Puchong Community Orchestra Wows The Judges At Youth Music Festival

The Puchong Community Orchestra and Choir (PCOC) participated in the Malaysian Youth Music Festival on Aug 29 and won the gold award.

A total of 16 musicians, led by Xavier Anthony, played in the competition organised by the Malaysian Youth Orchestra Foundation.

The conductor Xavier Anthony, who has years of experience conducting orchestras and school bands, brought out the best from the 16-piece strings, winds and percussion ensemble.

The PCOC was awarded the gold award (first place) in the Chamber Ensemble Category.

The ensemble played two pieces, the Don Giovanni Overture by Mozart and Carmen Prelude by Bizet, and won the award with outstanding results.

Judges said the orchestra brought colour to the two pieces with great dynamics.

For the Don Giovanni Overture, the strings were played with a cheerful lightness despite the fact that Mozart pieces have never been easy for string players.

The PCOC musicians were delighted with the result, having played their hearts out as they had only decided to enter the competition and started practising for it less than two months ago.

The gold award is significant to the PCOC as it is the first competition entered since the orchestra started in October 2008.

The objective of the PCOC is to nurture the orchestra for the communities in Puchong. By bringing music to the community, the PCOC hopes to develop the talents of young musicians, providing them with opportunities to be exposed to a variety of musical styles and the experience of playing in an orchestra.

The PCOC ensemble musicians normally play with many other music enthusiasts, both young and old, in a full orchestra and choir.

The orchestra is open to all budding and veteran musicians with the spirit of making music for fun.

Many different musical genres are explored, and the orchestra provides a platform for individuals to express themselves and to improve their musical skills.

The PCOC is currently expanding its membership and welcome all musicians to come and play together every Sunday at 3pm at 67B, Jalan Kenari 20, Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47100 Puchong.

Souce: The Star