Koh (left) leading the choir in a preview of the 'Lagu-Lagu Tanah Air' initiative at the IAMM auditorium in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: The Philharmonic Society of Selangor
In an era when modern music often overshadows the past, The Philharmonic Society of Selangor, affectionately known as The Phil, is committed to preserving our musical heritage.
This community choir has recently launched a project to preserve and revitalise beloved Malaysian tunes from previous generations. For over six decades, The Phil has been a staple in the Malaysian choral scene, fostering a sense of community and cultural appreciation through music – it’s been around since 1958!
Its latest initiative, Lagu-Lagu Tanah Air, seeks to preserve and promote Malaysia’s musical heritage, ensuring that traditional melodies and stories that have shaped the nation are not lost to time.
Last month, in a preview show at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) auditorium in Kuala Lumpur, the 70-member strong multi-generational choir, led by conductor Koh Tian Yi, took the audience on a trip down memory lane with a selection of Malaysian staples – Getaran Jiwa popularised by beloved national icon Tan Sri P. Ramlee; Tan Sri Ahmad Merican’s eternal classic Tanah Pusaka; a medley of Malay folk tunes including Geylang Si Paku Geylang, Jong Jong Inai and Lenggang Lenggang Kangkung; and the Michael-Veerapen/Paul Ponnudurai-penned One Thousand Million Smiles, which pop icon Datuk Sudirman Arshad brought to the world stage.
“Songs can only live on if they are sung, and by revitalising these heritage songs, we’re taking steps to ensure that they don’t just die out from lack of presence in today’s modern world,” says Brenda James-Leong, The Phil’s chairperson.
“Songs also capture eras, places, and experiences, preserving cultural heritage much like artefacts and artworks.
“Through Lagu-Lagu Tanah Air, we aim to keep these cultural and heritage songs alive and relevant in Malaysia’s (present-day) narrative.”
James-Leong explains that the performance was labelled a “preview” as only five songs were ready.
“Consider it Phase 1 of Lagu-Lagu Tanah Air, self-funded by The Phil. To advance to Phase 2 with 12-14 songs for a full concert, we need corporate and agency support through grants or funding,” she says.
Koh, 36, praises the programme, saying, “Our choir rarely performs local music, especially in a stunning venue like the IAMM. It’s been a privilege to perform there.”
When the generations unite: (from left) James-Leong, Ahmad Merican, and CS Yung seen at the 'Lagu-Lagu Tanah Air' performance in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: The Philharmonic Society of Selangor
According to James-Leong, the songs that were chosen for this programme are not necessarily patriotic although many are classics and some have an underlying community building message behind them.
The florist and choir member for 16 years, credits the catalyst to Singing In The Park, a 2019 initiative by The Phil to make singing more accessible to the community.
“The Phil wanted to make the choir more visible and accessible. So we started Singing In The Park to bring people together for community and folk songs,” she explains.
“Taman Tugu (in Kuala Lumpur) welcomed us warmly and proved to be a perfect venue.
“Singing under the trees was delightful, and we invited everyone, regardless of skill, to join us.
“Saturday mornings became a family outing, combining walks, singing, and breakfast until the pandemic paused our sessions.”
Despite the challenges of getting Singing In The Park back on track after the pandemic, the outdoor series is still on the calendar for The Phil.
“Singing In The Park brought together up to four generations. Older attendees recalled long-forgotten songs, while my generation remembered singing them in school.
“For younger generations, the songs were new and amusingly strange, with one child asking why we sang so much about animals,” says James-Leong.
She notes that what began as public outreach soon grew into curiosity and eventually became a concern for her.
The Phil members connect with their audience during a Singing In The Park session at Taman Tugu. Photo: Friends of Taman Tugu
“I felt like we were losing them (the old songs). To me, a song that is not sung will eventually die off and that for me was a very sad thought.
“We are at a point when we are seeing this happen. The youngsters no longer know these songs.”
“For The Phil, the challenge was how to keep the love for these old songs alive.
“My choir members rediscovered their charm through performances, expressing how much they enjoyed the lyrics and melodies. We wanted to inspire this renewed appreciation in all Malaysians,” she says.
Thoong Yee Foong, 47, who joined The Phil a year ago, says she thoroughly enjoyed participating in the rehearsals and performance of Lagu-Lagu Tanah Air.
“The songs remind me of my school days, where we sang them daily. They had simple lyrics but deep meaning. Such songs are rare these days,” says the bank senior manager, who loves the tune Tanah Pusaka.
Chorister Kamaluddin Mohd Kasim, 61, agrees that these songs inspire patriotism. He was also instrumental in inviting Ahmad to the IAMM performance.
“I met Tan Sri in the late 1990s while managing a compilation album for him. I invited him to this performance, as we were performing Tanah Pusaka, which he composed in 1960. It was a thrill to see him there and relive those memories,” says Kamaluddin.
James-Leong adds that everyone was thrilled when Ahmad turned up with his family.
“He turns 100 this year and is wheelchair bound, but that didn’t stop him from coming. And you could see him singing along. He was so jubilant and joyful!” she says.
“When we tackled Tanah Pusaka, we wanted to create a unique arrangement.
“Thanks to (choir member) Irene Goh’s suggestion, our pianist Dr Andre Ng Hong Liang, who had never attempted this before, incorporated a dondang sayang element into the song’s opening.
“He did extensive research and introduced an eight-bar dondang sayang section before transitioning to Tan Sri Ahmad’s familiar melody. We’re incredibly proud of this piece!”
The 70-member strong multi-generational choir of The Phil performing at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur in June this year. Photo: The Philharmonic Society of Selangor
South African student Adam Crowther, 21, from Universiti Malaya, enjoyed the Lagu-Lagu Tanah Air programme.
“These classic songs deepened my connection with The Phil, turning our sessions into a bonding experience rather than just performances,” he says.
“Even though I’m not Malaysian, I recognise the significance of these songs in reflecting Malaysia’s heritage.
“This project helps preserve these traditions through music, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
Crowther, who joined The Phil last year, finds it a wonderful experience to be part of the group.
“The members are welcoming, and I’ve made many friends. Singing with The Phil is one of my weekly highlights.”
Crowther’s favourite tune from Lagu-Lagu Tanah Air is One Thousand Million Smiles, famously performed by the late Sudirman at the 1989 Asian Popular Music Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
“This song really shines. It has a lovely lyrical and melodic beginning and then ramps up into a strong chorus.
“The message of peace and unity is also very poignant and heartfelt, showing that we are all united together no matter who we are,” he says.
The Phil’s efforts extend beyond the preview performance at IAMM. It has also recorded these tracks, creating an invaluable archive for future generations which will soon be available on YouTube.
“We want to leave behind a musical heritage that future Malaysians can be proud of. We want them to know where they come from and to find inspiration in their cultural roots,” concludes says James-Leong.
The Phil will continue the Singing In The Park series at Taman Tugu and host its year-end festive concert. The next choir intake is July 29. For updates, email selangor.phil@gmail.com.
