~* mY rEmiNiScEncES *~

It has always been my dream to play in the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (MPYO) since young.
Yes, it's one of the top youth orchestras in the country, coached by professional musicians that a lot of music enthusiasts fall head over heels for it.
However, I started to play non-orchestral music instrument when I was a kid and it's very competitive to secure a spot in MPYO, especially for that non-orchestral instrument which almost everyone knows how to play.
Therefore, I finally picked up an orchestral instrument - flute, during my final year of high school.
That did not able to get me into the MPYO yet I was very fortunate enough to play in a symphonic band that eventually leads me to opportunities to play in orchestras.



Few years ago, I picked up the double bass in the university when I was very active and spearheaded the orchestra.
There was no music faculty in my university.
As an orchestra fanatic, I was kinda devoted to the symphony orchestra club in my university.



Many people has been asking me why double bass? (Why did I ditch my flute?)
Well, it started with a very simple reason, or rather circumstance: I was organising an orchestra concert and it was very difficult to get enough double bass players to play for the concert. So I decided to fork out my own pocket money and look for private teacher in order to pick up the double bass in short period of time, so that I can help out on the balancing of the orchestra.
3 years ago, I was very lucky to get through the audition and played in the YMGC orchestra under the baton of Mr. Kevin Field.
Mr Kevin Field was the first resident conductor for the MPYO since its inception for more than 7 years.
I was congratulated by my friend, who was the MPYO concertmaster at that time when I was listed in the MPYO's player list.
Surprised yet unbelievable - I was recommended by Mr Field.
Yet, I wasn't able to make it as it clashed with my university's final exam and I was in the midst of competition that I couldn't commit for the MPYO camp - it was too late for me to make arrangement when the MPYO management officially contacted me.
I heard no news from the MPYO management since then and I thought I'd never able to play in the MPYO anymore.



Miracle happened! (thanks to my former YMGC orchestra mate)
I received an invitation to play in the MPYO!
The offer came just right in time as I just resigned from work and able to commit to the intensive orchestra camp.
Yeah, it was an intensive sectional + tutti rehearsal where we spent almost 10 hours per day during the camp.

view from the suite that we're staying in the city centre

Double bass section

Margaret, from SNYO

my double bass tutor, Wolfgang Steike

And here are some photos taken after our Merdeka Award night event...

Xinyi, the percussionist (fellow SPO) haha

Where's Aishah........

Conductor of the nights, Julie Debordes

So grateful and privileged to learn and play with the inspiring and aspiring musicians; well-spent December!

MPO & MPYO side by side concert (last MPO concert of the year)

I don't really spend much time on Facebook these day but something caught my attention when I was glancing the news feed.
Orchestra concert featuring the music of Joe Hisaishi?
Seriously?
Immediately, arrangements made.
I know it's a concert that my sis yearned to watch!
Glad to know that we were able to secure the tickets; the seats were almost fully-booked though it was few months away before the concert day!
(Thanks to my dearest cousins)
Leave application made, there I brought my sis to Singapore for the concert.

wheee~ we arrived 25 mins ahead of the time.
Having said that, we have more time to have fun!
Guess what, we were in the flight steered by Captain Cool/ Koo/ Khoo!
Haha...

breakfast is a must as soon as I touch down

Breakfast set offered by the Burger King is totally different from what I can get in my country.

Gary, where's Patrick?

Collected our tickets at The Star Performing Arts Centre

miraculous tool!

God of Happiness

Chihiro & No-Face came alive!

huge theatre hall

free glow sticks for the concert

There were 3,800 audience on that night.
Such an overwhelming response!

I don't really get to spend time with my family often, so this would be the present for my sis before she's studying abroad.

collected my bass buggie! hehe

I'll visit here again, at night

strong wind blows - ideal place for kite flying!

spot the humongous octopus on the sky!

snacks from my cousin hehe...

got myself a new pair of shoes at Marina Bay Sands

This was a rather short trip to Singapore with a tight schedule, didn't get to arrange any meet up with my friends.
Also, short break for myself after spending months with my team for the L'Oreal Brandstrom Competition 2014 regardless of our commitment for internship.
Anyhow, I believe I will visit the Lion City in the near future!

not to forget, this lil girl who brought us around MBS :)

Artemis, that's the name that I have given to my first German bow.
Inspired by the Greek mythology, I have Venus, Zeus and now Artemis a.k.a. Diana.
Venus is on hibernation until further notice; Artemis will be with me along the journey......