below for information on the workshop facilitator, and the Pranayama technique.

About Dominique Lonchant:

Dominique Lonchant is the man behind the success of many entertainment personalities. Having acquired and mastered the Pranayama Yoga technique (the extension and control of the breath) in Pondicherry, South India almost three decades ago, Dominique has since been travelling around the World and has taught breathing techniques in five continents; India, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, USA, Brazil, Africa, Australia, and Europe.

A French native now based in Kuala Lumpur, Dominique is currently working with artistes in preparation for their plays, shows or musicals. Some of the world‐class celebrities Dominique has taught are Hugh Grant, Elizabeth Hurley, Karen Mulder, John Lone, Leslie Chung, Ursula Andress, Robert Redford and Jim Carrey.

Dominique’s distinctive and efficient style of teaching focuses mainly on the breathing techniques since he feels it is an important aspect that is being overlooked in most Yoga classes. He firmly believes in the immense power and real benefits proper breathing has on any individual of any profession.

“Any form of Yoga begins with the breath. And it is when we understand and master the Art of Breathing that we can achieve whatever we’ve decided to achieve. I have been teaching for more than 28 years and very early on I discovered the benefits of good breathing. Recently I discovered that by mastering these techniques, artistes and athletes (singers, musicians, actors and anyone practicing sport, whether intensively or not) were able to obtain very good results in their own art: tremendous effects on the voice, better practice on wind instruments, and better performance on running, diving, etc,” explains Dominique.

In Malaysia, Dominique has worked in Puteri Gunung Ledang – The Musical. That led him to work on another musical, Broken Bridges, directed by Joe Hasham and produced by Datuk Faridah Merican, in 2006. That resulted in more work with Faridah and the cast of the play Ah Steve, staged in Penang. He has also worked in The Magic Flute, staged at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre.

More on Dominique Lonchant:

Breathe Again – The Star, April 11, 2007:
http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2007/4/11/lifefocus/20070410171341&sec=lifefocus

In blogosphere ‐ Meeting Dominique Lonchant:
http://sushisalmon.blogspot.com/2006/07/meeting‐dominique‐lonchant.html

Launch of Dominique Lonchant’s Book Pranayama – The Art of Breathing Well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KwkFi_wlew

Books by Dominique Lonchant:

1999 The Art of Breathing (Published in Thailand)
2001 L'Art de Respirer (Published in France)
2005 L'ABC de la Respiration (Published in France)
2007 The Art of Breathing Well (Published in Malaysia)

Information on Pranayama, the Art & Science of Breathing

Pranayama is a Sanskrit word that means control (yama) of the life force (prana). It is also commonly used to describe various yogic breathing exercises that help give the practitioner control of the life force, or Pranayama. It was originally expounded by Patanjali, an ancient Hindu philosopher and yogi, in his Yoga Sutras, a text on yoga philosophy and practices.

"Prana" is the life‐force that exists in everything around us in the air, in our food, in all creatures and plants, in absolutely everything. Our ancient ancestors knew about Prana, and they knew our bodies depend upon Prana for vitality in life, and that we receive most of our Prana from the air we breathe. They knew how to control intake and use of this life force by means of breathing control (called Pranayama), incorporating it into their daily life. The way we breathe dictates how much "Prana" we receive, and therefore how alive and vital we are.

Unfortunately, over thousands of years, most of humanity has forgotten this knowledge of how to consciously take in "Prana". The result is most people are shallow breathers, causing many of the negative conditions found in the human bodies today. Many of our physical disturbances, such as asthma, nervous disorders and various allergies are actually caused by some form of respiratory deficiency. The result is often the slow degeneration of bodily functions, according to ancient Indian knowledge, which has been scientifically proven.

When we breathe shallowly, the "Prana" doesn't reach special receptors deep within our lungs. Controlled deep breathing stimulates these inpiratory and expiratory receptors, causing feedback from the lungs to the respiratory centre of the brain. This centre governs not only the inhaling and exhaling of the breath, but the ability to hold the breath in and out. To gain control over this centre is a conscious art of "Pranayama Yoga", the art of breathing.

General Yoga ‐ Yoga is an ancient science of self‐knowledge and understanding. Through many different practices one can directly experience their own essence and goodness. The Tantric philosophy regards everything as sacred and all our experience as that of the Divine experiencing itself. In this way we are all Spirit showing itself in endless variation and beauty. The practice of yoga allows us to cultivate our connection to all the life around us and explore our own unique expression of this life. There is an array of different yoga methods out there, with names like Ananda, Jivamukti, and Kundalini ‐ from the sedentary and introspective to the strenuous, there's a style for everybody.

Breathing Control ‐ Breathing Control covers four major areas and each breathing exercise affects different vital functions:

Abdominal Breathing ‐ The Abdominal Breathing, if done incorrectly, can cause problems with the digestive system, kidneys, liver, piles and blood circulation.

Thoracic Breathing ‐ The thoracic breathing has to do with the cardiac system, and strengthening of the heart.

Clavicular Breathing ‐ The clavicular breathing clears the lymphatic channels under the armpits and helps to prevent breast cancer.

General Breathing ‐ The General Breathing coordinates the other three breathing techniques and allows one to achieve the "Yogic Respiration".

Being able to control one's breathing also results in the control of the emotional state, but for each person, the results will be different. Working with breath is very simple; after the workshop only five to ten minutes practise daily is all that is required. After two months completing all the sessions just once a week will be enough to be able to breathe "naturally". Everybody can do it.

Audition Call - Sandy Wilson's THE BOY FRIEND

2008-04-07T16:56:00.002+08:00

AUDITION CALL

Sandy Wilson’s

The Boy Friend

The Philharmonic Society of Selangor will be reviving as part of its celebrations for its 50th Anniversary, the musical “The Boy Friend” first performed in London in 1953 and by the Phil in 1978. In 2006/2007, the musical was revived in an highly acclaimed production at the Open Air Theatre at Regent's Park, London .

Set in the carefree world of the English upper class in the French Riviera “The Boy Friend” is a parody of the personalities, fashion, behaviour, slang and lifestyle of the Roaring 20s. The musical contains some of the most memorable showtunes ever written like “I Could Be Happy With You”, “Room In Bloomsbury”and “Its Never Too Old to Fall in Love” and many dance sequences including the cheerful, rip roaring, “Won’t You Charleston With Me”, “The Riviera” and the title song “The Boy Friend” to the dance styles of the era such as the Charleston, the Shimmy and the Bunny Hug.

“The Boy Friend” to be staged by The Phil in November and December this year will be directed by Philip Chai and choreographed by Farah Sulaiman who was in the Phil’s production in 1978!! Both director and choreographer intend this production to be a showcase of the styles of the 20s and have carried out extensive research to recreate as best as possible the mood, styles and attitude of the flapper generation.

Date : 11th April 2008

Time : 7 pm

Place : 41 Jalan Utara, Petaling Jaya, 46200 Selangor

1. Present one song (to be sung from memory). PLS BRING ACCOMPANYING MINUS ONE TAPE OR SHEET MUSIC. (NO A CAPPELLAS PLS)

2. Perform a short dance routine in the style of the Charleston.
PLS BRING MUSIC IF AUDITION PIECE PREPARED; and

3. Read a role

Registration for auditions required. Please register by sending email to selangor.phil@gmail.com or SMS to 012-383 1654.

AUDITION CATEGORIES

PRINCIPAL (TEENS/YOUNG ADULTS (BELOW 30 YRS)

Polly Browne, Tony
- Romantic lead couple, 4 songs and ensemble

Maisie, Bobby
- Supporting lead couple, strong dance skills required, 7 songs include 3 solos

Dulcie
- Good dance skills; more than 7 songs including 1 solo with Lord Brockhurst

Fay, Nancy, Marcel, Alphonse, Pierre
- Good acting and dance skills; more than 7 songs

PRINCIPAL (ADULTS (30 YRS ON)

Mdm Dubonnet
- possess French flair and ability to speak English with a French accent convincingly, 3 solos

Percival Browne
- Polly’s father/Dubonnet’s ex lover, outwardly stuffy Englishman, 2 solos

Lord Brockhurst
- Aristocratic “dirty old” English man, 1 solo

Lady Brockhurst
- Wife of Lord Brockhurst

Hortense
- French maid, must possess French accent, 1 solo

SPECIALITY DANCERS

Pepe/Lolita
- Star performers of the Carnival Tango

CHORUS/MINOR PARTS

Gendarme

Waiter

4 teen/young adult couples

6 adult couples

Coming up this year...

2008-03-08T17:20:00.007+08:00

Dear Members, Friends and Supporters of the Philharmonic Society of Selangor,

Greetings and Gong Xi Fa Cai!

2008 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Philharmonic Society of Selangor. The committee has lined up an interesting programme to celebrate the Society's 50th Anniversary. The program for 2008 is as follows:

April - May: Recitals @ KL Performing Arts Centre
July: The Selangor Phil's 50th Anniversary Retrospective @ Panggung Bandaraya
Oct: The Boyfriend @ Panggung Bandaraya
Nov: 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner @ Corus Hotel

50 years ago, the Society performed its first musical, The Mikado, at Panggung Bandaraya. This year, we have managed to secure some dates at Panggung Bandaraya where we will bring you down memory lane with the SPhil Retrospective. This will be followed later by a musical, The Boyfriend, which will be conducted by Mr Philip Chai.

We will be sending out more information on the 50th anniversary celebrations soon.

I look forward to all your assistance and support for this year. The Phil is one of the oldest and most established performing arts societies in Malaysia, and would not have gone this far without your support.

We are also seeking volunteers to come forward to assist in the Ticket Office, Gala Dinner, Backstage and General Administration.

May the Year of the Rat bring good health, abundant wealth, great prosperity and happiness to you and your family.

Regards,
Alain Boey
Chairman 2007/08

Yee Sang Dinner 2008!

2008-02-18T14:00:00.000+08:00

Our annual chopstick- (and roof-)raising makan fest is back!

The Phil's 2008 Annual Yee Sang Dinner will take place as follows. See you there!

Date:
Saturday 23 February 2008, 7.00pm

Venue:
Sri Melaka Restaurant, Taman Tun Dr Ismail
(No. 24, Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur)

RM40 per head.

Please RSVP by this Thursday Feb 21st to Alain Boey 012.438.6248

Menu:
1) Norwegian Salmon Yee Sang
2) Three Combo Platter
3) Eight Treasures Sharksfin Soup (Vegetarian Sharksfin)
4) Salted Egg Prawns
5) Assorted Vegetables with Brocolli
6) Deep Fried Grouper in Superior Soya Sauce
7) Special Crispy Chicken
8) Iced Longan & Sea Coconut
- Chinese Tea OR Iced Lemon Tea
- Steamed Rice

Audition Notice - The Phil's 50th anniversary variety programme

2008-02-12T18:49:00.001+08:00

AUDITION NOTICE:

THE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY OF SELANGOR is auditioning for performers to take part in its 50th Anniversary variety programme that will showcase the past productions of the society. We are looking for singers (choral as well as solos) and dancers to bring to life excerpts from Musicals and Operettas such as The King & I, Sound of Music, The Mikado (just to name a few). For a full list of past productions, do visit http://www.thephil.org.my/prevprod.htm

Audition details:

Date: 18th, 25th Feb and 3rd March 2008
Time: 8 pm onwards.
Venue: KLET Studio 2-2 (2nd Flr),Jln 4/109E, Taman Desa Business Park, 58100 Kuala Lumpur
Map: http://www.klensemble.com/contactus.html

Audition format:

Please prepare a piece from musicals for audition. A playback device will be provided if you wish to use recorded accompaniment. Please SMS to 012.383.1654 for an audition appointment with your name and type of audition (singing/dancing) and date preferred.

The Holly Jolly Christmas Party + Mini Concert

2007-12-14T15:41:00.000+08:00

Join us at The Phil's Christmas Party/Mini Concert!

Date: Monday, December 17, 2007

Venue: Li Villas in PJ - Multi-Purpose Hall (See map below)

Time: 7:30 pm till 11:30 (next day working lah!)

Cost: RM 15 per head.

Gift Exchange... In the spirit of the season, we would like you to bring a gift (budget isRM20) for the Gift Exchange portion of the party...

Please RSVP by emailing selangor.phil+socials@gmail.com.

There will be a mini-concert and Carol Singalong session during the party.

And of course, lotsa food :)

See you there!

Committee 2007-2008

2007-12-01T23:27:00.000+08:00

At the recent Annual General Meeting of the Society, members present had elected the following persons to be in the 2007/08 Committee:

Chairman: Alain Boey
Vice-Chairman: Ivy Winter
Hon. Secretary: Patricia Ngo
Hon. Treasurer: Cristina Yap

Committee Members:
Callista Chuah
Chan Wen Li
Susan Ho
Wong Wai Leng
Wong Wing Thim

Article on Circlesongs - The Star

2007-10-17T23:37:00.000+08:00

Article in The Star on The Phil's preview of Circlesongs at The Annexe, Central Market
(From http://thestar.com.my/youth2/story.asp?file=/2007/10/17/youth2/19160766&sec=youth2)

Get Into The Groove
by SHARMILA NAIR

17 October 2007

Feel free to let loose as the audience is always welcome to be a part of Circlesong.

YOU do not always need expensive instruments and hours of lessons to create beautiful and entertaining music. Humans have been tapping their feet and clicking their tongue forever to make sounds, but we have never quite taken their musical potential seriously.

Bobby McFerrin did. The infamous Don’t Worry, Be Happy singer is the person behind the brainchild that is Circlesong – a musical performance that incorporates choral improvisations with body sounds to create the perfect blend of music.

Circlesong is a novel way of music making, combining oral sounds (such as singing, poetry recital, rap) and beats made by actions into a performance worthy of the stage. It is essentially a free-flow and free-style form of expression through music. Performers only need to hone their skills in making actions that produce sounds.

A typical Circlesong performance would have the performers standing or sitting in a circle. There is no script. Someone would start with a beat, and others would join in at their pace. The beat, rhythm and mood of the performance change according to the group dynamics, and the audience’s response.

In Malaysia, Circlesong groups are budding where people are willing to experiment with art and self expressions. Musician and actor Melvin Ho started a Circlesong group and recently led about 25 amateur singers to stage a performance.

“I’m not going to claim to be the first person to bring Circlesong into Malaysia. It’s been done here and there across the country and is slowly gaining popularity among its audience.

“This is quite experimental and the reason why I wanted to bring it here is to show Malaysians that there are various ways of expressing one’s self,” says Melvin, who is also Circlesong’s art director.
Melvin and his group of Circlesong performers have put up performances in Central Market and Bangsar Actor’s Studio to introduce a new form of music making to the Klang Valley audience.

The concept is gaining tentative acceptance from the public. The environment they perform in also affects Circlesong’s appeal. It works better when there is ample opportunity and encouragement for the audience to participate, or be part of the action.

The audience is always welcome to be part of the performance as Circlesong thrives on spontaneity, and the camaraderie formed as everyone gets into rhythm.

They jam without relying on any music scores, lyrics or even choreographed movements, for Circlesong doesn’t believe in restraining its performers' talents and capabilities.

“This is not a bunch of conventional singers following a set of notes on pieces of paper. These performers follow their mind and listen to their hearts while adjusting themselves to the tone of the group,” adds Melvin.

At their inaugural performance in Central Market, they drew a strong number of people who watched the performers with mixed emotions – some in awe and others in plain confusion.

Edmar Rashid who was there to witness Circlesong’s maiden performance was impressed by the group’s creativity and spontaneity.

“I’ve never seen anything like this before. At first I thought they were ‘not normal’ but later, I realised that this is how they express themselves,” says the 21-year-old Graphic Design student with a laugh.

Looking like a bunch of weirdoes is not a label that scares Circlesong member Mohd Fahazrul Mohd Hatta. The 23-year-old aspiring singer is happy to be part of a group that allows him to be spontaneous and create music through vocal exploration and improvisation. And to think that he almost didn’t make it into the group.

“I was one of the late participants. I auditioned at the last minute and thought that I blew my chance of performing in the Circlesong,” says the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Public Relations student.

After being accepted, Mohd Fahazrul didn’t take long time to show his vocal prowess, which he says also came late in his young life.

“I am a late bloomer. I only found out that I could sing when I was 17,” he says.

Aminda Faizura is also another good singer in Circlesong. She was invited to join the group by Melvin, her former choir coach, and she didn’t think twice before agreeing.

The 19-year-old A-Levels student easily captivated the audience when she stepped into the limelight, especially during the solo performances.

During the Circlesong performances, the audience is allowed to pinpoint and select a performer of their choice. The person who is picked has to come up with a spontaneous performance on the spot.

The receptive crowd was very encouraging especially when they joined in the fun and created harmonious music along with the Circlesong performers.

“I’m glad to have had this experience of singing in harmony with people I don’t know. This has taught me to be more receptive of my surrounding and also to be in-tune with myself,” says Mohd Fahazrul.

In Circular Motion

2007-09-29T22:40:00.001+08:00

Shots taken at the Circlesongs jamming session at Central Market, Kuala Lumpur this afternoon. (Photos taken by Pang Khee Teik). Come and watch our show at The Actors Studio Bangsar, Oct 1 and Oct 2, 2007! More info on the show here. Call up our ticket contacts, or just turn up at Actors Studio by 8pm! More info about Circlesongs here.

More photos coming up soon. Members of the audience at Central Market - send us your photos! :)

More on Circlesongs

2007-09-29T22:16:00.000+08:00

World-famous vocal innovator and improviser Bobby McFerrin created this concept to explore choral improvisations in his performances. Together with Voicestra, a group he founded with singers from classical, jazz and theatre backgrounds, he brings to the musical world a dynamic solo and group vocal explorations through Circlesongs.

The music is entirely improvised on the spot and captures everything in the performance: the day, the time, the theatre, the audience. Any spontaneous sound creation goes through a rhythmic repetition, thus springing songs of circular shape and chant-like structure. There are no words, since language limitations only create separation between listeners. McFerrin always felt that singing a song without words makes one song a thousand songs because the people who hear it can bring their own stories to it. The creation of Circlesongs grew out of his deeply held belief that “one of the simplest and most direct ways of praying and meditating is through singing, and singing in community is exceptionally powerful. You get people together in a room and get them singing, and you instantly knock down all the walls – creed, gender, age and race differences, everything. You’re all one at that point, lifting your voices”.

And so, universal sounds that express joy and gratitude, chants drawing inspirations from all religious traditions yet are strictly nondenominational, spontaneous musical stream of consciousness . . . allow us to share our spiritual connection (without being defined by any single spiritual path) with you and together we celebrate a communion of singing and music.

The Philharmonic Society of Selangor invites you to experience the nuances of Circlesongs in its latest production, in aid of the Independent Pet Rescuers Malaysia.

Adapted from Barbara Graham, Theodore Levin and Jonathan Goldman, programme writers for Bobby McFerrin’s Circlesongs album (Sony SK62734). For more information, do visit http://www.sony.com/ & http://www.bobbymcferrin.com/

About The Phil

Founded in 1958, The Philharmonic Society of Selangor, or The Phil as it is affectionately known, is one of the oldest and most established music societies in Malaysia. The Phil counts among its successes productions like The Sound of Music, The King & I and Guys & Dolls, as well as classical offerings such as Rutter’s Requiem, Haydn’s Creation and Orff’s Carmina Burana and contemporary treats including Music from Movies and Musicals and In The Mood. The society also organises regular workshops to provide education in the performing arts through its Theatre Education Programme. As it celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2008, The Phil aims to continue to provide accessible opportunities for learning, producing and presenting quality performances in the performing arts through fellowship, fun activities and education.

About Independent Pet Rescuers Malaysia

Independent Pet Rescuers Malaysia (IPR) is a group of volunteers committed to the rescuing and re-homing of stray, abused and abandoned animals, and facilitating their adoption by foster volunteers. Its members also strive to educate the public on the need for compassion for stray, abused and abandoned animals to prevent them from being put down unnecessarily. In keeping with its strict ‘no-kill’ policy, it hopes to be able to build a halfway house for rescued animals as a temporary sanctuary before they are re-homed. IPR relies entirely on the goodwill of volunteers and the generosity of the public to run and fund its activities. The Phil’s proceeds from Circlesongs will be dedicated to the inspiring and noble work of IPR.

IPR operates an adoption booth at a corner in Plaza Damas, Kuala Lumpur (same row as Starbucks at Hartamas Shopping Centre, opposite BT Computers) every Saturday from 1pm to 6pm. Website: http://rescue2rehome.blogspot.com/

Circlesongs - Get Your Tickets Now!

2007-09-23T01:28:00.000+08:00

The Philharmonic Society of Selangor presents

CIRCLESONGS

Oct 1 & 2, 2007, 8:30 pm, The Actors Studio Bangsar

• Choral Improvisation • Dynamic Vocal Exploration • Rhythmic Energy • Universal Sounds • Musical Celebration of Spontaneity •

It's choral jamming without reliance on music scores, with no lyrics to remember, and with no rehearsed choreography to fumble about.

It's just us, a bunch of singing musicians, creating spontaneous musical moments through group vocal exploration and improvisation.

Come and share our tribute to an oral tradition of communal singing!

Artistic direction by Melvin Ho

In aid of Independent Pet Rescuers Malaysia

Admission by minimum donation of RM30 /
RM20 (students)

Tickets: Zalina Lee (012 320 8090) /
Melvin Ho (012 303 7184)

*There will be a free Circlesong jamming session at Central Market, Kuala Lumpur on Sat 22 Sept and Sat 29 Sept 2007, 12pm-1pm. Do drop by!*

http://www.thephil.org.my/

http://selangorphil.blogspot.com/

Drawing Circles

2007-09-08T16:01:00.000+08:00

Snapshots of recent Circlesong rehearsals (more coming in the next post!)

The Warm-Up..

The Circle....

Melvin, In Whom We Shall Trust!

More photos in the next blogpost!

Circlesong will be performed at The Actors Studio Bangsar on Oct 1st and 2nd 2007.

Tickets will be available for sale soon. Watch this space!

What Is Circlesong?

A concept conceived by Bobby McFerrin, Circlesong is a free and spontaneous music making session that incorporates the human voice & body percussion. Anyone can participate, with or without musical training. Circlesong sessions aim to develop a higher awareness of listening to one's innate musical instinct, to be able to express spontaneous musical improvisations through the human body, and gives people the opportunity to sing in a choral environment without needing to know how to read music.

About Melvin Ho (Artistic Director)

Melvin Ho is a music graduate of the Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan (ASWARA), formerly known as Akademi Seni Kebangsaan (ASK). He has been a member of the Selangor Philharmonic Society Choir since 1997. He also sings and arranges music for Dhammaduta Youth (D2Y), a local Buddhist performing group that sings a cappella Buddhist hymns. In 2005, he completed a teaching certificate foundation course in Speech and Drama at the Crestar Learning Centre. Melvin appeared in Gardner and Wife's production of "Something Funny Happened On The Way To The Forum" (2002) and performed in Rhythm In Bronze's "Monkey Business" (2005) produced by Five Arts Centre, which earned him a nomination for Best Composition in the Boh Cameronian Arts Awards 2005. His last major performance was in Saidah Rastam's "M! The Opera" which premiered in Istana Budaya last year. He occasionally guest performs and arranges music for some local a cappella and choir groups. He currently works as a school choir coach and teaches music in Kinderland D'Shire, Kota Damansara. He has his own youth choir called Navaswara, that rehearses weekly at the Living Arts Studio.

SongFest 2007 postponed indefinitely; see you at Circlesong!

2007-08-17T09:23:00.000+08:00

We regret to inform that SongFest 2007 will not be held this Sunday 19 Aug 2007 as announced earlier in this forum due to poor response from the public. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

HOWEVER, do come and catch us at The Actors Studio in Bangsar, KL when we put on Circle Song, led by Melvin Ho - on 1st and 2nd October 2007.

Singing Actors in Movement

2007-08-12T15:48:00.000+08:00

The Phil's organised a 'Singing Actor in Movement' workshop with Michael Xavier Voon at KLPAC recently on musical theatre and movement. The workshop was designed for actors in the musical theatre, focusing on the coordination of acting, singing, dancing and body movements. This was our second workshop with Michael under the Society's Theatre Education Programme. Workshop participants worked their way through analysis of song and musical settings and various audience communication skills through voice and movement.

Now to the photos! :)

Janet's rendition of My Lord and Master...

Aaron tells of big tall terrible awesome scary wonderful giants in the sky..

Amelia's invitation to paint the town... and all that jazz...

Zal, Simon, Yaw Feng, Voon Wee and Hafiz in action...

Michael in his element...Alesia puts all other 14-year-olds to shame!

Mary Had A Little Lamb, as it would be told to a fictitious Singaporean audience. Wahlau-eh, did I just say that?

More Photos:

Photos from the recent Tap Jam: Now and Then on August 3rd which featured our Circlesong performers, can be viewed at the website of one of the Rhythm Tappers , here.

What's Next?

CircleSong will be happening on Oct 1st and 2nd at The Actors Studio Bangsar. Watch this space for info on tickets!

Find out more about The Philharmonic Society of Selangor and its activities on http://www.thephil.org.my/

CircleSong is coming! Mark your calendars!

2007-07-26T17:32:00.001+08:00

An update on our upcoming CircleSong performance and special previews of our performance!

Date: October 1st & 2nd, 2007
Venue: The Actors Studio Bangsar

Watch this space. Tickets will be available for sale soon!

What Is Circlesong?
A concept conceived by Bobby McFerrin, Circlesong is a free and spontaneous music making session that incorporates the human voice & body percussion. Anyone can participate, with or without musical training. Circlesong sessions aim to develop a higher awareness of listening to one's innate musical instinct, to be able to express spontaneous musical improvisations through the human body, and gives people the opportunity to sing in a choral environment without needing to know how to read music.

**CircleSong Mania!**

CircleSong Preview @ SongFest 2007

Want a preview of Circlesong? Come to The Phil's SongFest Singing Competition 2007 on August 19th 2007 where you will be entertained with a preview of Circlesong!

CircleSong Grooves with the Rhythm Tappers @ Malaysia!

Circlesong performers will be performing to the thumping rhythm/grooves of the Rhythm Tappers @ Malaysia at their upcoming "TAP JAM: Now and Then!" Details of the Tap Jam are as follows:
Date: Friday, August 3, 2007, 8.00pm
Venue: Havana Estudio, 2nd Floor, 34B Persiaran Zaaba, TTDI
Admission: RM10
Contacts: Kong Eu (012.379.3779) / Shueh Miin (012.295.2890)

SongFest Singing Competition 2007

2007-07-24T17:45:00.000+08:00

Registration is now open for The Philharmonic Society of Selangor's annual SongFest Singing Competition 2007!

Date:
August 19th, 2007

Venue:
Multi-Purpose Hall, Women's Institute of Management, TTDI

Categories/Genres:

Classical Compete for the best performance of:
Aria, Art Song or Traditional/Folk Song

Contemporary
Compete for the best performance of:
Pop/R&B Vocals, Musical Theatre, Jazz Standards

Group
Compete for the best performance of:
A cappella, Accompanied, Folk/Traditional

Eligibility:
The contest is open to members of The Philharmonic Society of Selangor and members of the public. There is no age limit for all categories. Entry fees may be paid on day of competition.

For full contest details, please download the Official Entry Form

Contacts:
Pat (016.331.6640)
Cris (012.383.1654)

About SongFest The vision of the Philharmonic Society of Selangor is to provide accessible opportunities for learning, producing and presenting high quality performances in the performing arts through fellowship, fun activities and education. In line with our vision, we believe that SongFest, which aims to promote the art of singing and to develop, encourage and discover new singing talents, will become a platform for aspiring singers to display their talent and to perform in public. We hope that, though the experience and exposure gained from participation in SongFest, the local music scene will be enriched with new talents. SongFest is envisaged to be an annual event, and dates of future SongFest Singing Competitions will be posted on this blog and at our website, www.thephil.org.my.

Singing Actor in Movement with Michael Xavier Voon

2007-07-16T08:49:00.000+08:00

Date & Time: 30 July 2007, 8pm - 11pm
Venue: KL Performing Arts Center
Registration: Call Callista at 012.259.5770 or email us at selangor.phil+socials@gmail.com. Registration closes on Wednesday, 25 July 2007.

Introduction

The workshop is designed for actors in the musical theatre, where coordination of acting, singing and dancing/body movements are required.

Pre-work

1. Prepare two songs of contrasting tempo e.g. fast & slow (1 verse + chorus = 1 min each); Memorized; Printed lyrics/score of the selections (for accompanist and facilitator - provided by your own)
2. Analyze the lyrics in terms of content/stresses/core meaning/attitudes and potential movement stylization
3. Prepare 3 varying movement styles within each song (be it a combination or just a gesture).

Dress in comfortable wear so that you can move freely and roll on the floor; No short pants and no loose shirts/blouses.

Duration of workshop = 3 hrs; Class limited to 12 participants.

About the Facilitator

Michael Xavier Voon recently returned from facilitating movement workshops in Texas and Colorado, USA. With a passion for movement in all facets of the performing arts, Michael is a musical theatre director, educator, choreographer, actor, performer and digital visual artist with works featured in USA, France and Australia. Past productions include Spring in Kuala Lumpur (Japan Foundation/Five Arts), Diaries in Solo (Dallas), Seven Deadly Sins according to Mahatma Gandhi (MyDance with Actors Studio), Survival & The Merchant of Venice (Instant Cafe Theatre), Hip Hopera (Straits Theatre Company), My Wok (Sydney), Dances of the World (Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra), Playground (Five Arts Theatre), Cafe Teh or Buto (Taro Dance Theatre & ICT), KL-KO (Kuali Works) and Storyteller (Dramalab). Michael is a graduate of Colorado, USA (with emphasis in Music Theatre, Dance & Theatre), advisor to the Christian Dance Fellowship of Malaysia, currently teaches at CENFAD

Cost : RM50 for PSS members and RM75 for non-members.

Kindly note:

A 50% cancellation charge will be imposed for any cancellation one week prior to the workshop. Substitution is allowed.

Movie Night (The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert) - Thu, 12 July - Bring A Friend

2007-07-09T16:17:00.000+08:00

Please take note: I am cancelling movie night for today as nobody has expressed interest in attending.

Regards,
Callista

For our Movie Night this July, we're going for something non-musical for a change. Movie for this month is The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

BRING A FRIEND!
Do bring some snacks for sharing, and bring a friend along to join in
the fun!

Do let us know if you're coming. Email us at selangor.phil+socials@gmail.com.

WHEN:
Thursday, July 12, 2007, 8.00pm

WHERE:
Li Villas Condominium, Section 16, PJ - we've booked the TV room at
the condo's clubhouse.

SYNOPSIS (from wikipedia):
Anthony "Tick" Belrose, a.k.a. Mitzi Del Bra, a drag queen, accepts an offer to perform at a casino in Alice Springs, a remote town in central Australia. After persuading his friends and fellow performers, Bernadette Bassenger, a.k.a. Ralph – a recently bereaved transsexual woman – and Adam Whitely, a.k.a. Felicia Jollygoodfellow – an irritatingly flamboyant and obnoxious drag queen – to join him, the three set out for Alice Springs in a large tour bus which Adam/Felicia christens "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert". Guy Pearce plays Adam/Felicia, Terence Stamp plays Bernadette/Ralph and Hugo Weaving plays Tick/Mitzi.

They encounter on the way the less accepting attitudes of rural Australia, sexual violence, and the problems of vehicle breakdowns. The troupe eventually arrives at their destination with costumes and dance routines prepared. Before they arrive, Tick reveals that he is married (It is hinted that his wife is a lesbian.), and that the trip is a favour for his wife, who runs the casino where they will be performing. Upon arriving, they learn that Tick and his wife also have a young son.

Movie Night (A Chorus Line) - Thu, 7 June - Bring A Friend

2007-06-05T01:12:00.000+08:00

For our Movie Night this June, we will be watching the revival version of A Chorus Line.

BRING A FRIEND!
Do bring some snacks for sharing, and bring a friend along to join in
the fun!

Do let us know if you're coming. Email us at selangor.phil+socials@gmail.com.

WHEN:
Thursday, June 07, 2007, 8.00pm

WHERE:
Li Villas Condominium, Section 16, PJ - we've booked the TV room at
the condo's clubhouse.

SYNOPSIS (by David Law):
A Chorus Line is a definitive if not the definitive musical. Winner of 9 Tony awards and the Pulitzer Prize, it opened in May 1975, ran for 6,137 performances and was the longest running Broadway musical when it closed in April 1990. Unfortunately the film version was one of the worst ever adaptations of a musical, directed by Richard Attenborough and starring Michael Douglas, neither of whom had made a musical before...or since.

This is not the movie version, but a shot from the audience front seat view of the 2006 revival, which itself won several Tony awards. A faithful recreation of the original production, this is for those who saw it the first time round to relive the experience, those who saw the movie to finally exorcise its memory and to introduce a whole new generation to the magic of the Broadway musical.

Photos from REBOOT!

2007-04-28T15:58:00.000+08:00

Here they are - photos from poolside potluck April's Club Nite (themed Reboot to signify a fresh start as the Society moves into its 50th year of promoting music and the arts in Malaysia)!

The feast started at 6pm (it's still quite bright, as you can see below), mostly devouring Zal's gorgeous French onion dip (which goes with anything from celery sticks to chips) and Cris' killer grilled chilli fish...

and this is to prove that it was indeed a pool party!!

the poolside cabana where we were were makan-ing...

Cris attempts synchronised swimming..

the 7pm gang. as you will see, more arrived later!

dusk falls, more food arrives, and the candles are lit for extra 'atmosphere'!

Broadway (Parodies) Baby Mr Ho gives his approval...

The food doesn't seem to finish..

Never too late for a swim!

Watch this space for our next Club Nite.

In the meantime, join us for this month's Movie Nite (Sweet Charity) on Thursday May 3rd!

What are Club Nites?

The Phil organizes gatherings known as "Club Nites" (or “Nights”, depending on how sober the webmaster is at press time) a few times a year, where the members meet, mingle, makan, sing, makan, sing, and makan. (Other memorable occurrences during past Club Nites include having unsuspecting party-goers thrown into the pool, and waking up the neighbours, and also, you know how they say the hallmark of a good party is if security arrives?... ok, shall say no more...) Well, basically Club Nites are informal get-togethers with the ultimate objective of having loads of fun. They’re also great opportunities for budding talents to show off their vocal prowess / dexterity of fingers on the ivories / guitar-strumming abilities / any other skills, in a friendly and informal setting.

Flashback! Photos from February's Movie Nite

2007-04-28T15:13:00.000+08:00

Yes, as you all know, Movie Nite is back! Same place, this time on a Thursday (May 3rd, to be exact). In case you've forgotten what Movie Nites are like, here are photos from the last Movie Nite in February (March's was postponed to this month; April's gathering was a Club Nite - photos from that soon!), where we watched this:

(the DVD, not Zal)

.. and we watched it here ...

... welcome to the Selangor Phil - where, if we ran a cinema, the movies would probably be screened in the drinks & snacks section ...

... we're Knights of the Round table, where the amount of food is for-mi-da-ble...

... there's always a pack of Cheezels going round ...

... everyone likes sofas..

See you on May 3rd for this month's screening - Sweet Charity!

Movie Night (Sweet Charity) - Thu 3 May - Bring A Friend

2007-04-27T09:45:00.000+08:00

Movie Night is back again! As rehearsals for our latest project has begun, Movie Nights will now be held every first Thursday of the month.

For this Thursday, we will be showing Sweet Charity, which was post-poned from March.

WHEN:
Thursday, May 3, 2007, 8.00pm

WHERE:
Li Villas Condominium, Section 16, PJ - we've booked the TV room at the condo's clubhouse.

Do let me know if you're coming. Email me at mailto:selangor.phil+socials@gmail.com?subject=Movie.

Read more about the movie from the original posting.

Did You Miss our Circlesong Auditions?

2007-04-06T17:13:00.000+08:00

* Circlesong Auditions - Extended!! *

The Philharmonic Society of Selangor is looking for individuals who would like to be part of its upcoming production featuring the 'Circlesong' concept, slated to be performed in August/September 2007.

If you like singing and are unafraid to try out creative and daring ways to use your voice and body in music, come for our auditions! Please prepare a song from any genre. Feel free to use voice and body percussion in your rendition of the piece!

Date:
Tuesday April 10th 2007
8pm to 10pm

Venue:
Women's Institute of Management (WIM)
7, Jalan Abang Haji Openg, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur

Directions:
If you are going towards TTDI from KL, you will come across Pizza Hut on your right. Turn right into TTDI. Go straight towards the 1st set of traffic lights. You will see the VADS building (i.e. the old IBM building) on your right. Go straight after the traffic lights. The road will curve towards your left. Follow the road. You will drive pass a row of single storey houses on your left and a mini jungle on your right. You will come across a 4-storey building on your right - that is the WIM building. You will see Southern Bank on the ground floor. There is ample parking inside as well as outside.

Contacts:
Zalina Lee (012.320.8090 / zalinalee@gmail.com)
Melvin Ho (012.303.7184)

What Is Circlesong?
A concept conceived by Bobby McFerrin, Circlesong is a free and spontaneous music making session that incorporates the human voice & body percussion. Anyone can participate, with or without musical training. Circlesong sessions aim to develop a higher awareness of listening to one's innate musical instinct, to be able to express spontaneous musical improvisations through the human body, and gives people the opportunity to sing in a choral environment without needing to know how to read music.

About Melvin Ho (Artistic Director)
Melvin Ho is a music graduate of the Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan (ASWARA), formerly known as Akademi Seni Kebangsaan (ASK). He has been a member of the Selangor Philharmonic Society Choir since 1997. He also sings and arranges music for Dhammaduta Youth (D2Y), a local Buddhist performing group that sings a cappella Buddhist hymns. In 2005, he completed a teaching certificate foundation course in Speech and Drama at the Crestar Learning Centre. Melvin appeared in Gardner and Wife's production of "Something Funny Happened On The Way To The Forum" (2002) and performed in Rhythm In Bronze's "Monkey Business" (2005) produced by Five Arts Centre, which earned him a nomination for Best Composition in the Boh Cameronian Arts Awards 2005. His last major performance was in Saidah Rastam's "M! The Opera" which premiered in Istana Budaya last year. He occasionally guest performs and arranges music for some local a cappella and choir groups. He currently works as a school choir coach and teaches music in Kinderland D'Shire, Kota Damansara. He has his own youth choir called Navaswara, that rehearses weekly at the Living Arts Studio.

Audition Notice - The Selangor Phil Does Circlesong!

2007-03-29T00:09:00.000+08:00

The Philharmonic Society of Selangor is looking for individuals who would like to be part of its upcoming production featuring the 'Circlesong' concept, slated to be performed in August/September 2007.

If you like singing and are unafraid to try out creative and daring ways to use your voice and body in music, come for our auditions! Please prepare a song from any genre. Feel free to use voice and body percussion in your rendition of the piece!

Audition Dates:
April 2nd (Monday) & 5th (Thursday)
8pm - 11pm

Venue:
Women's Institute of Management
7, Jalan Abang Haji Openg, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur

What Is Circlesong?

About Melvin Ho (Artistic Director)

Melvin Ho is a music graduate of the Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan (ASWARA), formerly known as Akademi Seni Kebangsaan (ASK). He has been a member of the Selangor Philharmonic Society Choir since 1997. He also sings and arranges music for Dhammaduta Youth (D2Y), a local Buddhist performing group that sings a cappella Buddhist hymns. In 2005, he completed a teaching certificate foundation course in Speech and Drama at the Crestar Learning Centre. Melvin appeared in Gardner and Wife's production of "Something Funny Happened On The Way To The Forum" (2002) and performed in Rhythm In Bronze's "Monkey Business" (2005) produced by Five Arts Centre, which earned him a nomination for Best Composition in the Boh Cameronian Arts Awards 2005. His last major performance was in Saidah Rastam's "M! The Opera" which premiered in Istana Budaya last year. He occasionally guest performs and arranges music for some local a cappella and choir groups. He currently works as a school choir coach and teaches music in Kinderland D'Shire, Kota Damansara. He has his own youth choir called Navaswara, that rehearses weekly at the Living Arts Studio.

REBOOT! @ Club Nite on April 14th

2007-03-28T22:18:00.000+08:00

A date for your diary - the first CLUB NITE of the year, themed REBOOT! to signify a fresh start as the Society moves into its 50th year of promoting music and the arts in Malaysia!

It will be a potluck - bring your family and friends! We'll provide the necessary ambience for you to 'reboot', all you need to do is turn up with your friends and bring a dish that you feel matches the theme!

It's a poolside party so bring your swim gear too!

Date & Time:
Saturday, April 14th, 2007
5.00pm till late

Theme:
REBOOT! (Potluck)

Venue:
Poolside, Li Villas Condo, No. 1, Jalan 16/20, Section 16, PJ (Scroll down for map)

RSVP:
RSVP by calling Callista or emailing (selangor.phil+socials [at] gmail.com).

What are Club Nites?
The Phil organizes gatherings known as "Club Nites" (or “Nights”, depending on how sober the webmaster is at press time) a few times a year, where the members meet, mingle, makan, sing, makan, sing, and makan. (Other memorable occurrences during past Club Nites include having unsuspecting party-goers thrown into the pool, and waking up the neighbours.) Well, basically Club Nites are informal get-togethers with the ultimate objective of having loads of fun. They’re also great opportunities for budding talents to show off their vocal prowess / dexterity of fingers on the ivories / guitar-strumming abilities / any other skills, in a friendly and informal setting.

March Updates!

2007-03-27T23:38:00.000+08:00

Dear Members and Friends of The Phil,

Thank you for the many calls which the Committee members have received in respect of the rehearsal dates.

The Committee had planned to resume rehearsals beginning March. However, we are having some issues with the venue - while MAB has been our faithful rehearsal venue for the past years, the charges have been increased to 5 times our previous rate. (This was also the reason our third Movie Night had to be postponed!) We are still in the process of negotiating the rental rates and have also started looking for alternative venues. If any of you have any contacts for venues, please share the information with us.

Upcoming Activities:

The SongFest Singing Competition has been scheduled for this May 2007. Keep posted for more information!

Club Night happens on Saturday April 14th! More information on this blog shortly!

Yes, we've been having venue woes this March, but fear not, Movie Nite (which is held on the first Monday of every month) hasn't disappeared! Watch this space for info on May's Movie Nite!

Best regards
Alain Boey
Chairman

Movie Night (Sweet Charity) - Mon 5 March - Bring A Friend

2007-02-28T01:44:00.000+08:00

Important! This month's movie night has been postponed until further notice due to the sudden unavailability of the venue. My apologies.
- Callista

For our March Movie Night, we will be watching Sweet Charity. Directed by Bob Fosse. Starring Shirley MacLaine and Chita Rivera

BRING A FRIEND!

Do let us know if you're coming. Email us at selangor.phil+socials@gmail.com.

WHEN:
Monday, March 5, 2007, 8.00pm

WHERE:
Hall of the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) Complex at Jalan Tebing, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur

PARKING:
There are limited parking in the complex but ample parking just outside the complex. There's never been a problem with parking in that area.

ABOUT THE FILM (taken from wikipedia.org):
Sweet Charity, based on Federico Fellini's screenplay for Nights of Cabiria, is a musical directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse, with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields, and book by Neil Simon.

The original Broadway production opened on January 29, 1966 at the Palace Theatre, and ran for 608 performances. It starred Gwen Verdon, John McMartin, Helen Gallagher, Thelma Oliver, James Luisi, Arnold Soboloff, and Sharon Ritchie. The production was nominated for 12 Tony Awards, winning only one, for Fosse's choreography.

The 1969 film version, Sweet Charity, also directed and choreographed by Fosse, starred Shirley MacLaine and McMartin, recreating his original Broadway role. The movie also included Chita Rivera, Paula Kelly, Stubby Kaye, Barbara Bouchet, Ricardo Montalban, Sammy Davis, Jr., Barbara Bouchet, Suzanne Charney, Alan Hewitt, Dante DiPaolo, Bud Vest, Ben Vereen, Lee Roy Reams, and Al Lanti. The movie was notable for costumes by Edith Head and of course its dance sequences (notably The Rich Man's Frug).

The show was revived on Broadway in 1986 (starring Debbie Allen as Charity) and won four Tony Awards for Best Revival, Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Michael Rupert), Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Bebe Neuwirth), and Best Costume Design (Patricia Zipprodt).

A second revival, starring television and film star Christina Applegate, opened on Broadway at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on May 4, 2005, after a troubled three-city preview tour. Applegate broke her foot in Chicago, the second stop on the tour, and was replaced by her standby, Charlotte d'Amboise. Then, after the final leg of the tour in Boston, the producers announced the production would not be continuing to the Great White Way, citing lack of interest. However, two days later, the Broadway engagement was re-born after Applegate convinced the producers to continue. A week into previews, Applegate rejoined the cast, which also included Denis O'Hare and Ernie Sabella. The show was nominated for many Tony awards including Best Revival of a Musical and Best Actress in a Musical for Applegate. (Reportedly, pop icon Britney Spears was asked to replace Applegate when her contract expired, but declined the offer.) The show ended its Broadway run on December 31, 2005, after playing 279 performances.

A national tour of the recent Broadway revival began in September 2006 starring Molly Ringwald as Charity Hope Valentine.

2007 Annual Loh Sang Dinner

2007-02-21T10:31:00.000+08:00

As we all know, the Loh Sang dinners have become an annual tradition. Members of the Selangor Philharmonic Society get together, wield their chopsticks with (not-grim-at-all) intent, and proceed to fluff up the Yee Sang for luck.

This year, the Loh Sang party was held at the Maju Palace, with the usual suspects in attendance. Chairman Alain (sounds a bit commie, wot?) spent a large part of the evening entertaining the members with somewhat x-rated jokes. The pre-dinner peanuts, the fish, the veg and even the desserts were not spared...

One of our more enduring (and endearing) members, Pan Swee Chin, got up from her table to dash over to ours, where she proceeded to regale the room with her experience at the recent Il Divo concert. With much miming, high-pitched enthusiasm and energetic re-enactment of her actions, she proceeded to put forth a performance well worth the price of dinner.

I'll have to say this for the Phil... we are never boring :)

Sometime between courses, Ivy and her sister got up to line-dance, and the ever-faithful karaoke machine was cranked up. Beautiful songs were sung, along with bawdy ones. Swee Chin and Callie entertained us with an impromptu salsa...the wine flowed freely, courtesy of Brian and Edna, and the mood was definitely boisterous and festive.

Pictures were taken, but this writer can't attach them to this post at this time because her computer's bluetooth is out of commission. Any other attendees want to submit pictures of that night, please feel free :)

The party, I was told, ended around half past eleven. As with all things Phil-related, it ended with a big musical bang. Right now, we're looking forward to the next DVD night, and I'll let Wen Li inform us when that will be, and what's on the viewing menu.

*edit: I have managed to make a liar of myself. Thanks to Flickr, I have managed to upload the pictures of the dinner. Whee!! :D

Fried Fish...Fantastic!! ;)

Alain offers me head....Fish. Head.

Swee Chin describes her quest for a complete set of Il Divo autographs...
Callista looks on in amusement.

The karaoke machine is fired up...

Callie and Swee Chin salsa to the song from the karaoke machine...
Alain's amused. What can I say? It was an amusing night :)

This is Zal, signing off :)

DVD Nite (Monty Python and the Holy Grail) - Mon 5 Feb - Bring A Friend

2007-01-31T17:22:00.000+08:00

For our February DVD Night, we will be watching Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

BRING A FRIEND!
Do bring some snacks for sharing, and bring a friend along to join in
the fun!

Do let us know if you're coming. Email us at selangor.phil+socials@gmail.com.

WHEN:
Monday, February 5, 2007, 8.00pm

WHERE:
Li Villas Condominium, Section 16, PJ - we've booked the TV room at
the condo's clubhouse.

SYNOPSIS (taken from imdb.com):
The movie starts out with Arthur, King of the Britons, looking for knights to sit with him at Camelot. He finds many knights including Sir Galahad the pure, Sir Lancelot the brave, the quiet Sir Bedevere, and Sir Robin the Not-Quite-So-Brave-as-Sir Lancelot. They do not travel on horses, but pretend they do and have their servants bang coconuts to make the sound of horse's hooves. Through satire of certain events in history (witch trials, the black plague) they find Camelot, but after literally a quick song and dance they decide that they do not want to go there. While walking away, God (who seems to be grumpy) come to them from a cloud and tells them to find the Holy Grail. They agree and begin their search. While they search for the Grail, scenes of the knight's tales appear and why they have the name they have. Throughout their search they meet interesting people and knights along the way. Most of the characters die; some through a killer rabbit (which they defeat with the holy hand grenade), others from not answering a question right from the bridge of Death, or die some other ridiculous way. In the end, King Arthur and Sir Bedevere are left and find the Castle Arrrghhh where the Holy Grail is. They are met by some French soldiers who taunted them earlier in the film, so they were not able to get into the castle.

The Phil's Annual Lou Sang Dinner 2007

2007-01-24T18:24:00.000+08:00

It's that time of the year once again.
Time to raise our chopsticks high and make a lot of noise as we eat, talk and be merry! So come one and come all, bring yourself, bring your family, bring your friends, bring that stranger sitting right next to you and come join us in our makan fest.

Date: 2 February 2007
Time: 8pm - they chase us out?
Venue: Maju Palace at Maju Junction
Per head: RM50 (members), RM65 (non-members)

Please RSVP by 29/Jan 2007 (Monday)! If we have enough people, we can have one of the function rooms all to ourselves!

RSVP by calling Callista (012.259.5770) or emailing (callista+thephil [at] gmail.com).

Hope to see everyone there!

Happily Ever After (The Inaugural DVD Nite!)

2007-01-19T18:31:00.000+08:00

Dusk fell on the fifteenth day of January, and the rain continued to drizzle amidst the rush-hour bustle of office-workers longing for a restful evening after yet another manic Monday. It took a short while to coax the TV room's air-conditioner from its slumber, but the evening was soon enlivened by giants and magic beans, charming princes and blonde maidens in towers. And, of course, cookies, Cheezels, chips, and orange juice!

See what you missed? ;-)

And during Intermission David enthusiastically showed us his autographed Sondheim programmes...

Needless to say, there was much food and merry-making...

About DVD Nites

- We plan to have them on the first Monday of each month (8.00pm). Check your email, and this blog!

- If you have a plasma TV, a home theatre system, cushy sofas and a well-stocked pantry, we would love to hear from you :)

- Bring all the cushions, bean bags and snacks you want!

- Bring a friend! DVD Nites are a great way to introduce your friends to The Phil.

- Remember, suggestions for shows are always welcome. We'll take movies, operas, musicals, ballets, your neighbour's cats' nightly quartet, anything! (Ok, maybe not the felines.)

About "Into the Woods"

What's it about?
From http://www.sondheim.com/shows/into_the_woods/:

"Into the Woods" blends various familiar fairy tales with an original story of a childless Baker and his Wife, who catalyze the action of the story by attempting to reverse a curse on their family in order to have a child.

In the first act, the characters set out to achieve their goal of living "Happily Ever After" through familiar routes - Cinderella goes to the Ball and captures the heart of Prince Charming, Jack climbs the Beanstalk and finds a land of Giants and Gold, Little Red Riding Hood survives her clash with the wolf at Grandma's house, and Rapunzel manages to escape her tower with the aid of a handsome prince who climbs her long hair. The Baker and his Wife move through their stories while pursuing their own goal - the witch who keeps Rapunzel (revealed to be the Baker's sister) has put the curse on his house, and agrees to lift it if the Baker and his Wife can find the ingredients to help her reverse a spell which her mother has laid on her, keeping her old and ugly. Those ingredients are: A Slipper As Pure As Gold, which the Baker's wife gets from Cinderella, A Cow As White As Milk, which the Baker buys from Jack in exchange for the fateful magic beans, A Cape As Red As Blood, which the Baker gets from Little Red Riding Hood in exchange for freeing her and Granny from the Wolf, and Hair As Yellow As Corn, which they get from Rapunzel. The ingredients are gathered, and the spell works, stripping the Witch of her power, but restoring her beauty. At the end of Act I, all characters seem poised to live "Happily Ever After".

Act Two, however, deals with the consequences that traditional fairy tales conveniently ignore. What does one do with a dead Giant in the back yard? Does marrying a Prince really lead to a happy and fulfilling life? Is carving up the wolf the solution? Is the Giant always wrong? In Act Two, all the characters must deal with what happens AFTER "Happily Ever After". As they face a genuine threat to their community, they realize that all actions have consequences, and their lives are inescapably interdependent, but also that that interdependence is their greatest strength.

Other "Into the Woods" Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Into_the_Woods

And who is Stephen Sondheim?
http://www.sondheim.com/features/sondheim101.html

2007 Beckons!

2007-01-17T08:38:00.000+08:00

The 2006-07 Committee decided that meetings at someone's abode were oft too laden with temptations (Read: kitchen, fridge, food) and so decided to lock themselves up in The Ascott on the weekend of January 5th-6th with nothing but pens, paper, and, er, food.

The photo below is of us on the evening of Saturday Jan 5th, all tired out braving the Saturday KL traffic and hordes of parents and students attending the nearby education fair.

See what's in the middle of the table? :-D (By the way, those were great cookies, Pat; and Cris - awesome muffins!)

2007-08 will be bustling with activity! We'll be reviving the Theatre Education Programme, or 'TEP', an initiative to provide education in the performance arts in line with the Society's vision. The TEP was successfully run in 2005 with a Workshop for Choral Groups facilitated by British choral conductor Peter Broadbent, and in with drama workshops by Michael Xavier Voon and Colin Kirton in 2004.

Also, we'll be starting to organise monthly DVD Nites (tentatively set at the first Monday of every month) - these will be informal get-togethers where members will meet up over snacks and a DVD or two of musical productions.

And then, of course, there's this blog! :) Members of the Committee will regularly post updates on Society happenings, and Phil members (and, well, everyone else on cyberspace) are welcome to post their comments (just click on the "comments" link at the bottom of each blog post). The official website of The Phil will also be revamped for the upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations, with new features and interactivity added in. Comments from members are always welcome - you know where to find us:

* Post a comment on this blog!

* Email us! (selangor.phil@gmail.com)

* Post a message on the members' pssnews egroup!

* If you prefer to speak to someone in person, there's always our phone numbers/email addresses if you have them!

More on what's in store for 2007-08 will be posted soon... keep your browsers bookmarked on this blog.

The photo below is of us on the morning of Sunday Jan 6th, all refreshed and ready to take on more of Pat's home-made cookies, only to find that Nigel had polished off most of it over late-night TV shows while the rest of us were asleep. Ah well.

Congratulations to the winners of SongFest 2005!

2005-06-16T16:41:00.000+08:00

Classical Category:
Winner & recipient of Puan Sri Elinah Ahmad Challenge Trophy:
Soh Bee Teng
First Runner-Up:
Long Chai Hunt

Contemporary Category:
Winner & recipient of Puan Sri Chelsia Cheng Challenge Trophy:
Cissy Ang
First Runner-Up:
Vincent Lee

Group Category:
Winner & recipient of Patron's Challenge Trophy:
VerSeS (Group Leader: Scott Woo)
First Runner-Up:
Little Noise Choir (Group Leader: Wong In Nuen)

SongFest 2005 - Let us have your feedback!

2005-06-15T16:21:00.000+08:00

Hi all! Please feel free to post your views on SongFest 2005 - the good, the bad and the ugly, and how we could improve on the competition.

Should we convert it into a karaoke competition outright?
Should we maintain groups? (YES!!!)

etc. etc.

Let us know so we can improve!