Foon Yew Choir 25th Annual Concert

绽50 云起雪飞•回望伍拾

In 1967, under the encouragement of Principal Wang Fo ​Wen, Teacher Phang Yi Wong organised a choir. On May ​11, 1974, Foon Yew Choir was officially established ​under the leadership of its founding father, Mr. Tan Hooi ​Song. Over the past 49 years, Foon Yew Choir has ​overcome many difficulties, shaping it into what it is ​today. Since its founding, Foon Yew Choir has held one ​overseas choir observation concert, five elementary school ​tour performances, nine Central and Northern Malaysia

tour performances, ten recitals, and twenty-four annual concerts, as well as released ​five audio cassette tapes and one vinyl record. Over the years, the choir has actively ​participated in various musical activities and has travelled internationally to ​countries such as China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore to participate in ​choral competitions, achieving remarkable results. The choir has won the Chinese ​Art Songs Singing Competition overall championship seven consecutive times and ​fourteen times in total. In 2008 and 2009, the choir won the championship in the ​South Malaysia region finals of the National Independent Schools Patriotic Songs ​Choral Singing Competition for two consecutive years. In 2010, the choir ​participated in an international choir competition for the first time—The 6th World ​Choral Competition in Shaoxing, China, winning a gold medal in the folk music ​category and a silver medal in the contemporary music category. In 2016, the choir ​participated in the Oriental Concentus Music Festival, winning two silver medals. In ​2018, the choir participated in the National Choral Singing Competition, competing ​against 28 teams from across the country, winning gold medals in two categories. In ​the same year, the choir was invited to record the Singaporean programme "Tuesday ​Report" with the song 'Passing the Light'. From 2022 to 2023, Foon Yew Choir has ​consecutively won the overall championship of the 'National Patriotic Songs Choral ​Competition' and the Chinese Independent Schools Chinese Art Songs Singing ​Competition (Southern Malaysia region), retaining the annual cup. Choral singing ​is not just the art of singing; it is also an expression of emotion. We infuse our songs ​with emotion, with each voice group working in balance and harmony. Only music ​with true emotion can touch the hearts of the audience.

Foon Yew Choir 25th Annual Concert

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Mr. Tan Hooi Song, entitled 'Godfather of ​Malaysian Chinese Music', is the founding father ​of Foon Yew Choir, a Malaysian artist, educator, ​composer, and songwriter. He graduated from ​National Taiwan Normal University, majoring in ​music composition theory. Mr. Tan founded South ​Front Art & Music House in 1991, established a ​number of choirs, and led them in national and ​international performances. In 1973, Mr. Tan ​returned to a teaching position at Foon Yew High ​School and established several performance groups ​throughout his career at the school, namely Foon ​Yew Choir on May 11, 1974.

Mr. Tan was awarded the 'Honor in Personal Success' in the 3rd 'Malaysian ​Cultural Heritage Artist in Performace Arts' in 2001 and nominated as a 'National ​Cultural Figure' in 2007. The 24 Festive Drum, which he created with Mr. Tan Chai ​Puan, was also submitted for recognition as a Malaysian national cultural asset.

Foon Yew Choir flourished under the leadership of Mr. Tan Hooi Song. He was a ​caring and fatherly figure in the hearts of all choir members, teaching and caring for ​everyone, and was therefore referred to as the founding father of Foon Yew Choir. ​On July 27, 2008, Mr. Tan ended his life journey at the age of 61 in the company of ​his family and students. In the same year, Mr. Tan was awarded the 'Malaysian ​Cultural Figure Award' , the 2nd 'Southern Spirit of Humanity Award' by Southern ​University College, and the 'Outstanding Alumni Award' by National Taiwan ​Normal University.

Foon Yew Choir 25th Annual Concert

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Shelly Chong Choy Har, Soprano. She has been ​learning vocal music since the age of 13 as a student of ​Ms Lim Bee Peng and Ms Stella Zhou. Majoring in ​classical vocal music, she graduated with an honorary ​degree in the music department of Lasalle College of ​the Arts BA (vocal) Degree in 2011 .

She has won numerous awards in her secondary ​school years, including first place in the female group ​of the National Art Song Singing Competition ​(Southern Malaysia region), the Best Chinese Folk ​Song Rendition Award, 1st runner up in the National ​Art Song Singing Competition, and 3rd runner up in ​the National Art Song Singing Competition of 2009.

She was awarded the ABRSM 8th grade certification, entering the ABRSM High Scorers' Concert ​(Johor region) with a grade of 142. She had also won first place in the female soloist category and ​overall champion in the 38th National Vocal Competition in 2012. In 2016, she won 2nd place in the ​opera aria repertoire professional singers category of the American Protégé International Vocal ​Competition.

She is experienced in performing, having performed in The Phantom of the Opera as the female lead, ​as well as solos, choruses, and duets with Charis Singers and JB Nantah Alumni Choir. She is often ​invited to take up positions as a judge and has won the silver award in the Vienna World Choir ​Competition . She has performed in Taiwan, China, Malaysia, Singapore, and other places. In June of ​2015, she led The Kidsperforming™ Choir as a conductor to win the bronze award in the 5th ​International Anton Bruckner Choir Competition and Festival in Austria. That same year, she led five ​soloist students to participate in the 2015 American Protégé International Vocal Competition and won ​second place, receiving a standing ovation. In July of 2017, she took up the position of conductor of ​the ChildAid Choir in Singapore. In May of 2018, she led the choir of Yu Neng Primary School in ​Singapore to participate in Japan ChildAid 2018, held in Suntory Hall in Tokyo, Japan. Starting in ​2020, she has been instructing FYSA choir and has led them to win the silver award in the Malaysia ​Choral Eisteddfod: International Choir Festival in 2022.

She has taken up positions including conductor of choir of Johor Bahru Kwong Siew Wai Kuan and ​choir of Hakka Association Johor Bahru, along with the vocal coach of Nocton MP Music. She was ​also formerly a member of Johor Bahru Chamber Choir, JB Nantah Alumni Choir, and Charis ​Singers. Currently, she is the director of Le Cantabile Music, the conductor of JBCC, FYSA Choir, ​Huzza Children Choir, and Foon Yew Choir, as well as the vocal instructor of Liebe Music and Le ​Cantabile Music.

Foon Yew Choir 25th Annual Concert

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Assistant Teacher Introduction-Kerk Li Hui

Kerk Li Hui, instructor of Foon Yew Choir as of 2024. She ​was a member of Foon Yew Choir in her secondary school ​years and took up positions as student instructor, vice ​president, and the voice leader of soprano. Ms. Kerk ​continued choral singing after graduation, joining Johor ​Bahru Chamber Choir (JBCC), obtaining experience from ​performances and competitions, and is now the president ​of the choir. She apprenticed with Teacher Justin Sum ​Ning Chern and under his guidance, won fourth place in ​the female soloist category of the 43rd National Vocal ​Competition (Southern Malaysia region). She went on to ​represent Southern Malaysia in the finals of the

competition. In 2023, Ms. Kerk took part in "Voyage", a concert held by La Voce Choir. In the same ​year, she also went to the Netherlands with La Voce Choir to participate in CantaRode, an ​international choral competition.

Male Vocal Coach Introduction-Justin Sum Ning Chern

Justin Sum Ning Chern, a tenor and vocal coach, has been ​teaching in Malaysia since his return in 2014, accumulating 10 ​years of teaching experience.

In 2014, he graduated with a master's degree from Taipei ​National University of the Arts, where he was a student of ​Professor Cheng Qihua. During his studies, he displayed ​exceptional talent, receiving unanimous praise from professors ​and vocalists in master classes. Additionally, he received the ​commemorative Dr. Joseph Chow Foundation Scholarship(USA ​Music Scholarship Award ) in 2013 and earned the qualification

to perform at the National Music Hall of National Performing Arts Center in Taipei for the 2014 ​New Voices Concert organized by the Association of Vocal Artist of R.O.C. In 2012, he was also ​awarded a scholarship from the Rotary Club of Taipei Southsea Award.

In July 2022, he was invited to perform at University of Southampton's Gala Night. In the same ​year, he was invited to participate in the Voice of Children concert, a performance involving a ​thousand performers.He was also invited to attend the opening Gala Night for A Night of Shining ​Star by Woodnote. In 2022, he performed at Fairview International School upon the invitation of ​pianist Mr. Kok Kee Boon.

Since 2018, he has served as the vocal coach of the Foon Yew Choir, and has cultivated many ​outstanding talents. Under the guidance of Mr. Justin Sum, the members of the Foon Yew Choir ​won the championship and various achievements in the South Malaysia Chinese Literature and ​American Poetry Cup Chinese Literature and Art Singing Competition. He teaches with passion and ​caring of the Foon Yew Choir has been remembered by the members, and he is deeply loved by the ​members.

Foon Yew Choir 25th Annual Concert

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Ms. Heng Chuu Jing is the consultant and female vocal ​coach of Foon Yew Choir. She graduated from the music ​department of National Sun Yat-sen University in Taiwan, ​majoring in vocal music. Mrs. Heng apprenticed with ​Professor Chiu Li Jyun, representing her primary and ​secondary schools in several Chinese folk song singing ​competitions (Southern Malaysia region), often winning ​first place. In university, she was her choir's representative ​at Kaohsiung National Stadium's inauguration ceremony ​performance in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Symphony ​Orchestra and Vienna State Opera Choir.

Mrs. Heng had also performed Don Giovanni by Mozart in conjunction with Creation ​Opera Institute and held two solo concerts in Sun Yat-sen Hall, with songs in Italian, French, ​German, English, and more, along with Chinese art songs.

In 2015, Mrs. Heng became the consultant and female vocal coach of Foon Yew Choir, as ​well as a music teacher at Foon Yew High School. She has years of experience teaching ​countless students and has led Foon Yew Choir to achieve outstanding results in several ​competitions and performances. Under her guidance, students are able to grasp music at a ​higher level.

Tan Poh Jing, consultant of Foon Yew Choir, is a former ​student of Foon Yew High School and member of Foon Yew ​Choir. As a member, she has participated in several ​competitions and performances. In secondary school, she ​apprenticed with Raymond Lee, learning vocal music, and ​went on to win the excellence award in the Chinese ​Independent Schools Chinese Art Songs Singing ​Competition (Johor Malacca region). She graduated from ​National Kaohsiung Normal University, studying in the ​geography department, and is currently a geography teacher ​at Foon Yew High School.

Foon Yew Choir 25th Annual Concert

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Piano accompanist Introduction-Elizabeth Chong

Elizabeth is an outstanding pianist. Born in Johor ​Bahru, Johor, she started learning to play the piano at ​the age of 7, obtaining the ABRSM 8th grade piano ​and vocal music certification at the age of 18. That ​same year, Elizabeth was taught by Mr. Oh Chee ​Kiong, and went on to win first place the Malaysian ​Art Song Singing Competition (Southern Malaysia ​region).

A year later, she obtained a diploma in piano from ​Trinity College, and majored in piano in Nanyang ​Academy of Fine Arts as a student of the late Mr. ​Wong Li Da. In 2009, she obtained a bachelor's ​degree in piano from the University of Wales in

London. She has also held two solo piano concerts in

Johor Bahru.

In 2016, Elizabeth founded Vienna Conservatory,

working music education.

Foon Yew Choir 25th Annual Concert

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Collaborating Choirs Introduction—Johor Bahru Chamber Choir

On July 22, 1999, a group of former Foon ​Yew Choir members founded Johor Bahru ​Chamber Choir (JBCC) as a means of ​continuing their passion for choral singing.

Johor Bahru Chamber Choir takes ​popularising choral singing as its goal and ​has held several concerts, including Bel ​Canto in 2000, Classics in 2007, the 10th ​anniversary concert Tenth in 2009, the 15th ​anniversary concert in 2014, and more, all ​receiving positive feedback. In December

of 2011, JBCC held a 3-day-2-night national choir camp based on the theme of the Age of ​Enlightenment, inviting Taiwanese choral educator and conductor Mr. Tang Tien Ming, which ​attracted over 100 choral singing enthusiasts from around the country. JBCC is also actively ​introducing world-class choirs to local listeners, previously inviting Taipei Male Choir, Formosa ​Singers, Müller Chamber Choir, Novo Concertante Manila, and Renner Ensemble Regensburg to ​perform in Johor Bahru.

\JBCC has also participated in several national and international choral competitions. They went ​to Busan, South Korea, to participate in the World Choir Games (formerly known as ​CHOROLYMPIADE or Choir Olympics) in 2002, winning the silver award in two different ​categories; winning 2nd place in the ensemble section, as well as awards for Best Stage ​Performance and Best Renaissance in the Taiwan International Contemporary A Capella ​Festival; more recently, winning 2 gold awards and group champion in the 2014 Singapore ​International Choral Competition; and 3rd place in the Takarazuka International Chamber ​Chorus Contest.

In 2020, things went downhill for JBCC as the COVID-19 pandemic hit, with the number of ​members reducing to less than 10. However, under the perseverance of the members, JBCC went ​on to participate in the fundraising concert Meet In Muar for Muar Chong Hwa High School ​held by Joyful Singers Choir in Muar, receiving positive feedback. As of 2024, JBCC hopes that ​more former choir members or music enthusiasts with a passion for choral singing can join them, ​adding colour to their lives by filling in their free time with music and creating treasured memories ​with them along the way.

JBCC's former conductors include Mr. Tan Hooi Song, Mr. Oh Chee Kiong, Mr. Raymond Lee ​Pei Khoon, and Ms. Fam Qing Rui. As of 2022, the positions of music director and conductor are ​taken up by Mrs. Shelly Chong Choy Har.

Foon Yew Choir 25th Annual Concert

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Collaborating Choirs Introduction—Ren Sing Choir

Ren Sing Choir was established on July 23 2023, during the concert The Curtain Rises.

Ren Sing Choir is a group of passionate singers, wilfully singing their original creations.

The initial creation consisted of the lyrics by Lee Yi En and Tan Yu Xin, as well as the ​melody by Lawrence Liew. There's sure to be music created by those around us in the ​future, and hopefully, through the process, a world of music belonging to the southern ​part of the Malay Peninsula will be created.

In the end, acquaintances from other places will come into contact with these creations, ​evolving into new renditions, just like the songs from the concert The Curtain Rises, ​which had a new life breathed into them after being adapted by Taiwanese composer ​Huang Chun Da and Singaporean composer Liong Kit Yeng.

Enjoying the process of creation doesn't mean confining oneself to a limited space but ​instead bringing it into the world, presenting it to far-away acquaintances, and showing ​your love and sincerity.

Foon Yew Choir 25th Annual Concert

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Collaborating Choirs Introduction—Foon Yew Choir Kulai

Foon Yew Choir Kulai was founded in 2005, sharing Foon Yew Choir's anniversary ​date, May 11th.

Since 2016, Foon Yew Choir Kulai has actively participated in The National Patriotic ​Songs Choral Singing Competition as well as The Chinese Independent Schools Chinese ​Art Songs Singing Competition. At the same time, the choir has also actively ​participated in exchange programmes with other choirs. Foon Yew Choir Kulai ​participated in The Red Sonata Fiesta International Arts Festival Choir Competition in ​2018 and 2022, winning the gold award and gold with honour award (3rd place). In the ​past years, the choir has held a total of six concerts and is planning to hold one this year. ​In school, Foon Yew Choir Kulai actively participates in performances for Teachers' ​Day, school anniversary, and more.

In the future, Foon Yew Choir Kulai hopes to continue participating in all activities big ​or small, paving the way for its future, and creating a brighter future for choral singing.

Foon Yew Choir 25th Annual Concert

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Song Introduction

Foon Yew Choir 25th Annual Concert

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Foon Yew Choir 25th Annual Concert

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Council Name List

Foon Yew Choir 25th Annual Concert

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Foon Yew Choir 25th Annual Concert

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Choir Name List

Foon Yew Choir 25th Annual Concert

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Acknowledgements