A group of 27 musicians from Brunei Youth Symphony (BYS) left the country yesterday to participate in the Global Strings Federation (GSF) Youth Orchestra Festival in Singapore held until August 7.
The musicians from BYS, comprising cellists and violinists, will be perform along with youth orchestras from Singapore and other countries.
“It’s an honour to represent Brunei Darussalam at the GSF Youth Orchestra Festival. It’s definitely once in a lifetime opportunity, and I am proud to be part of it. I hope to perform better and build my confidence to perform on a global stage,” said Jaden Lim who has been playing the violin for 13 years.
Asked the reason for choosing the violin, he said; “It’s fun and its music.”
Meanwhile, Hatidza, a cellist, said, “It’s a proud moment to be able to represent Brunei at this festival. This is the first time that I will be performing overseas. I hope to observe how other musicians perform and learn from them. I also want to gain experience in an orchestra.” Hatidza has been playing the cello for four years. The participants will have an iconic performance at the Gardens by the Bay and a grand closing gala concert on their first day.
The participants will be able to experience professional masterclasses and sectionals taught by renowned conductors and local immersion experiences via the local exchange programme and tour National University of Singapore, the 11th-ranked university in the world.
BYS set up this year, has been performing in various local events, including His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s 78th birthday banquet alongside the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Royal Brunei Police Force, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and Radio Television Brunei at Istana Nurul Iman.
Acting Head of Culture Susilawaty binti Haji Omar and Mohammad Ridzuan bin Haji Bakar from MCYS were at the airport to send off the musicians. – James Kon
