D’vol Dance Theatre spicing up the show with upbeat modern dance routines.
THE LovePenang Youth Night Concert 2023 brought the best of the state’s young performing talent to the fore.
From traditional and contemporary music and dance to amusing comedy, there was much to entertain the crowd that packed Dewan Sri Pinang for the show.
It was organised by the Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) and the latest chapter of an ongoing community campaign celebrating all that makes Penang unique.
There were a total of 109 performers involved, of whom more than half were with the Penang Youth Orchestra (PYO) that delivered several numbers under the baton of conductor Ng Huck Aik.
One was the classic Phantom of the Opera, which contrasted the more resonant folk sounds of gamelan and wayang kulit rendered by Wak Long Music and Art Centre right before it.
The shadow puppet skit tickled the crowd with its storyline of four friends being urged to go watch a concert, referencing the actual event last Saturday.
A violin, sitar, mridangam and tabla ensemble from the Temple of Fine Arts Penang delighted the audience with more pleasing melodies, while its dancers displayed a mastery of movements.
The Temple of Fine Arts Penang’s ensemble delighting the audience with soothing music.
Their counterparts from D’vol Dance Theatre delivered more contemporary routines, while vocalists Marcus Lim and Cik Yoe took turns belting out numbers accompanied by the PYO’s choir.
Completing the night’s line-up were comedian Kabilan with his amusing takes on life, and award-winning violinist Dr Julian Lee, a practising doctor.
State youth and sports committee chairman Soon Lip Chee also surprised the crowd with a song alongside Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and all the night’s performers.
Gracing the concert were Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and wife Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Noor.
Violinist Dr Lee immersed in his performance.
Most of the concert performers came through PYDC’s Youth With Rhythm (YWR) initiative, which runs various programmes to give youngsters opportunities to perform and hone their abilities.
In his speech, Soon said, “Penang is blessed with dynamic diversity, rich culture and abundance of talent.
“Tonight’s concert underscores the state government’s commitment in supporting them.
“The YWR initiative will be a long-term, one-stop platform that allows youths to shine.
“So to all youths out there, please continue to excel in your respective areas of expertise.
“Have the courage to go on new adventures and discover new territories.
“But never forget that the state will always welcome you with open arms,” said Soon.
Vocalist Cik Yoe belting out a number with accompaniment from the Penang Youth Orchestra and choir.— Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
Chow described YWR as an empowering catalyst, as many from the programme had earned bigger opportunities such as performing at official functions and state-level events.
“I’m happy and proud to see our young talent pool, full of energy and spirit, giving their best tonight,” he said.
He also reminded all youths to continue exploring PYDC’s many initiatives.
Besides enabling personal growth, these also help to propel the state towards realising its Penang2030 vision.
The recent International Youth Conference was held on June 24.
Also worth looking out for are the “Be A Star Talent” live competition, the Blank Canvas mural arts series and Penang Youth Volunteer programme.
For details, visit https://pydc.com.my
Also present at the concert was PYDC general manager Dr Gwee Sai Ling.
