Prelude Music

INTAKE:

2015-06-15T18:37:00.000-07:00

Prelude Music has only a handful of teachers who are devoted to nurture anyone into competent musicians. We believe everything is possible as long as you have the heart for it. The only difference is TIME. For those who are interested to learn music, please contact 016-833 3034.

Due to time constraint because of upgrading, demands and performances, from now on Yap Ling and Grace Lee have decided to teach only those students who can fulfil the following criteria:

1) Musically talented

2) Keen to learn

3) Invest in time to practice

There will be a grace period of 2 months before one can be confirmed student of Prelude Music.

For more news regarding our students, please click here.

ABRSM Asia Administrative Conference on 10 September 2011

2011-09-14T18:25:00.000-07:00

Jesselton String Quartet performing for Pre-Dinner at the Opening of the conference at Le Meridian Hotel, Kota Kinabalu.

Quartet Below The Wind Performing for the Rotary Club Likas Bay 28th Anniversary Celebration on 20 Aug. 2011

2011-08-21T03:28:00.000-07:00

Yap Qin, Bryan Liew, Lauren Lok & Yap Yi

Jesselton String Quartet playing for Garden Wedding Ceremony at Pacific Sutera Hotel

2011-06-06T08:21:00.000-07:00

Another wedding gig by the quartet on 5 June 2011.

Masterclasses by Violinist Gina Medina & Pianist Chee Su-yen

2011-05-09T05:06:00.000-07:00

Gina Medina who is the concertmaster of the Manila Symphony Orchestra and Su-yen, a piano lecturer at University College Sedaya International gave a violin and piano masterclasses at Prelude Music.

Gina with Prelude Music student, Jeana Thien.

Su-yen on the piano with Yap Yi.

Yap Qin taking the violin masterclass.

Students performing for the Sabah Association of Voluntery Effort on 19 Mar 2011

2011-03-20T19:21:00.000-07:00

Group photo: Cheong Xunyi (Viola), Grace Lee, Yap Qin (Violin), Yap Ling, Yap Yi (Cello), Ivy Chan & Cheong Kok Ann

ABRSM High Scorer Concert, KK on 23 Jan 2011

2011-01-24T17:00:00.000-08:00

Grace Lee accompanying Yap Yi - Grade 4

Tan Yi Jiun accompanied by Ku Sim Yee - Grade3

Elliot Heng on the violin - Grade 5

Michelle Cham - Violin Grade 5

2011-01-24T00:12:00.000-08:00

Students of Prelude Music: Ku Sim Yee, Tan Yi Jiun, Michelle Cham, Elliot Heng, Bill Thompson, Yap Yi, Yap Ling & Grace Lee

Prelude Music Students Performed at Istana Budaya on 22 Oct.

2010-10-26T04:20:00.000-07:00

Jesselton String Quartet Debut Performance for Wedding Ceremony

2010-10-17T02:22:00.000-07:00

The Jesselton String Quartet was invited to perform for Soffian & Jeanna's Wedding Ceremony at the Beach Garden Pool Side of the Pacific Sutera Hotel on 16 Oct. It consists of Joanna Ho (1st violin), Yap Qin (2nd violin), Lisa Chung (viola) and Annabel Tiu (cello)

The Jesselton String Quartet with the congregation.

Permata Seni Muzik Orchestra performed for the 1st Ladies Summit at Seri Perdana, Putrajaya on 11 Oct.

2010-10-12T03:17:00.000-07:00

Two students from Prelude Music, Yap Qin (violin) and Yap Yi (cello) were selected under the Permata Seni Muzik Program to perform for the 1st Ladies Summit at Seri Perdana (The Malaysian Prime Minister's Residence), Putrajaya on 11 Oct. Yap Qin is also one of the soloists for the Vivaldi Concerto for 4 violin in B Minor, Op.3 No.10.

Yap Yi (wearing black traditional Kadazan costume)

Yap Qin 2nd from the left wearing a black traditional Dusun costume with hat.

4 Prelude Music students selected for Permata Seni Muzik

2010-10-02T06:35:00.000-07:00

Permata Seni Muzik is a program initiated by the Malaysian First Lady Y. A. Bhg Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansur. This program aims to nurture all those kids under the age of 14 from all over Malaysia who excel in music. They come together one weekend a month for workshop and training in order to reach International Standard.

Only 4 students from Sabah were selected namely Lauren Loke (violin), Bryan Liew (violin), Yap Qin (violin) and Yap Yi (cello) and they are all students at Prelude Music. In addition, Yap Ling the music director of Prelude Music was also appointed as the only violin tutor for the Permata Seni Muzik Program.

Lauren Loke, Yap Yi, Bryan Liew, Addin Zaid, Yap Qin & Nisa Addina at Istana Budaya, KL. Addin and Nisa are participants from Kuching, Sarawak.

A Talk on Stylistic Interpretation of Chopin Music

2010-05-14T23:52:00.000-07:00

Raphael Lustchevsky was kind enough to share his expertise on Chopin Music with all of us, the music teachers. What more can we ask for, a Polish professor talking about how Polish folk dances influenced Chopin in his music.

Piano Masterclasses on 10 May at Prelude Music

2010-05-11T23:30:00.000-07:00

Raphael Luctchevsky giving masterclasses with Yap Yi, Yap Qin and Debbie Ho.

Materclasses at Prelude Music on 9 May

2010-05-10T18:28:00.000-07:00

Raphael Lustchevsky given masterclasses to Warrick Wang from Sandakan and Joanna Ho.

2010-05-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

Photo taken after the piano masterclass - Raphael Lustchevsky & Nicholas Liew

The signing of autograph after the concert on 8 May

2010-05-09T18:24:00.000-07:00

In House Performance by Raphael Alexandre Lustchevsky

2010-05-08T02:24:00.000-07:00

Trying out the piano at e-piano Music Studio the night before the actual performance.

Former Students Reunion during Chinese New Year

2010-02-23T06:07:00.000-08:00

We have dinner with some of our former students who were back for Chinese New Year. Lisa Chia, former orchestra concertmistress who is now the concertmistress of MPYO. She has just graduated from the Sedaya College University. Another graduate from there is pianist Choo Chee Tien. Ku Sim Yee from Adelaide Austalia is now pursuing her music degree there majoring in piano. Another violin student who is doing design at Swinburne University in Kuching is Maria Leong.

Photo: Angel Ang, Joyce Kam, Choo Chee Tien, Alice Chong, Choo Chee Wee, Aldrich Tan, Stephanie Kam, Maria Leong, Yap Ling, Roland LIh, Ku Sim Yee, Lisa Chia and Grace Lee.

Guitar Workshop Conducted by Richard Hand on 7 Feb. 2010

2010-02-08T01:55:00.000-08:00

The guitar workshop is a collaboration between Prelude Music & Just Music. It was conducted by Richard Hand, the reknown guitarist from London. It was held in Kian Kok Middle School.

Flute Workshop conducted by Ileana Ruhemann on 7 Feb. 2010

2010-02-08T01:21:00.000-08:00

The workshop is a combined effort organised by Prelude Music, Just Music and Jesselton Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO). It is conducted by BBC Concert Orchestra's Principal Flutist, Ileana Ruhemann from London.

The Prelude Music Organising Committee for Flute & Guitar Duo

2010-02-07T03:37:00.000-08:00

One of the CDs sold on the night.

The organising committee with the Duo after the performance.

Flute & Guitar Duo on 6 Feb 2010

2010-02-07T03:30:00.000-08:00

Musical Sharing with members of the Priority Club. Members are mostly students of Prelude Music and their parents. They were all mesmerized by the sound of guitar & flute. What an experience indeed!

Flute & Guitar Duo Rehearsal

2010-02-05T23:38:00.000-08:00

Launching of Priority Club

2010-01-27T07:51:00.000-08:00

The Priority Club was launched on 16 Jan 2010 during the first concert organized by Prelude Music this year. The Priority Club is set up in mind to facilitate the concert goers so that they are more informed about the concerts organized by Prelude Music in advance.

Membership for the Priority Club is open to all - music lovers, music professionals, retired music professionals and friends of music. After you have filled the membership form and paid the membership fee of RM10, you will be given a membership card with your name written on it and your membership number.

Kindly note the following points, as they are crucial to making full and effective use of your membership with Priority Club:

Membership benefits include reduced admission to concerts organized by Prelude Music during the course of their membership.
Memberships expire after a maximum period of one year. Expired memberships can be renewed by a procedure similar to taking a fresh membership at the time of the concerts. Memberships are, of course, non-transferable.
Members will be given opportunities to attend and participate in workshops and masterclasses organized by Prelude Music.
Your membership card is your only identification as Priority Club member. Loss of membership card/request for replacement will have to be reported to the person concerned at the Hospitality Desk at the time of the concert.
As member you will receive advance and reminder notices regarding music events organized by Prelude Music. You will be updated regularly through e-mail.

All queries should be addressed to the pmprorityclub@gmail.com. We hope you enjoy your association with us as a Music Club Member.

Flute & Guitar Duo on 6 Feb 2010

2010-01-26T07:01:00.000-08:00

2010-01-26T06:14:00.000-08:00

Richard Hand was an open scholar at the Royal Academy of Music where he won the Julian Bream Prize, the string players prize and the Academy's highest award: the Recital Diploma.He has performed as a concerto soloist frequently, including at the South Bank and St. Martin-in-the Fields in London, and in Cape Town.

He is much in demand as an ensemble player, playing at the BBC Proms, an extensive interna-tional tour with Tetra and in the Alibas flute and guitar duo who have played in France, Spain,South Africa and Kenya.

lleana Ruhemann was appointed principal flute of the BBC Concert Orchestra in 1989. Shehas played guest principal with many other orchestras including the BBC Symphony,London Symphony, Royal Opera House, London Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields.

lleana frequently gives solo recitals for BBC Radio 2 and 3 and is a member of Jeux and Capri corn, with whom she has toured extensively and recorded for Hyperion. In 1997 she recorded Peter Maxwell Davies's Flute Concerto for BBC Radio 3. Ileana was invited to give some of the first concerts in Bosnia, following the war, as a soloist with the London Mozart Players.

On Saturday, 6 February 2010, the Priority Club members of Prelude Music will have a chance to be mesmerized by the music play by the Duo from UK, Richard Hand (Guitar) & Ileana Ruhemann (Flute). The performance will start at 7.30pm sharp. This is a musical sharing session specially arranged for members of The Priority Club only. This will be followed by workshops and masterclasses on the following day. For admission and further details please contact Alice at 016-833 3034.

"...superbly played music. Expressive and stylish performances made every item an enjoyable experience. Both players have enviable techniques and play with perfectly matched musician ship. Don't miss this duo... you won’t be disappointed."
GUITAR INTERNATIONAL

Concert Program

2010-01-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

Scarlatti ----------- Two Sonatas

Grieg -------------- Humoresk, Anitra's Dance, Solveig's Song, Little Bird

Mozart ------------ Variations and Rondo Alla Turca K331

Tarrega ----------- Cappricio Arabe

Debussy ----------- Syrinx

Celso Machado --- Musiques Populaires Brasilliennes

INTERVAL

Stephen Goss------ From Honey to Ashes

Codo Nivalo ------ Caminho a tres Coracoes

Renato Galvao ---- Maringa

Chopin ------------- Variations on a theme of Rossini

Astor Piazzolla ---- Histoire du Tango

The program is a mixture of popular classics, jazz and folk inspired South American music.

ABRSM High Scorers Concert 2010 in KK

2010-01-25T19:52:00.000-08:00

Jamie Dai on the Violin

Keryn Liew on the Cello

Michelle Cham on the Violin

Melissa Leong on Vocal

Accompanist for all Ku Sim Yee

2010-01-25T18:02:00.000-08:00

Chong Jia Cheng receiving the Certificate from Mr Bill Thomson (South East Asia Regional Coordinator)

Group photo of all the High Scorers and their teachers.

Talk and Masterclass by Cecilia Yap at UMS

2010-01-19T00:18:00.000-08:00

Vocal Masterclass by Cecilia Yap at Prelude Music on 17 Jan 2010

2010-01-18T00:06:00.000-08:00

Cecilia Yap on the piano giving some tips to Phoebe Siew.

Cecilia Yap's Vocal Recital on 16 Jan 2010

2010-01-17T23:42:00.000-08:00

Photo with some of the UMS students after the concert.

Lee Hui, Loo Bang Hean (accompanist), Sook Peng's Friend, Phoon Sook Peng, Stephanie Wong, Cecilia Yap, Yap Ling, Grace Lee, Phoebe Siew & Jacob Dalager.

Teacher David Tiong's Birthday on 5 Jan 2010

2010-01-06T00:28:00.000-08:00

Prelude Music gave Teacher David a birthday surprise!

2009-12-25T22:51:00.000-08:00

Music enthusiasts are in for a treat with an exclusive performance by one of the top Malaysian Divas, Cecilia Yap accompanied on the piano by Loo Bang Hean. The vocal recital, entitled A Night of Art Songs & Opera Arias consists of songs and arias by famous Italian composers Vivaldi of the Baroque Period, Rossini of the Classical Period, Bellini and Puccini of the Romantic Period, Norwegian composer Grieg and 20th Century French composer Poulenc, to name a few. The Concert is set to enthrall the audience with the performer’s grace, skill and virtuosity. The accompanist for the night will be the prominent pianist, Loo Bang Hean. The concert presented by Prelude Music will be held on this Saturday, 16th Jan, 8PM at Recital Hall, University Malaysia Sabah.

Tickets for the recital priced at RM100, RM50 and RM30 (for students). Limited tickets are also available on recital night at the ticketing counter. For tickets enquiries, please call Prelude Music（016-833 3034）.

2009-12-25T22:00:00.000-08:00

大马女高音叶洁芝将为本地艺术歌曲爱好者呈献“琴语集”独唱会。被誉为在聲樂演奏會，包括歌曲和歌劇由巴洛克時期著名的意大利作曲家維瓦爾第（Vivaldi），古典時期的羅西尼（Rossini)，浪漫主義時期的貝里尼(Bellini)和普契尼 (Puccini)，挪威作曲家格里格(Grieg)和二十世紀法國作曲家普朗克(Poulenc) 等多首著名艺术歌曲。該音樂會由前奏音樂室主办，將於本星期六，一月十六日，晚上八時正，假馬來西亞沙巴大學演奏廳 (Dewan Resital) 演出。音乐会中多样丰富的曲风，带领观众们走进音乐的殿堂，享受“琴”与“歌”结合的高超艺术境界。

叶洁芝毕业于意大利罗马国立音乐学院，师承Lorraine Nawa Jones 和Kristin Ann Saldarelli 学习声乐，后追随意大利著名歌剧导演Marcello Ferroni 钻研舞台艺术表演。留意期间，曾在各地演出，并被邀至当地国家电台RAI 演出。1994年获得意大利第七届Cascinalirica 国际声乐大赛得优胜奖，也是唯一亚裔得奖者。意大利著名歌剧刊物“L’Opera”评述其演唱具细致丰富的音乐语言及充满戏剧生命张力。回国后她曾多次被激演出歌剧与音乐会，足迹遍及全马各地，韩国，新加坡，台湾及印尼。曾演出的歌剧剧码有Micaela [Carmen], Mother [Hansel und Grete], Liu [Turandot] 以及担任多部神剧及大型合唱作品赌场，包括海顿之《创世纪》，蒙德尔颂之《以利亚》，《十篇95》和《颂赞之歌》， Vivaldi- “Gloria”, Vivaldi 与Handel之“Dixis Dominum”，贝多芬之《第九交响曲》以及《黄河大合唱》。

叶洁芝也常是大型音乐会独唱的常客，近年邀演出有Villa-Lobos 之Bachiana Brasileiras 声乐组曲赌场，Singapore Lyrique Opera 15th 周年音乐会“Glimpses of Asia”, “GRANDISSIMO!”gala [庆祝我国最高元首诞辰]，印尼耶加达之“Casta Diva”, 2006年YTL 50周年庆典Opera Gala “Nuit d’Amour”, “DIVA!” Gala, “Mozart 250” 以及“Masquerade”。

举行个人独唱音乐会是叶洁芝认为最富挑战的演出形式，曾多次与我国杰出知名的钢琴家一起演出：鲍以灵，卢邦贤，欧阳瑶芝， Ng Chong Lim 以及钟国廷。她的演唱得到许多大众，报章以及乐评的肯定，更被我国Boh Plantation 所赞助网上艺术评委Kakiseni颁发2002年度“Cameronian Art’s Award”的最佳独唱演唱奖。

担任此次的钢琴伴奏为知名钢琴家卢邦贤，他是我国其中一名最活跃的钢琴演奏家，除了曾参与多项演奏会，他也为全国各地的音乐老师，主持音乐共作坊。

沙巴音乐学习者或爱好者，可以在当晚门外购买入门票，千万不要错失良机。演奏会票价分别是RM30 (学生) ，RM50 或RM100。有关详情，请联络 016-833 3034.

Profile of Cecilia Yap

2009-12-25T21:55:00.000-08:00

Cecilia Yap trained at the Conservatorio of “Santa Cecilia” in Rome, Italy, under renowned sopranos K.S.Ann Saldarelli and Lorraine Nawa Jones Marenzi. After her graduation, she furthered her music studies with acclaimed operatic directors of “Arte Scenica”, Marcello Ferroni and Marcella Govoni.

During the eight years in Italy Cecilia appeared in numerous recitals as well as national TV. She was the winner of the 7th International Vocal Competition at Cascina, Italy in 1994 as well as being only Asian finalist. Her performances received critical acclaim from “L’Opera”, a leading opera magazine, which noted her dramatic flair and refined vocal expression and interpretation.

Since returning to South-East Asia Cecilia has appeared regularly in recitals and operas. She has performed in various countries including Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Korea and Singapore. Her more recent operatic performances include Penang Arts Council’s productions as Micaela in Carmen, Mother in Hansel und Gretel and Liu in Turandot. She has also been invited to perform solo roles in many major oratorio productions both in and outside Malaysia, including Handel’s “Messiah”, Haydn’s “Creation”, Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” and choral works “Hymn of Praise” and “Psalm 95”, Vivaldi’s Gloria in D (RV 589), Handel’s Dixit Dominus (HWV 232), Vivaldi’s Dixit Dominus (RV 594), Beethoven’s Symphony No.9 and “The Yellow River” cantata. She was also the soloist in Asia’s premiere of Handel’s Gloria (HWV deest), a work newly discovered in 2001.

In 2006, Cecilia was a featured soloist in the Singapore Lyric Opera’s 15th anniversary concert, “Casta Diva” in Jakarta, “Nuit d’Amour” opera gala as part of YTL’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations, the 2006 “DIVA!” – an opera gala with three distinguished Asian sopranos, “Grandissimo!”, a gala concert in the presence of Malaysian Royalty, “Mozart 250 gala concert” to celebrate Mozart’s 250th birth anniversary and “Masquerade”- an evening of operetta by Strauss, Lehar and Sullivan.

In the following year Cecilia was the soloist in Genting International Showroom’s “Valentine concert – Love & Passion” and Singapore Lyric Opera’s (SLO) “Viva Verdi” Opera Gala. 2008’s schedule was busy as ever, with appearances as the soloist in “Musical Journey” with Malaysia’s National Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Mustafa Fuzer Nawi, “Puccini Gala” (SLO production) and a Christmas Concert in Singapore’s Esplanade Concert Hall as well as a concert tour of Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” in East Malaysia.

Cecilia was also the recipient of the Best Solo Performance of the Year Award at the 2002 Cameronian Arts Awards organized by ‘Kakiseni’ and sponsored by Boh Plantations.
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Reviews:
“Yap certainly lived up to expectations. Her voices was clear and powerful, and superbly control even for the most demanding songs…” Malay Mail

“Yap is a singer of rare musicality and stunning virtuosity. Her voice left the audience in awe with its sheer power, wide range and histrionic ability…” The Star

“Carmen” – “Cecilia brought humanity to Micaela…Her voice was clarity and sweetness, sorrow and loss” Kakiseni.com

“Viva Verdi” -…Very secure technique, blossoming in the higher range, with ease and freedom in the singing that was welcome, as well as some real dramatic flair with no sacrifice to beauty of tone.” The Flying Inkpot, Singapore

Profile of Loo Bang Hean (Pianist)

2009-12-25T20:27:00.000-08:00

In England Bang Hean Studied with Yanty Solomon, John Blakely and Dennis Lee. He won numerous prizes at the RCM and was chosen to appear in a Royal Gala Evening at St. James’s Palace attended by Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. Awards from the Anthony Salfmarsh Prize and the Countess of Munster Musical Trust enabled him to undergo post-graduate studies with the Hungarian teacher Professor Banika Deckers in Milan, Italy.

Back in Malaysia since 1995, Bang Hean regularly appears in solo recitals, chamber concerts and concerto performers. He has appeared in concerto performances with the National Symphony Orchestra, Penang Symphony Orchestra, Penang State Symphony Orchestra and PJ Youth Band. Bang Hean also works frequently with various instrumentalists including members of the National Symphony Orchestra and the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, giving chamber music performances. Apart from Malaysia he has also performed in England, Italy, Brunei, Singapore, Hong Kong and Korea.
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“..mastery of his instrument is astounding…his tone, power and musicality are superb..”- The Sunday Mail

The 3rd Day of Vivaldi 4 Seasons Concert on 8Nov09

2009-11-09T09:26:00.000-08:00

Yap Ling playing solo with the "Scroll" which he directed.

All the members of "Scroll".

The 3 days of Vivaldi 4 Seasons Concerts is initiated and organised by Cheong Kok Ann under Prelude Music in collaboration with UMS.

The 2nd Day of Vivaldi 4 Seaons with soloist Yap Ling

2009-11-08T09:21:00.000-08:00

Group photo with the Rotary Club members after the concert.

Vivaldi 4 Seasons 1st Concert by "Scroll" on 6Nov09 at Dewan Resital UMS

2009-11-07T08:59:00.000-08:00

The soloists are: Spring - James Lau; Summer - Eben Ting; Autumn - Aldrich Tan; Winter - Sophie Van Aerde.

Soloist in the middle - James Lau

Yap Ling, Aldrich Tan, Michael Heng & Sophie Van Aerde on the violins.

Yap Ling leading the "Scroll". Jessie Ye (behind).

Soloist - Aldrich Tan

Vivaldi's 4 Seasons Concert in KK on 6, 7 & 8 Nov.09

2009-11-04T17:57:00.000-08:00

This will be the Premiere series of concerts for the Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to be performed in Sabah, led by soloist Yap Ling with the local chamber orchestra Scrolls.

The Scrolls is made up of 18 among the finest string players from Sabah and Sarawak. This will be their debut concerts too. The soloists for the Friday Concert are James Lau (Spring), Eben Ting (Summer), Aldrich Tan (Autumn) and Sophie Van Aedre (Winter). Yap Ling will appear as soloist for all the 4 Seasons on Saturday and Sunday.

Organized by Rotary Club Kota Kinabalu, University Malaysia Sabah and Prelude Music under its event organiser, Cheong Kok Ann, the aim of these performances is to raise funds as a private initiative for Rotary’s Clean Water project, as well as to reacquaint lovers of classical and baroque music with Vivaldi’s unique and timeless Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter concertos.

Concerts will be held at the UMS Recital Hall on the following dates:

Friday 6th November 2009 @ 8pm – Tickets are RM30

Saturday 7th November 2009 @ 8pm – Tickets are RM100 & RM50 for adults, RM30 for students

Sunday 8th November 2009 @ 2pm – Tickets are RM100 & RM50 for adults, RM30 for students

For more information please email sabahclassical@gmail.com or call +6-016 8333034

巴色教会亚庇堂感恩庆典赞美晚会 31Oct09

2009-11-01T20:52:00.000-08:00

Prelude Music was invited by the Basel Church, Likas to send some strings players to accompany the Combined Choir for their 60th Anniversary Choral Concert at the church.

2009-11-01T19:42:00.000-08:00

DUOS Concert on 30Oct09 at Dewan Resital, UMS, KK

2009-10-31T09:37:00.000-07:00

Souviner presentation:
Grace Lee (Pianist for DUOS), President of Lion Club, Datuk Masidi & Datin Amy Yee.

DUOS - Foo Say Ming (violin) & Yap Ling (viola)

Foo Say Ming playing a solo number with Grace Lee on the piano.

For remembrance:

The charity concert was organised in aid of Lion Club.

Classical Journey Concert by "Duos" on 28 & 30 Oct.

2009-10-22T17:54:00.000-07:00

Prelude Music will be presenting the Classical Journey by “DOUS”, a chamber music concert featuring Singaporean violinist Foo Say Ming, and KK's eminent husband and wife duo, Yap Ling and Grace Lee. DUOS will present some duos and duets repertoire written for violin and piano, violin and viola, & 2 violins pieces including pieces by Romantic Belgium violin composer Charles de Beriot, Baroque composer Handel and French Jazz composer Darius Milhaud. There will also a Chinese folk tune entitled Glowing Red Morningstar Lilies. For the finale, our trio of musicians will transport you to sunny Spain with the scintillating "Navarra", a brilliant showpiece written by the Spanish composer and virtuoso Sarasate. With the deft skills of violinist Foo Say Ming and violist/violinist Yap Ling, and accompanied by Grace Lee on piano, Classical Journey is set to enthrall and entertain.

The concert in Kota Kinabalu will also raise fund for 2 bodies namely the Lion Club of KK City for their Medical Camp and in aid of SRS Datuk Simon Fung Audio Visual Facilities. Prelude Music is also very honored to be able to work with The Borneo Post, See Hua Daily News and Life&Style.com.my as the event media.

Singaporean violinist Foo Say Ming 符史洺walked away with two 1st prizes of the competition: in the Violin (Open) Category, and the Ensemble (Open) Category. The judging panel also unanimously awarded him the grand prize of the competition: the Best Performer Award. He remains the only musician in the competition's history to have received multiple awards.

Say Ming furthered his musical studies at the Royal College of Music (London, United Kingdom) where he studied with Rodney Friend (concertmaster of BBC Symphony Orchestra and former leader of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra). He was awarded several prizes at the College, notably The Margerie & Arnold Ziff Prize for The Outstanding Graduation Recital, a Concerto Prize, an Exhibition Prize, and the WH Reed Prize. A recipient of a Monte de Paschi Summer Scholarship, he studied at the Academia Musicale Chigiana in Sienna (Italy) with renowned Russian violinist, Boris Belkin. He was later accepted into the Conservatoire de Lausanne (Switzerland), where he continued his studies with the great French violinist Pierre Amoyal, a protégé of the great Jascha Heifetz. He was conferred Virtuosité (Premier Prix avec Félicitations du Jury).

Say Ming has been featured as soloists with Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO), playing works by Lalo, Saint-Saëns, Glazunov, Walton, Rosza, to name a few. In addition, he was also featured as soloist with Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne (Switzerland). He was featured and soloist and director in “Seasons”, a project with the Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, performing Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" and giving Singapore's premier of Piazolla's "The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires". He was featured soloist with National University of Singapore Symphony Orchestra (NUSSO) on its successful tour to Scotland at the Aberdeen International Youth Festival (Scotland).

In the capacity of conductor/director, Say Ming is conductor of the Singapore National Youth Sinfonia. He is also assistant conductor of the NUSSO.

Say Ming leads and directs the chamber orchestra "re: mix”. Since its formation, “re: mix” has collaborated with many of Singapore's finest composers and various arts groups, and has been responsible for the commission of new repertoire for this genre. They have just given a charity concert last month at the Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort, KK.

Yap Ling 叶凌 is a versatile musician who performs, teaches, conducts and arranges music. After obtaining his LRSM in 1986, he entered the Royal Academy of Music, London (RAM). At the RAM, Yap Ling studied under Clarence Myerscough (violin), Adrian Leaper & Denise Ham (Conducting) and Roger Steptoe (Orchestration/ composition).While in London he was the Concertmaster for the Chelsea Symphony Orchestra, the Chelsea String Quartet, The London Chinese Ensemble and the Piano Trio under the Amadeus Quartet’s tutelage. Upgrading and performances has taken him to Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand, Hong Kong, Germany, Italy, France, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Moscow (Russia), China and USA.

In 1990, he participated in the 1st World Youth Music Camp in KL and the 1st Pacific Music Festival in Japan (under the baton of Maestro Leonard Bernstein). He represented Malaysia as a violin tutor in the 1991 ASEAN Youth Music Workshop in Jakarta, Indonesia. He was a string tutor at UNIMAS & conducted their orchestra. He was the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor for the 1st and the 2nd Sarawak Music Camp in Kuching and Sibu respectively for 1999 and 2001. In June this year, he organized the 1st Sabah State Music Camp at UMS where he was also the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor.

Now Yap Ling is the conductor of Jesselton Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO), Kian Kok Youth Orchestra (KKYO), the Tshung Tsin String Orchestra and the Guest Conductor for the Miri Orchestra and Choir (MOC). As a chamber musician, besides Duos he is also the violinist for the MP3rio, the Malaysian Ars Nova Ensemble and the L’espressivo Trio which have performed regularly in Malaysia and abroad. He has led the orchestra for performances of Mendelssohn's Elijah, Handel’s Messiah and Haydn’s Creation under the baton of Rev. Lee Chung Ming which has performed for numerous concerts in various parts of Malaysia including Sandakan in 1998.

In 1997 he was conferred the Associate of the Royal Academy of Music (ARAM) in recognition for his contribution towards developing the music standard and promoting music in this part of the world.

Besides giving regular recitals with his wife Grace Lee, he has also appeared as soloist with the Monash Simfonia in Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, the Penang Symphony Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) from KL playing the Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto. He also conducted the Violin Masterclasses for ABRSM in Malaysia and regularly giving violin masterclasses and orchestra workshops throughout the country. Presently he also teaches at UMS.

Not given to inactivity, the DUOS will be performing in KK on 30 Oct and a week later, on 6, 7 & 8 Nov, Yap Ling will be playing the solo for the Vivaldi’s 4 Seasons with the Scrolls, a chamber string orchestra which he directed in KK.

Grace Lee Sui Lin 李瑞玲 obtained her Bachelor of Music degree from Auckland University, where she studied piano under Professor Tamas Vesmas. She also had conducting lessons with Uwe Groud and Karen Grill. While there, Grace conducted the Auckland Chinese Choir and served as pianist for several choirs.

Besides giving solo performances she plays chamber music and serves as an orchestra pianist. She is a member of the L’espressivo Trio (Vocal-Violin-Piano) which have performed in Miri in March 2006. She also accompanies several prominent choirs and musicians which includes the Singaporean violinist Foo Say Ming and the soprano Phoon Sook Peng from time to time. These have taken her to England, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei and all over Malaysia. In order to upgrade herself, she also took up consultation lessons abroad with professors including Jeffrey Pratley and Tamara Smolyar.

In 2000, she attended the Professional Development Program for Music Teacher conducted by the AMEB in September in Melbourne. She also attended a special short-term upgrading program at the Monash University then.

In 2005, Grace performed the Mozart Double Piano Concerto with Thomas Ling and the Kota Kinabalu Symphony Orchestra for the New Year Concert in Kota Kinabalu.

She played the orchestra reduction of the Yellow River Cantata for Concert with the choir on 12th May 2006 in Kota Kinabalu and later in October accompanied the “Duos” of violin and viola played by Foo Say Ming & Yap Ling for concerts in KK and Miri.

Grace 2008 concert activities include accompanying the Famous ‘Malaysian 3 Tenors’- David Ngim, Lim Cheong Hock and Armando Chin Yong and Sabah based Soprano Phoon Sook Peng in “The Yellow River Cantata”; Representing Sabah as an accompanist for National Art Song Singing Competition in KL in January; Accompanying two well known Sopranos from Taiwan in July; In September, playing solo with Jesselton Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) performing Two Piano Concerto in C Minor by J.S.Bach with Loo Bang Hean; In October, accompanying Phoon Sook Peng and Armando Chin Yong at KL PAC for the Dama Vocal Festival; In November, performing as a timpanist in Yap Ling Chamber Orchestra conducted by Rev Lee Chong Min playing “Elijah” by Mendelssohn in Sibu, Bintulu and Miri; As accompanist again representing Sabah for National Art Song Singing Competition in Penang.

In 2009 Grace appearances include organizing one day Children Choral Workshop at Song En Methodist Church; Playing as solo pianist and accompanist for the Grace Singers’ “Yellow River Cantata” Concert in Sibu in June; Concert with Phoon Sook Peng in Miri in September; Later on 6th, 7th and 8th November, she will be playing in the Vivaldi Concert with the Scrolls at the Dewan Resital, UMS, KK.

Besides playing the piano, she is also conducting the children choir for Penampang Song En Methodist Church in KK.

PERFORMANCES & TICKETS:

28th October 2009 – Sandakan, Dewan Kuliah Utama, ILP Sandakan
30th October 2009 – Kota Kinabalu, Dewan Resital, UMS

Please contact:
Alice: +6 016 833 3034 for Kota Kinabalu enquiries
Ms. Tham/Ms. Tang: +6 089 221 259 for Sandakan enquiries

All tickets are priced at RM30.

Please also check out this link, Life & Style for their offer of Complementary Tickets.

2009-10-22T17:31:00.000-07:00

2009-07-23T06:44:00.000-07:00

Free ABRSM Seminar on Grade 6 Theory on 1 June 09

2009-06-02T06:36:00.000-07:00

We are honoured to provide our studio for Mr. Bill Thompson to conduct the ABRSM Theory Grade 6 Seminar. There were about 40 people turn up. The response was very good indeed.

A Romantic Classical Evening with MP3rio on 25 April 09

2009-03-26T02:27:00.000-07:00

The Mp3rio will be performing in Dewan Resital, UMS on 25th April 09 at 8pm. Tickets are available from Alice 016-833 3034. They will also be conducting masterclasses at Sekolah Pengajian Seni, UMS on 24th morning.

To find out more about the MP3rio please click here.

Map of the Dewan Resital, UMS

2009-03-16T07:21:00.000-07:00

2009-03-15T07:25:00.000-07:00

The Malaysian Piano Trio or MP3rio will return to Kota Kinabalu for a chamber music performance at Dewan Resital, Universiti Sabah Malaysia on Saturday, April 25th 2009 at 8:00pm. The MP3rio has performed a few times here, and this time the theme for the concert is “A Romantic Classical Evening”.

The trio comprises violinist Yap Ling, cellist Jonathan Oh and pianist Loo Bang Hean. Yap is a well-known violinist, conductor and music educator based here in Kota Kinabalu. He has been conferred as an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music (ARAM), London for his contribution towards developing the standard of classical music and promoting it in Malaysia.

Jonathan was awarded a scholarship to study the cello in France by the French Music and Dance Association 2 years ago. He was the highest scorer for the ATCL examination of the Trinity College in Malaysia three years ago.

Bang Hean is one of the most active pianists in the country, appearing regularly in solo recitals, chamber concerts and concerto performances. He is also involved in educational work, regularly holding seminars and workshops for music teachers around the country.

As a piano trio ensemble, besides performing abroad, they have performed all over Malaysia, bringing chamber music to different parts of the county.

As the title suggests, “A Romantic Classical Evening” features works from the Romantic period, with pieces by Dvorak, Chopin, Rachmaninoff and Mendelssohn. These works were written by these composers still at an early stage of their compositional career, conveying much youthful ardour and passion.

There will be masterclasses conducted by the MP3rio at the Sekolah Pengajian Seni on 24th April at 9.00am The classes will be at Bilik Payung Mahkota for piano, Bilik Bunyi Guitar for violin and Bilik Zapin for cello.

Further information and tickets at RM30 & RM50 can be obtained from Prelude Music (Tel: 016-833 3034). Tickets will also be sold at the door before the concert.

ABRSM Basic Theory Foundation Course

2009-03-09T17:23:00.000-07:00

This course was designed for anyone (also for those who has not started theory) who would like to learn the basic of theory for an intensive period of 4 months. Students will have an hour of weekly class. The main purpose of this course is to prepare students to sit for the ABRSM Grade 5 Theory since it is compulsory to pass this before one can proceed to Grade 6 Practical Exam.

We could assure you that students will pass the ABRSM Grade 5 Theory Exam at the end of their course provided they attend at least 90% of the classes and do all their homework. Prelude Music has conducted this course for 3 years already and it has proven its success. For enquiry please contact Alice at 016-833 3034.

ABRSM Kota Kinabalu High Scorers Concert 2009

2009-01-15T15:31:00.000-08:00

Prelude Music is proud to acknowledge those students who are selected by the ABRSM to perform for the High Scorers Concert on 14 Jan 09 at Le Meridian Hotel, KK. They are the highest scorers in ABRSM Practical exam in KK for their grades in their perspective instruments.

For the violin they are: Arthur Loo (Gr.2), Larson Loh (Gr.3), Jeanna Thien (Gr.5), Lisa Chung (Gr.6) and Nicholas Liew (Gr.8). For the cello: Yap Yi (Gr.2) & Chong Ching Yi (Gr.3). We also would like to thank the accompanists Ku Sim Yee, David Tiong and Grace Lee. Congratulation to all! The concert went very well indeed with packed audience of more than 100. Thanks to Mr Bill Thomson (The South- East Asia Regional Coordinator) & the ABRSM too for putting up the HSC which gives the students opportunities to acquire some public performance experience.

Photo: Lisa, Jeanna, Mr Thomson, Nicholas, Yi, Ching Yi, Grace, Yap Qin, Yap Ling, Larson & Arthur.

Prelude Music Annual Dinner and New Year Dinner on 11 Jan 09

2009-01-12T22:22:00.000-08:00

All music teachers and assistants are invited.

Yap Ling (Music Director), Grace Lee, Alice Chong, Stephanie Kam, Olivia Tan, Yap Yin Yun, Rachel Lee, Ku Sim Yee, Aldrich Tanyin Pinso, Lisa Chung, Yap Yi, Yap Qin & Yung Pei Hua. Not in the photo: David Tiong

Wedding Anniversary & Birthday Gig on 28 Nov

2008-11-29T01:42:00.000-08:00

Prelude String Quartet was again invited to play for Mr Gulam Khan & Aishah's 40th Wedding Anniversary and Aishah's Birthday. I must say the Tanjung Aru's Grand Ballroom was beautifully set up for the ocassion. The Buffet Banquet Dinner and the program for the night were all very well thought out and planned by the family including Ms. Noraini and Ms. Afeiza. Beside the quartet performance there were performance by UMS Band lead by Lester, Line Dancing lead by Philippine's Instructors and etc. Among the invited guests were Datuk Musa Haji Aman (Sabah CM), Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat (Former Sabah CM) and Datuk Masidi Manjun (Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment). Photo below showing the ballroom setup and the quartet.

The Music That The Prelude Music String Quartet Plays

2008-11-28T00:50:00.000-08:00

This is recorded during the quartet practiced on 27th Nov.

Girl From Ipanema

Prelude Music String Quartet Playing for the IEM (Sabah) 32nd Annual Dinner 08'

2008-11-23T09:43:00.000-08:00

Prelude String Quartet was invited to perform for the IEM (Sabah) 32nd Annual Dinner at the Magellan Grand Ballroom on 22 Nov 08. Photo of Lisa Chia (1st violin), Clara Wong (2nd violin), Yap Ling (Viola) and Annabel Tiu (Cello)

3rd ASEAN International Chopin Piano Competition in KL

2008-11-21T06:07:00.000-08:00

Keryn Liew, Yap Qin, Grace Lee, Prof. Snezana Panovska & Nicholas Liew

Some of our students were participating in the 3rd ASEAN International Chopin Piano Competition in KL from 17 - 22 Nov 08. It is indeed a very good experience for them and also an eye-opener. They have learnt so much from this and also making friends with quite a number of young musicians there.

Prelude Music String Quartet's Gig on 15 Nov 08

2008-11-16T22:51:00.000-08:00

The quartet was invited to play for the Wedding Dinner of Annie & Daniel Loi. This is the first wedding dinner banquet to be held in 1 Borneo Ballroom and also the first time they have a quartet playing there. I must say the sound system is good. Photo of Alice (viola), Anabel (cello), How Cu (violin) and Yap Ling (violin)

Quartet Performance for Daniel Looi's Wedding Banquet on 15 Nov 08 at 1 Borneo Grand Ballroom

2008-11-16T04:38:00.000-08:00

Alice Hong (viola), Anabel Tiu (cello), Ha How Cu (violin) & Yap Ling (violin)

Thanks for the Birthday Cake

2008-10-07T17:48:00.000-07:00

Yummy..... A surprise gift from students who left it in the fridge when we were all out. It was a home make birthday cake which tasted better than all those for sale commercially. I felt very touch lah. Thank you very much to Stephanie Kam, Alice Chong, Aldrich Tan, Clara Wong, Ku Sim Yee, Yung Pei Hua, Charlotte Teo, Choo Chee Wee & Yap Yin Yun. This year no party, too old for that. Just a quiet dinner with family.

Carol Yu's Piano recital at GCM

2008-09-27T18:01:00.000-07:00

Some of the younger audience queuing to get the autograph from Carol.

Photo taken with some of the working committee.

Piano Recital by Carol Yu on 26 September at GCM

2008-09-25T03:16:00.000-07:00

A classical piano recital will be held on Friday 26 September at the Kelab Gymkhana Miri (GCM). The piano recital will be given by the well-known pianist from Hong Kong, Carol Yu. The concert is organized by Prelude Music and will commence at 7.30pm. The aim of the concert is to promote the continued proliferation of fine music in Miri.

For admission tickets please contact Chew Lee Fong ( 016-873 8620) or Joseph Chai (012-877 3399). Tickets are also available for sale at the entrance to the concert.

2008-09-25T02:38:00.000-07:00

2008-09-25T02:30:00.000-07:00

Carol Yu

Biography

‘excellent, positive work at the piano’ The Times, United Kingdom

'an artist whose manner of playing is notable for its professionalism, good taste and a sense of style’

Viktor Merzhanov, Professor at Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory

‘Yu’s interpretation was exquisite. She exuded complete serenity from the moment she stepped on stage. Every note was played with feeling and understanding’ New Straits Times, Malaysia

Carol Yu is highly praised for her exquisite tone and versatile technique, her playing embodies poetry, lyricism and intensity. She studied in her early years with Hamish Milne and Philip Fowke. Her artistic style was further influenced by the Russian piano school, studying with several renowned Russian masters Viktor Merzhanov, Irina Zaritskaya and Andrzej Esterhazy. She attended masterclasses by Kendall Taylor, Stephen Bishop-Kovacevich and Bernard Roberts, and studied chamber music with Anne-Sophie Mutter, Lynn Harrell and the Amadeus Quartet.

Carol Yu was first prizewinner in the Oxford Music Competition and Kingsclere Piano Competition. She won prestigious scholarships from the Countess of Munster Musical Trust and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Music & Dance Fund to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London, graduating with the Bachelor and Master Degrees in first class honours. She further obtained the Künstlerische Ausbildung in Performance from the Staatliche Hochschule für Musik, Trossingen (Germany).

She has performed in major concert halls in London (Southbank Centre and Barbican Centre), Germany, Russia, Czech Republic, Japan, China, Malaysia and Brunei. Among her numerous concerts abroad, Ms. Yu has performed for the House of Lords in London, the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe, the Chopin Society (London), the London Messiaen Festival and the International Piano Festival in Kuala Lumpur. She performed in Shanghai for the 10th Anniversary of Hong Kong SAR Reunification, and was Artistic Director to a concert involving 15 pianists performing together on stage. Her forthcoming concerts include recitals in Cambridge, Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck.

She has collaborated with many instrumentalists including the Meridian Ensemble (UK) and the Fiorini Trio, and given concerto peformances with Malaysia National Symphony Orchestra, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Chamber Orchestra, with conductor Li Xin-cao. Her solo album of Chopin and Beethoven piano works was released on URM Audio (UK), and live recording was made for Moscow Radio.

A keen educator, Carol Yu is on the Piano Faculty of Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University and Hong Kong Institute of Education, given lectures and masterclasses in Japan, Malaysia, China and Hong Kong. Adjudicator for Steinway & Sons International Youth Piano Competition, Hong Kong Young Musician of the Year and Hong Kong (Asia) Piano Open Competition, and examiner for the Australian and New Zealand Cultural Arts (ANZCA) diploma music examinations. She presented papers on Music Performance and Music Psychology at 27th World Conference of the International Society of Music Education and 6th Asia Pacific Symposium on Music Education Research.

Prelude String Quartet Playing for ABMB Annual Dinner 4 Sept. 08

2008-09-04T19:04:00.000-07:00

Prelude String Quartet was invited by the Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad to perform for its Annual Dinner at Tanjung Aru Shangri-La Beach Resort.

Aldrich, Stephanie, Annebel & Yap Ling

Lunch in between Masterclasses

2008-08-19T23:37:00.000-07:00

Piano Masterclasses were conducted in Prelude Music on 18 Aug in the morning by Ms. Toh Chee Hung and in the afternoon by Mr Dennis Lee.

In between we all went for lunch at D-Junction, treated by Audrey Chin (chairman of KKMS). Jamie Sales & Yap Ling were conducting workshop with KKYO at Kian Kok Middle School.

Photo: Eric Leong, Clare Ma, Jamie Sales, Yap Ling, Audrey's son, Audrey Chin, Dennis Lee, Toh Chee Hung, Grace Lee & Lai Mei Kuen

After Concert Photo - Matthew Kam Piano Recital on 20 July 2008 in DBP, KK

2008-07-21T04:10:00.000-07:00

Matthew Kam gave a credential performance with an amazing showmanship of technical mastery couple with the production of a wide variety of tone colors which portray suitably the different styles, periods, genre of music by the different composers. The concert was very well received . A successful concert indeed.

Photo of some of Prelude Music Students and the fans.

Masterclass Given by Prof. Max Cooke at Prelude Music on 20 July 2008

2008-07-21T03:51:00.000-07:00

Photo taken with Prelude Music Students

Matthew Kam Piano Recital in GCM (Miri) on 19 July 2008

2008-07-20T03:46:00.000-07:00

After concert photo:
Louis, Prof. Max Cooke, Annie Kam, Kam Kah Weng, Yap Ling, Matthew Kam, Chiam Su Lee & James Lau

Piano Recital in Miri and Kota Kinabalu by Matthew Kam

2008-06-21T02:09:00.000-07:00

Prelude Music will be organising 2 piano recitals in July, one in Miri on 19th and one on 20th in Kota Kinabalu.

Matthew Kam is a rising star in the new generation of Classical music performing artists. His solo performances have been widely recognized as being warm, sensitive and intelligent, ‘full of drama and great lyrical expressiveness’. A critic in The Age of Melbourne described him as an “engaging young pianist [who] rises above the note-spinners; an interesting musician, one who shows a winning potential to take you further into challenging music.” Internationally acclaimed Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara (b.1928) wondered in a recent personal letter how Matthew, so far removed from the surroundings which gave birth to and nurtured him and his music, could “so naturally grasp and interpret my music”. A versatile artist, Matthew also enjoys performing in chamber music ensembles, exploring a wide-ranging repertoire from the classics to the avant-garde.

Born in 1981 in Kuching, Matthew grew up and studied at the Methodist Primary School in Sibu. At age 10, he moved with his family to Kuala Lumpur where he completed his primary education at the Methodist Boys School. In 1994, Matthew moved with his family to Australia and began his secondary education in Melbourne, studying at the Caulfield Grammar and Carey Baptist Grammar Schools. In 1997, he did his higher secondary education at the International School of Kuala Lumpur and graduated with the International Baccalaureate in 2000.

Inspired by his elder sister Charissa, Matthew began learning the piano when he was five. In his formative years in Malaysia, he was taught and inspired by several piano teachers including the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra pianist Akiko Nakamura, Choristers director Yap Cheng May and well-known pianist and educationist Loo Bang Hean.

Whilst in Australia, leading music professor and pianist Max Cooke (OAM, Bundesverdienstkreuz) of the University of Melbourne who formerly trained in Paris with Alfred Cortot, recognized Matthew’s potential and decided to accept him as one of his protégés. Professor Max Cooke has since continued to train and mentor Matthew in his ongoing professional development.

In 2000 he was the highest prize-winner of the National Piano Festival Competition held in Ipoh and was awarded an International Undergraduate Scholarship by the University of Melbourne for studies in music. He graduated in 2004 with Bachelor of Music Performance (Honours) and did a post-graduate diploma course in performance at the Victoria College of the Arts in Melbourne in 2005.

In 2004 Matthew won the coveted Australian National Piano Award. In this competition, he was also awarded the Special Prize for the ‘Best Performance of Music Written after 1950’, which was specifically for his performance of Rautavaara’s Fire Sermon Sonata. Matthew also won the Hepzibah Menuhin Memorial Award, the 3MBS-FM Young Performer of the Year Award, National MBS Young Performers Award and many other prizes in the past. Matthew has made numerous live and recorded broadcasts for ABC Classic FM and MBS FM Network across Australia, and has appeared with BBC Radio 3 in England.

He moved to the UK from Australia in 2005 after receiving major scholarships and sponsorship for further studies at the Royal Northern College of Music, where he is currently a Junior Fellow in Solo Piano. His current teachers include Helen Krizos and Nelson Goerner. At the RNCM, Matthew has won a string of competition prizes and performed in several RNCM Music Festivals, as well as in the 2006 Second Glance and Peterborough Festivals in the UK. He was awarded the first Yamaha Piano Scholarship for Manchester in 2006. An RNCM Gold Medal Finalist in 2007, Matthew is a holder of the RNCM PGDip(Perf) and MMus(Perf) and is a sponsored artist of the Tallis Foundation of Australia.

Matthew has gained considerable performing experiences since the age of nineteen. He appeared as a soloist with the Melbourne University Symphony Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto, attended the Tanglewood programme in the United States in 1999, the 2003 Wiener Musikseminar, the 2003 Russian Piano XXVII Masterclasses and the 2006 Beethoven Chamber Music Course at Britten-Pears School in Aldeburgh, UK. He also toured parts of Western Europe and South East Asia, performing in solo recitals with the Team of Pianists in 2002 and 2003. Matthew has had masterclasses with Charles Rosen, Stephen Hough, Philippe Cassard, Paul Badura-Skoda, Vitaly Margulis and Andrea Bonatta. He recently gave performances of Rautavaara’s First Piano Concerto with the RNCM Symphony Orchestra in Lancaster and Manchester.

He has a busy performing schedule in 2008 for recitals in England, France, Malaysia and Australia. On 10 July 2008 he will give a solo recital at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre in connection with the HSBC Classics Piano Festival 2008.

In April 2008, he released his first commercial compact disc on the Schimmel Artist Collection label.

Matthew Kam's Piano Recitals in Miri & KK

2008-06-21T01:26:00.000-07:00

The Piano Recital will be held:

Date: 19 July 2008, Saturday
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Gymkhana Club Miri

-------------------------------------------------------

Date: 20 July 2008, Sunday
Time: 7.30pm
Venue:Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka, Likas, Kota Kinabalu

Admission Tickets: RM30 (Student) & RM50 (Adult). For purchasing please contact:

Kota Kinabalu : Alice – 016 833 3034

Miri : James – 013 830 1236; Joseph – 012 877 3399

Violin & Piano Recital on 16 April in KK & 17 April in Miri

2008-04-17T20:09:00.000-07:00

Prelude Music will be organising 2 concerts in Kota Kinabalu and Miri for the duo, violinist IsinCakmakcioglu and pianist Michael Loftus-Hills, both from Australia. This concert is made possible with the generous support of the Australia-Malaysia Institute.

The concert in Miri will be at the GCM on the 17th April at 7.30pm. For enquiry please call James at 013-830 1236.

Violinist Isin Cakmakcioglu is pursuing a busy chamber music and solo career as well as performing regularly for radio broadcasts, CD recordings and concerts. Isin has been a member of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra since migrating to Australia in 1993.

Isin was born in Germany of Turkish parents and studied in Istanbul, Vienna and London. His teachers include artists such as Maurice Hasson and members of the Alban Berg and Amadeus Quartets. He won second prize in the National Violin Competition in Turkey in 1989. He has performed solo and chamber music concerts in Turkey, Britain, Germany, France, Luxembourg, Israel, Malaysia, Brunei, New Zealand and Australia.

Isin was the violinist of Trio Melbourne for seven years, which performed to great critical acclaim in Australia and overseas. Their CD of 20th Century Piano Trios received many fine reviews. Future engagements include Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in Istanbul and the Australian premiere of Turkish composer Sidika Ozdil’s String Quartet as part of Melbourne Symphony’s 2008 season.

Michael Loftus-Hills is an accomplished pianist and violinist. He studied at the Victorian College of Arts in Melbourne and has performed throughout Australia with various symphony orchestras and ensembles. He has worked with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Victoria, the Academy of Melbourne and Australia Pro Arte chamber orchestras.

Michael has appeared as soloist with the Australian Opera and the Australian Ballet and was concertmaster of the Esterhaza Baroque Ensemble which performed at festivals and radio broadcasts. Michael is a highly sought after educator and teaching artist with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Victorian Arts Centre and runs his own teaching studio.

He is a violin lecturer at the Victorian College of the Arts and the University of Melbourne and has been a contract violinist with the Melbourne Symphony since 1996.

The artists acknowledge the generous financial support from the Australia-Malaysia Institute.

Violin & Piano Recital Concert Program and KK Venue

2008-04-17T03:16:00.000-07:00

Tartini - Sonata for violin & piano in e minor, op1, no.5
I.Largo II.Fuga. Allegro – Adagio III.Allegro

Beethoven - Sonata for violin & piano in F major “Spring”, op.24
I.Allegro II.Adagio molto espressivo III.Scherzo. Allegro molto VI.Rondo. Allegro ma non troppo

Intermission

Kreisler–Pugnani - Praeludium & Allegro

Szymanowski - Romance op.23

Wieniawski - Scherzo Tarantella

Bartok - Rumanian Folk Dances

Prelude Music String Quartet Playing Gigs

2008-01-03T07:11:00.000-08:00

Prelude music also trains the advanced students in playing chamber music hence preparing them for concerts, competitions & gigs. Playing gigs not only can be a lucrative part-time job but can also provide on stage performance experience for the musicians. Besides solos, we have a few eveready groups like duets, trios, quartets & string ensemble playing music of various genres. We will tailor to your need in providing soothing live music to create proper ambience to suite you in different occasions. We will assure the performances are quality controlled. Anyone who is interested to engage our chamber music groups for wedding, annual dinner, function and etc., please contact Yap Ling on 016-820 0355.

Prelude Music String Quartet: Aldrich Tanying, Jeorgein Calixtus, Jeorgelyne Calixtus & Stephanie Wong

At the wedding reception of Joseph & Vanessa on 2 Jan 2008 at the Grand Ballroom, The Magellan Sutera, Sutera Harbour Resort. They were also invited to perform for the Wedding Banquet of Steven & Jaime Wong at the same place on 29 Dec 2007.

"A December To Remember"

2007-12-08T17:47:00.000-08:00

An In-House Music Camp organised by Prelude Music with teacher Grace Lee, David Tiong, Ku Sim Yee & Kathy Choo.

Competition Trip to KL

2007-09-02T08:27:00.000-07:00

Good Harvest indeed! Our Prelude Music contingent has swept quite a number of trophies from the Malaysian Youth Music Festival 2007 organised by the Malaysian Youth Orchestra Foundation at the Palace of the Golden Horse on 1 September. Congratulation to all winners. These are the results of hard work and doing their best and not forgetting the support from the parents. Keep it up!

Group photo of students with their parents and trophies.

Midnight Puppet The Musical 19 August 2007

2007-08-20T21:04:00.000-07:00

There are quite a number of Prelude Music students involved in the production of the musical -Midnight Puppet as crew helping out in the following : 1) With the props - Malcolm Angus, Andrew Liaw, 2) The dressers - Stephanie Kam, Charlotte Teoh, Alice Chong; 3) With the microphones - Yung Pei Hua, Lisa Chung, Jane Ling; 4) Make up - Grace Lee; 5) Ushering & Ticketing - David Tiong, Lim Wai Chung. Yap Ling was the overall coordinator during the 2 shows. Thank you to them for job well done and was a good experience for all.

Concert on 28 July 2007

2007-07-11T05:27:00.000-07:00

Tickets at RM30 & RM20 (student) is available from:
Alice Tel: 016-833 3034

For More Details

Visit to Bukit Harapan

2007-05-29T03:38:00.000-07:00

Yet another charity drive organised by Prelude Music. This time is for Bukit Harapan, A home in dire straits. The difference this time is we had 30 students to share music with them by performing on the violin , piano and singing at Bukit Harapan. This time Prelude Music also collaborated with Pang Music who provided the piano.

The home is built over 1.6 acres of land given by the Sabah government, located by the Jalan Tuaran Bypass at Mile 4, in Inanam Laut, Menggatal. The Home spends about RM22-25,000 a month to meet the operation costs in taking care of its 47 residents, aged between 5 and 54. Most of them are orphans who are handicapped or have been abandoned. There are also single mums and rape victims. There are 16 full time staff who works round the clock.

Public are welcome to visit Bukit Harapan. They may contact the Home at 088-424567 or Audra 019-8505380 or emails: bukitharapan@hotmail.com or bukit.harapan@yahoo.com. Donations can be made to HSBC a/c 392-203030-001

We have donated a collective total of RM1850 to the Home and also a large quantities of groceries like rice, Milo, Nestum, biscuits, cooking oil, tooth paste, noodle, clothing etc. For all these Prelude Music would like to thank all those who have donated. Last but not least, thanks to our volunteers, a small organising committee made up of Ku Sim Yee, Yun Pei Hua & Vincent Law in making this event a success.

Group Photo of residents of Bukit Harapan, students from Prelude Music, Students' Parents, Pang Piano and all the administrative staff.

See Hua Newspaper - News Release

2007-05-29T02:35:00.000-07:00

Overseas Chinese daily News - Press Release

2007-05-29T02:30:00.000-07:00

Press Release on Wednesday 30 May 2007

2007-05-28T09:29:00.000-07:00

Jeana Thien accompanied by Yun Pei Hua

View from above: Olivia Tan

Grace Wong

Vincent Law "singing"

For more photos please click here

2007-05-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

Bryan Liew

Ednilson Lang

Grace Liew accompanied by David Tiong

Yee Tsai Howe

Musical Evening at Michael Heng's Residence (28 April 2007)

2007-04-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

This is the first time we have Musical Evening at student's house. There were about 30 people turned up. We all had a wonderful evening. Thanks to our host Michael Heng and his family for providing the refreshment and thier very warm hospitality.

Bryan Liew & Yap Ling

Naomi Tan & Yung Pei Hua

Jessica Wong & David Tiong

Elliot and his dad, Michael Heng

Latin Matinee (8 April 2007)

2007-04-09T20:02:00.000-07:00

Kuok Ann, Michael & Peter

After Concert group photo

Thank you and Acknowledgement

Latin Matinee (8 April 2007)

2007-04-09T19:58:00.000-07:00

With singer Natalie

Roger Wang

Phoon Sook Peng

Jacek Rubczak

Latin Matinee (8 April 2007)

2007-04-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

Kuok Ann, Simon Lau, Peter Lau & Yap Ling

With Singer Sammy Arif

Yap Ling with students

Latin Matinee Concert on Easter Day

2007-04-09T02:02:00.000-07:00

Latin Matinee Concert on 8 April 2007

2007-03-20T21:40:00.000-07:00

Friends In Concert 2 - Donation for Rumah Bakti Harapan

2007-03-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

Friends In Concert 2 - 8 April 2007

2007-03-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

With a bunch of friends, I am going to give a concert in Kota Kinabalu as part of the series of IPEX Charity Concerts held from the 5th till 8th April 2007. This will be in completely different genre, Jazz which is not the norm for me. All proceeds from these concerts will go the Rumah Bakti Harapan (Home for the disabled children). Please check out the details below.

"LATIN MATINEE"
Yap Ling & Friends
Date: Sunday, 8 April 2007
Time: 2pm
Venue: Sabah Trade Centre Theater, Kota Kinabalu.

Other guest musicians: Roger Wang, Cheong Kok Ann, Phoon Sook Peng, Simon Lau, Peter Lau, Ian Baxter, Loo Bang Hean & Grace Lee.

Ticket price: RM30
For more info please call: 088-722230 / 218395 / 232524 or 016-833 3034

Other concerts and workshops during IPEX

"NO STRINGS ATTACHED"
Farid Ali & Roger Wang
Date : Thursday, 5 April 2007
Time : 8pm
Venue : Sabah Trade Centre Theater, Kota Kinabalu.

Other guest musicians : Simon Lau, Peter Lau, Ian Baxter and Hanifie Imam

Ticket price : RM30
For more info please call : 088-218395 / 232524

"GUITAR & GAMBUS WORKSHOP"
Farid Ali & Roger Wang
Date: Saturday, 7 April 2007
Time: 2pm
Venue: RAM Prouction, Lot 5, 1st Floor, Block A, Damai Point, Jalan Damai, Kota Kinabalu

Ticket price: RM20
For more info please call: 088-218395 / 232524

"AN EVENING WITH CHOPIN"
Loo Bang Hean
Date: Friday, 6 April 2007
Time: 8pm
Venue: Sabah Trade Centre Theater, Kota Kinabalu.

Ticket price: RM30
For more info please call: 088-722230 / 218395 / 232524 or 016-833 3034

PIANO WORKSHOP
By Loo Bang Hean
Date: Saturday, 7 April 2007
Time: 10.30pm

Venue: RAM Production, Lot 5, 1st Floor, Block A, Damai Point, Jalan Damai, Kota Kinabalu

Ticket price: RM20
For more info please call: 088-722230 / 218395 / 232524 or 016-833 3034

L'espressivo Trio Concert in Miri on 18 March

2007-03-19T23:39:00.000-07:00

Alphonsus - YL - Sophia - Sook Peng - Grace - Mdm Tan

Thanks to all our friends in making this concert a success.

Press release!!

2007-03-18T17:51:00.000-07:00

Just for your information. We have full page coverage on yesterday and today's See Hua Daily. Today we can read opinions from Sook Peng, Yap Ling, Grace Lee and James Lau in the paper.

Thanks to Mr Tang from See Hua.

At last, the music camp is over!!! Thank you everybdy!!

2007-03-18T17:37:00.000-07:00

Finally, the 1st Bintulu Music Camp is over. In fact, it was a great pleassure to be the organizer for the camp. Of course it was not a perfect one. But, at least, we did it. Bravo!!

Let me give you some reports on the camp. We had 83 campers all together, including those vocal workshop. And we had 5 tutors, i.e. Yap Ling, Grace Lee, Sook Peng, Bryan Leong and Joseph Hii. All together we have eaten 365 packs of rice (lunch for a year), buffet lunch for 240 people during the 3 1/2-day camp. Campers from Miri and KK had occupied 9 hotel rooms, while tutors occupied 3 rooms. In total, 44 nights of accommodation.

For the concert night, we have over 70 musicians performing and over 130 audience. The youngest musician was only 7 years old (Yap Qin) and the oldest was Josephine Ting, aged 50.

For media release, we were on Sing Chew once, Lian He twice, and See Hua Daily more than three times. Million thanks to all the reporters.

Campers had attended over 30 hours of lessons and practise. I think most campers had never done such practices before. A big applause to all the campers.

As for me, this is the first time i organised music camp, the first time i organised camp in Bintulu and the first time organising private camp in a church. Thanks to Eng Kwang Methodist Church, and Rev Ting Chu Yi.

Haha, see you in next music camp!!!

Yap Ling in action!!!

2007-03-17T17:19:00.000-07:00

Conductor Yap Ling in action for The 1st Bintulu Music Camp Concert.

Music Camp updates - For Piano and Vocal Campers

2007-03-12T10:25:00.000-07:00

Campers taking Piano and Vocal courses are advised to photocopy the pieces they wish to play or sing before coming to camp. The organisers are not in-charged for photocopying. Thank you

L'espressivo Trio Concert on 18 March at GCM Miri

2007-03-11T00:33:00.000-08:00

Grace Lee -----Phoon Sook Peng --------------- Yap Ling

Prelude Music is proud to present L’espressivo Trio Concert entitled Joy of Spring. The trio consists of soprano vocalist Phoon Sook Peng and Sarawak's eminent husband and wife duo, Yap Ling on the violin and Grace Lee on the piano. L’espressivo Trio will present some of the best-loved oldies, art song, opera arias, songs from musicals and traditional folk songs. You will be able to hear Chinese, English and Italian songs including some familiar tunes like “Missing My Lovely Mate”, I Feel Pretty from “West Side Story”, I Could Have Dance All Night from “My Fair Lady”, Memory from “Cats”, Mattinata and the song made famous by Josh Groban – You Raise Me Up.

Concerts performed by the L'espressivo Trio before:

2002 - Songs of My Heart (Melacca)
2004 - Songs of My Heart (Bintulu); Midsummer Melody (KK & Bintulu)
2005 - Night of Songs (KK), featuring David Ngim (Counter-tenor and tenor)

Phoon Sook Peng was born in Penang, Malaysia. She studied in Trinity College of Music, London in 1982 under Ms. Elizabeth Hawes, and obtained her certificate of teaching and vocal performance. She returned to Malaysia in 1988 and taught for two years in Penang and later at the Malaysian Institute of Art in Kuala Lumpur.

In 1990, Sook Peng studied at the Royal Conservatorium in The Hague with Woul Oosterkamp on Opera then the Hochschule fur Music in Dresden with Prof. Christian Elssner. Later, she was based in the Netherlands as a singer where she also conducted private lessons in voice and piano. She is associated with the Netherlands Opera and has participated in more than twenty projects with the Dutch Radio Choir including the opening of the Amsterdam Arena and the prestigious Prinsengracht concert in 1996. Sook Peng performed in a series of shows with the Dama Orchestra back in Malaysia in 1997 and then a second series of concerts and released a CD called Spring Kisses and Lovers Tears in 1998. She moved back to Malaysia with her family in 2000 and is based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. She had been a tutor in Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) since 2000 until 2002.

She has been very active performing in concerts with Yap Ling (Violinist/Conductor) and Grace Lee Sui Lin (Pianist) forming L’Espressivo Trio. In 2006, Sook Peng and a group of friends and students successfully organized workshops, performing the famous “Yellow River Cantata” with 100 singers.

Grace Lee obtained her Bachelor of Music degree from Auckland University, where she studied piano under Tamas Vesmas. She also had conducting lessons with Uwe Groud and Karen Grill. While there, Grace conducted the Auckland Chinese Choir and served as pianist for several choirs.

Besides giving solo performances she plays chamber music and serves as an orchestra pianist. She also accompanies several prominent musicians and choirs from time to time. These have taken her to England, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei and all over Malaysia. In order to upgrade herself, she also took up consultation lessons abroad with professors including Jeffrey Pratley and Tamara Smolyar.

In 2000, she has attended the Professional Development Program for Music Teacher
conducted by the AMEB in September in Melbourne. And during that time she also
attended a special short-term upgrading program at the Monash University. In 2005, she performed the Mozart Double Piano Concerto with Thomas Ling and the KKSO for the New Year Concert in Kota Kinabalu.

She played the orchestra reduction of the “Yellow River Cantata” for Concert with the
choir on 12th May 2006 in Kota Kinabalu and later in October accompanied the “Duos” of violin and viola played by Foo Say Ming & Yap Ling for concerts in KK and Miri. Recently, she has performed with three prominent KK musicians in “Friends in Concert” in aid of charity in Kota Kinabalu.

As a conductor, she is now conducting the children choir for Penampang Song En Methodist Church. She also regularly teaches and gives masterclasses in Sarawak and Sabah.

Yap Ling is a versatile musician who performs, teaches, conducts and arranges music. He started the violin with Marcus Leong in Kuching. After obtaining his LRSM in 1986, he studied with Clarence Myerscough at the Royal Academy of Music (RAM), London. He was later awarded the Sarawak Foundation Scholarship & RAM’s Alec Templeton Scholarship. While in London he was the Concertmaster for the Chelsea Symphony Orchestra, the Chelsea String Quartet, The London Chinese Ensemble and the Piano Trio under the Amadeus Quartet’s tutelage. Upgrading and performances has taken him to Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Germany, Italy, France, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Moscow (Russia), China and USA.

In 1990, he has participated in the 1st World Youth Music Camp in KL & the 1st Pacific Music Festival in Japan (under the baton of Maestro Leonard Bernstein). He represented Malaysia as a violin tutor in the 1991 ASEAN Youth Music Workshop in Jakarta, Indonesia. He was a string tutor at UNIMAS & conducted their orchestra. He was the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor for the 1st and the 2nd Sarawak Music Camp in Kuching and Sibu respectively for 1999 and 2001. In 1997 he was conferred the Associate of the Royal Academy of Music (ARAM) in recognition for his contribution towards developing the music standard and promoting music in this part of the world.

Besides giving regular recitals with his wife Grace Lee, he has also appeared as soloist with the Monash Simfonia in Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, the Penang Symphony Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) from KL playing the “Butterfly Lovers” Violin Concerto. He also conducted the Violin Masterclasses for ABRSM in Malaysia and regularly giving violin masterclasses and orchestra workshops in Sarawak and West Malaysia.

Recently, he has performed with “Il Divo” and the soprano Cecilia Yap in Kuala Lumpur and Genting Highlands respectively. He is the conductor for the Kian Kok Youth Orchestra (KKYO), the 3rd KK Girls Brigade Company’s Band and the guest conductor of Miri Orchestra & Choir (MOC). He is the violinist for the MP3rio (Malaysian Piano Trio) and the guest Concertmaster of the Sinfoni Orkestra Negeri Sarawak (SONS). Besides teaching privately, presently he is also a violin & viola tutor at UMS.

L’espressivo Trio concert will start at 2.00pm, Sunday 18 March at the Kelab Gymkhana Miri (GCM). For admission tickets please contact Alphonsus (016-8790329), Joseph (012-8773399) and Bernice (016-8702875)

Friends In Concert I - Donation

2007-01-29T00:04:00.001-08:00

Chong Tze Ken, Richard Teo, Yap Ling, Helena Kwan (Admin Manager of MYTC), Vincent, Jennifer Hsu, Grace Lee and David Tiong with trainees of the Montfort Youth Training Centre

“Friends In Concert” was organized successfully on the 27th January 2007 at 7.30pm at the Tun Hamdan Mini Theatre, Yayasan Sabah. Prelude Music organised this concert to raise fund for the Montfort Youth Training Centre.