GUESTS-OF-HONOUR: Taib (fourth right), Ragad (third right), Jabu (second right), Abdul Wahap (right) and Hamsiah (fifth right) prior to the commencement of the ‘Musik Di Hati’ concert. — Photo by Kong Jun Liung
KUCHING: It was a night of nostalgic Malay oldies at the old Dewan Undangan Negeri complex on Tuesday as the Tun Abdul Razak Teachers’ Training Institute (IPG) orchestra gave a riveting performance of the familiar tunes at the ‘Muzik Di Hati’ concert, led by conductor Abdul Lattif Poli.
The concert, which was graced by Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib, saw the orchestra perform a medley of classic pop songs from the late and legendary singers Tan Sri P Ramlee and Datuk Sudirman Arshad as well as from popular Malaysian artistes in the likes of Amy Search, Aishah and many more.
The orchestra featured 55 musicians from the institute, who showcased their musical talents in the strings, winds, brass and rhythm sections. Also accompanying the orchestra were singers and dancers who were also students of the institute.
SOULFUL: A student from IPG Tun Abdul Razak serenades the audience. — Photo by Kong Jun Liung
TALENTED: The IPG Tun Abdul Razak orchestra and conductor Abdul Lattif Poli. — Photo by Jeffrey Mostapa
IPG Tun Abdul Razak director Hamsiah Abdullah Masni said in her speech that the inaugural concert was to show the campus’ appreciation to Taib for his continuous support and contribution towards the orchestra since it was formed by the chief minister himself at the ‘Pertandingan Drama Antara IPG Zon Sarawak’ closing ceremony two years ago.
“IPG Tun Abdul Razak aims for more concerts with the campus’ orchestra to be held on an annual basis not only in the state but also as a national event,” she said.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu and Kuching North commissioner Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai.