IN conjunction with Thailand's national day on December 5, Fairview International School with support from the Thai Embassy hosted Dr Poom Prommachart at the Dominus Art Centre.
Poom, a fellow at University College Fairview, held an hour-long piano recital to honour His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great. This special piano recital, ‘From Thailand With Love’, featured the Royal Compositions of King Bhumibol.
In his welcoming remarks, Thailand's ambassador to Malaysia H.E. Chainarong Keratiyutwong said, “His Majesty’s natural aptitude and passion for music, especially jazz and blues, started from an early age. By the age of 18, His Majesty composed the first piece, known in English as 'Candle Light Blues', which marked the birth of his prolific works in music that ultimately brought about 48 compositions across several musical genres.
“Each song reflects His Majesty’s perception of places, culture and people he had encountered, for example, the song 'Alexandra' was composed in honour of H.R.H. Princess Alexandra of Kent during her visit to Thailand.
“Throughout His Majesty’s lifetime, he used music as a medium to bond with his people. And in his view, music is also like a diplomatic language between Thailand, the international community, and the world.”
The session was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for music lovers, as public recitals of this type can only be performed with the approval of the Thailand royal family.
Gracing the event was Thailand's ambassador to Malaysia H.E. Chainarong Keratiyutwong, as well as Ambassadors and senior members of the diplomatic community from as many as 14 countries including Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Lao, Russia, Singapore and Sweden.
Malaysian dignitaries included Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Datin Paduka Dr Tan Yee Kew, Tunku Zain Al-Abidin Ibni Tuanku Muhriz (IDEAS chairman) and Dr Shazelina Zainul Abidin of Malaysia's foreign service.
Fairview International School, meanwhile, is banking on using the recital as a platform to raise funds for charity. The recipients will be SJK(C) Lee Rubber and SJK(C) Mun Yee.
At the musical event, Fairview International School’s director, Dr Vincent Chian, unveiled a RM10 million talent search initiative in music, which is bound to shake up the music industry in Malaysia.
At Fairview, music plays an important role in nurturing holistic learners. Music is emphasised strongly in the Fairview Group as a language that connects people and promotes right-brain thinking.
The Fairview Education Group consists of Fairview International Schools (FIS), Fairview Cambridge Programme (FCP), the Asia Arts Academy (AAA), the Dominus Performing Arts Centre and University College Fairview (UCF).
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The Asia Arts Academy (AAA) was established as a school of music where budding musicians develop their talent with distinguished musicians and perform regularly at their Dominus Arts Venue, an impressive state-of-the-art grand concert hall with a suite of studios, recording facilities and houses two Steinway grand pianos.
Musicians will be able to take their talent and love for music to the next level here, along with music education offered through UCF's Foundation in Music and Bachelor of Music programme.
Fairview already has a global pop star in its ranks. K-pop star Han Ji Sung of Stray Kids is a former student. – The Vibes, December 6, 2021
