THE Musical Exchange Programme (MEP) unveiled its 2021-22 cohort of fellows this week.
Malaysia’s first international orchestra fellowship programme, Musical Exchange Programme (MEP) is a 4-month professional training programme, offered by The Rondo Production, in partnership with Orchestra of the Swan and supported by the British Council through its Connections Through Culture grant.
The programme is designed to provide a platform for new works and opportunities for young Malaysian composers and instrumentalists, aged between 18 to 28 years old.
By curating a creative and modern take on centuries-old stories, MEP promotes cultural exchange through music and other art forms. Selected fellows will receive full tuition support worth up to RM 2,800 (£500) to enhance their career development.
This year, in its first edition, the applicants have impressed the panel of renowned international adjudicators that comprised world-class musicians: David Le Page (artistic director of Orchestra of the Swan), Jason Lai (principal guest conductor of Orchestra of the Swan) and Tengku Irfan (teaching fellow of The Juilliard School).
The selected fellows who hail from six states across Malaysia are:
Composers
1. Chiu Peng Chong from Sabah
2. Jayson Ng from Selangor
3. Koay Loong Chuen from Selangor
4. Lim Yu-Yao from Kuala Lumpur
5. Ooi Wei Chern from Perak
6. Sean Woo from Kuala Lumpur
7. Tan Zhiyong from Johor
8. Yeo Wan Lin from Selangor
Instrumentalists
1. Eugene Chee, clarinettist from Sabah
2. Chong Tao Xin, clarinettist from Perak
3. Inez Tajol Asanan, violinist from Selangor
4. Low Kim Ven, trombonist from Selangor
5. Ong Aun Guan, trombonist from Penang
6. Tan Juen Loon, euphoniumist from Perak
The programme takes place until February 28, 2022. It comprises group workshops, mentoring sessions, consultations, individual lessons and more. The programme will conclude with a multi-disciplinary concert presentation showcasing the new compositions by selected composers and performed by selected instrumentalists. The concert is open to the public and more details will be announced next month. – The Vibes, December 3, 2021
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