Penang Hill filled with music as friends come together to pay tribute to Malaysian soprano

THE sound of opera-themed music recently reverberated through Penang Hill, which is a beacon and landmark for tourism in Penang.

This was part of a tribute to the late Soprano Loh Siew Tuan, whose melodic voice rang through the state for decades before her recent death at the age 88.

The event at the Bellevue, was hosted by architect and botanist Datuk Seri Lim Chong Keat, who was touched on what Loh meant to both the cultural and musical scenes in Penang.

Also present was former vice - chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Professor Tan Sri Dzulkifli Abdul Razak.

Many described Loh as the voice of an angel for Penang, while she was also renowned for her charitable ways of sharing and giving.

Though no longer with us, Lim said Loh’s music reigns in recordings and concerts as she also performed worldwide, especially in Europe.

Lim also brought together Loh's disciple Chaing Yi Ling (mezzo soprano), Kellvin Loo (countertenor), Julian Hendriks (tenor) and pianist Fong Ee Veen for the memorable event.

“Her legacy lies with the younger generation of opera singers and her story of grit and determination to serenade in a skill dominated by the west, is a story for the ages,” said Loh’s close friend Lim Miao Yiong who was also present.

Loh’s student Terence Eng Yee said he was deeply saddened by the loss of ‘Teacher Loh’.

“We first met in 2007, and I had a very intense and yet enjoyable vocal masterclass with her.

“I wouldn’t have gone so far without her help and guidance,” he said. – March 6, 2025