ProArt Chinese Orchestra (PACO) ProArt Chinese Orchestra (PACO), inaugurated as the Northern Malaysia Chinese Orchestra, is one of the most prolific Chinese orchestras in the country. Membership of the 200-strong orchestra comprises of players from winning ensembles and orchestras in the Northern Region of the Malaysian Peninsular. At the helm are renowned maestros, Lim Soon Oo and Lim Soon Huat, both the principal conductor and music director respectively. Assisting them are Lim Soon Lay, assistant conductor and concertmaster, and Loke Bok Kun, principal of the wind section.
Since its inception, the orchestra has performed with numerous artists and composers. Besides collaborating with young violinist Zheng Weiming from Shanghai, China, in the Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto, the orchestra was cordially invited by Singapore’s 21st Century Cultural Arts Development to perform at the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2nd International Chinese Music Festival held in Genting Highlands, in the year 2004. PACO had also cooperated with famous soloists from China: Wang Guo Tong, Jiang Ke Mei and Zhou Dong Chao for full orchestra and ensemble accompaniment programmes in Maestro Series concerts. Muhardiman Ismail and Ramli Hamid (Mohram) and Samuel J. Dass in Konsert Alunan Etnik (Concert of Ethnic Melodies)
To promote the greater appreciation of Chinese music and culture, PACO also organises many music-related activities. PACO organises the annual Penang Secondary Schools Chinese Musical Instruments Solo Competition and consolidates with other music and cultural organizations to present culturally diversified concerts and expansive repertoires. Furthermore, PACO periodically invites Chinese orchestras, both from the country and abroad, plus musicians to perform, bringing joy to the masses.
Past activities:
| 2004, December | Performed in the 2nd International Chinese Music Festival in Genting Highlands, Pahang |
| 2005, March | Organised Singapore’s Dunman High School Chinese Orchestra’s “Melodies of the Chinese Spirit”. |
| 2005, June | Lo Leung-fai’s The Four Seasons symphonic suite in Dewan Sri Pinang |
| 2005, July | Performed in Nanjing, China in conjunction with the 600th Anniversary of the Voyage of Admiral Zheng He. |
| 2005, November | The Butterfly Lovers Concert in collaboration with the choirs of Penang People’s Cultural Society and Penang Music and Culture Association. |
| 2005, December | Lo Leung-fai’s The Four Seasons symphonic suite in Petaling Jaya Civic Hall, Selangor |
| 2006, May | Presented A Night of Songs for Our Beloved Mother musical in consolidation with Sin Kang School Alumni Association’s “The Happy Little Angels” |
| 2006, June | Participated in the Jiangnan Folk Music Competition |
| 2006, June | Partook in Beijing International Youth Arts Week. |
| 2006, August | Consolidated with 3 of Penang’s famous choirs to perform in Kaohsiung |
| 2006, August | Organised Valourous Youth Concert for Taipei Youth Chinese Orchestra at Dewan Sri Pinang, Penang |
| 2006, December | Konsert Alunan Etnik (Concert of Ethnic Melodies) at Dewan Sri Pinang. |
| 2006, December | Presented “75th Birth Anniversary of Chinese Music Grand Master, Maestro Peng Xiuwen” concert in Dewan Sri Pinang |
| 2007, January | Collaborated with Taipei Youth Chinese Orchestra to perform “The North Western Suite” Concert in Taipei. |
| 2007, January | Organised Singapore’s Raffles Music College’s concert in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2007 |
| 2007, March | In conjunction with the International Women’s Day, collaboratively performed with various cultural and women organizations in Penang in a concert |
| 2007, May | In conjunction with the 80th Foundation Anniversary of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, presented “Affectionate Rhymes” Concert. |
| 2007, August | Renowned Ruan and Yueqin Soloist Feng Shao Xian and his son, Feng Man Tian collaborated with the orchestra to present “Winds of Manchuria” concert. |
| 2007, December | Presented “Southeast the Peacock Flies—Erhu and Pipa Double Concerto” Concert |
| 2008, August | Presented “Chorus And Huayue Orchestra Concert” featuring Compositions of Saw Yeong Chin in consolidation with Penang Arts & Cultural Society |
| 2008, September | Presented “Mid Autumn Dream” MHP Charity Concert in consolidation with Universiti Sains Malaysia |
ProArt Chinese Orchestra (PACO)
| [email protected]Email | |
| +604 5398 649Phone Number | |
| +604 5387 131Fax Number | |
| 32, Jalan Manggis, Taman Bak Hai 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.Address |
