PSPA International Ensemble – Behind The Small Strings 2

Benjamin Wong, Viola (Hong Kong)

Hong Kong violist Benjamin Wong is currently the principle violist of YST Orchestra, and was inducted into the Singapore Symphony Orchestra in 2012 and 2014. He has performed extensively in France, Taiwan, Macau, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore.

He was the principle violist of the Hong Kong Baptist University Orchestra, Collegium Musicum Hong Kong and Hong Kong Youth Strings. He was also invited to play with the Asian Youth Orchestra. Other orchestra experiences include Metropolitan Festival Orchestra, The Philharmonic Orchestra and Re-Mix. Besides classical music, Benjamin is also experienced in pop genres and has worked with pop artistes like Mag Lam (林欣彤), Denise Ho (何韻詩), Jade Kwan (關心研), Elisa Chan (陳潔靈), Johnny Yip (葉振棠), and Frances Yip (葉麗儀), and Jazz singer Laura Fygi.

Andrew Filmer, Viola (Malaysia)

Diversity is a hallmark of Dr. Andrew Filmer’s career, with interests and expertise in viola performance and musicology.

In addition to performing as a soloist, chamber musician and in orchestras, he was a member of the New Zealand jazz band The Troubles. He has been published extensively across North America, Europe and Australasia, and has presented research and lectures at conferences and universities in Europe, Australia, and Singapore. He is the first non-American editor for the Journal of the American Viola Society.

Andrew holds a PhD from the University of Otago and a master’s degree in viola performance from Indiana University, both obtained on full scholarships. Andrew is currently a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Putra Malaysia; Consultant to the Australian and New Zealand Viola Society; and serves as Advisor to both Musica Sinfonietta Penang and the Arioso Sinfonia. In what little free time he has, he enjoys science fiction, and discussions on American constitutional law.

Ooi Khai Ern, Violin (Malaysia)

Violinist Ooi Khai Ern received undergraduate and postgraduate degrees on scholarship from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. She was a member of the Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra in Japan from 2011 to 2014, and has since been performing regularly with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. She held positions in a number of American orchestras, most notably as the Assistant Concertmaster of both the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra.

Khai Ern has performed in major festivals such as Lucerne, Salzburg, and Spoleto USA, and in venues like Carnegie Hall in New York, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and the Royal Albert Hall in London. She has appeared on national television and radio broadcasts in Japan, UK and US, and has performed under the direction of many eminent conductors, including Sir Neville Marriner, Vladimir Ashkenazy and Lorin Maazel.

A Night of Musical Kaleidoscope

From Bach to Yiruma! This year ensemble will be music from Vivaldi’s all time favourite, The Four Seasons violin concerto; Bach’s famous Air on G String & Brandenburg Concerto; the heart-warming Yiruma’s River Flows Into You; the exotic Bizet’s Carmen Fantasy and many more!

We will also feature the super clarinet soloist Mr. Andrew Simon, well-known for his flawless fingers-flying techniques and beautiful tone that will give you all an unforgettable musical journey!

The ensemble will also extend its mission on intensive education and outreach programs benefiting local community and younger generation, such as “Meet the Musicians” sessions and workshops involving students from various schools – to provide harmony for ALL.

So, let’s enjoy “A Night of Musical Kaleidoscope” with various popular tunes and the versatility of PSPA International Ensemble.

Ipoh Concert Date : 15th August 2015, Saturday Times : 8.00pm Venue : Tenby Schools Ipoh Auditorium

Ticket Prices :

(i) Category 1 seats (85 seats) @ RM150 (Limited Seats) (ii) Category 2 seats (110 seats) @ RM80 Limited Seats) (iii) Category 3 seats (95 seats) @ RM40 (Sold Out)

*Student 30% discount *Senior Citizen aged 60 years and above 20% discount *Buy online from PSPA store will get a further 10% discount.

QR Code PSPA Store :