Programme: Carmina Burana
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Updated: 10 hours ago
CARMINA BURANA
Carl Orff (1895–1982)
Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi
Fortune, Empress of the World
1. O Fortuna
O Fortune
2. Fortune plango vulnera
I Lament the Blows of Fortune
PART I
Primo Vere
Springtime
3. Veris leta facies
The Joyful Face of Spring
4. Omnia sol temperat
The Sun Warms Everything
5. Ecce gratum
Behold, the Pleasant Spring
Uf dem Anger
On the Village Green
6. Tanz
Dance
7. Floret silva nobilis
The Noble Forest Blossoms
8. Chramer, gip die varwe mir
Shopkeeper, Give Me Colour for My Cheeks
9. Reie
Round Dance
Swaz hie gat umbe
All Those Who Dance Around Here
Chume, chum, geselle min
Come, Come, My Companion
Swaz hie gat umbe
All Those Who Dance Around Here
10. Were diu werlt alle min
If All the World Were Mine
PART II
In Taberna
In the Tavern
11. Estuans interius
Burning with Inner Rage
12. Olim lacus colueram
Once I Lived on Lakes
13. Ego sum abbas
I Am the Abbot
14. In taberna quando sumus
When We Are in the Tavern
PART III
Cour d'Amours
The Court of Love
15. Amor volat undique
Love Flies Everywhere
16. Dies, nox et omnia
Day, Night and Everything
17. Stetit puella
A Young Maiden Stood There
18. Circa mea pectora
Within My Heart
19. Si puer cum puellula
When a Boy Meets a Girl
20. Veni, veni, venias
Come, Come, Come to Me
21. In trutina
In the Balance
22. Tempus est iocundum
Now Is the Joyful Time
23. Dulcissime
Sweetest One
Blanziflor et Helena
Blanchefleur and Helen
24. Ave formosissima
Hail, Most Beautiful One
25. O Fortuna
O Fortune
Carmina Burana Summary and English Translation
Penang Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO)
Founded in 2008, the Penang Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) is the flagship ensemble of the Penang Philharmonic and one of Malaysia’s leading community orchestras. Established with the vision of promoting orchestral music and nurturing local musical talent, the orchestra has become an integral part of Penang’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Comprising musicians from diverse professional, educational, and cultural backgrounds, PPO provides a platform where passionate amateur and professional musicians come together in pursuit of artistic excellence. Under the guidance of dedicated conductors and artistic leaders, the orchestra presents a wide-ranging repertoire spanning the great symphonic masterpieces, concertos, operatic works, film music, and contemporary compositions.
Over the years, PPO has collaborated with distinguished local and international soloists, conductors, choirs, and arts organisations, bringing high-quality performances to audiences across Penang and beyond. The orchestra is also committed to music education and community engagement, providing opportunities for young musicians to develop their skills and fostering a deeper appreciation of orchestral music among the public.
Through its performances, outreach initiatives, and collaborations, the Penang Philharmonic Orchestra continues to inspire, educate, and connect communities, enriching the cultural life of Penang while serving as a proud ambassador of the arts for the state.
Penang Philharmonic Chamber Choir (PPCC)
The Penang Philharmonic Chamber Choir (PPCC) traces its roots to the Voices of Penang Philharmonic (VOPP), established in 2012 under the leadership of choral conductors Mr. Chong Wai Lun and Mr. Terence Ong. Following a brief hiatus, the ensemble was revitalized and rebranded as PPCC in January 2017 under the direction of choral conductor Ms. Ong Geok Cheng and artistic directors Ms. Lim Ai Hooi and Mr. Yong Chee Foon, initiating a new phase of artistic growth and development.
Today, under the leadership of Artistic Director Ms. Tan Jin Yin, PPCC remains an active ensemble in Penang's choral music scene. The choir explores a diverse repertoire spanning various languages, cultures, and musical styles, with a particular focus on a cappella performance. Recent milestones include winning an award in the Ensemble category at the Malaysian Choral Eisteddfod (MCE). Additionally, an ensemble from PPCC was invited by the International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM) to perform at the 2024 Qiandongnan International Folk Song Festival and World Voices Conference in Guizhou, China.
The choir actively welcomes new members, and passionate singers are invited to reach out for upcoming auditions.
Penang Philharmonic Chorus (PPC)
The Penang Philharmonic Chorus (PPC), the youngest ensemble under the Penang Philharmonic family, was established in April 2019 under the Artistic Direction of Mr. Mak Chi Hoe. Founded with the vision of bringing people together through the joy of singing, the chorus has quickly become an integral part of Penang's vibrant musical community.
In less than eight months from its inception, PPC achieved a significant milestone with its debut concert, "KOM!", presenting a diverse programme that showcased a wide range of choral styles and genres. The performance was met with enthusiastic acclaim from audiences and marked the beginning of the chorus's artistic journey.
At the heart of PPC is a belief in the transformative power of community singing. As Mr. Mak aptly puts it, "The power of community singing, where people from all walks of life can come together in a safe space to create, to share, to learn from one another, to inspire others and to be inspired by others, is a beautiful thing."
Guided by this philosophy, PPC continues to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for singers of all backgrounds and experiences. Through its performances and community engagement, the chorus strives to foster meaningful connections, celebrate diversity, and enrich the cultural life of Penang through the shared experience of music.
Penang Philharmonic Orchestra Resident Conductor
Ng Choong Yen is a Malaysian conductor, clarinetist, and music educator who has been serving as Resident Conductor of the Penang Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) since 2013. Widely respected for his versatility and dedication to music education, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the artistic development of Penang’s premier community orchestra and its affiliated ensembles.
A graduate of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music at the National University of Singapore, Ng was awarded a full scholarship to pursue his studies in clarinet performance. During his time at the conservatory, he also studied orchestral conducting and was selected for the Advanced Conducting Class under the tutelage of Professor Chan Tze Law. He further refined his conducting skills through masterclasses with renowned conductors Zheng Xiaoying of China and Eiji Oue of Japan.
As a clarinetist, Ng studied with Philip Arkinstal, former Principal Clarinet of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), Luxen Marcel, former Co-Principal Clarinet of the MPO, and Ma Yue, Principal Clarinet of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. He has also participated in masterclasses conducted by internationally acclaimed clarinetists Ricardo Morales, Principal Clarinet of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Giovanni Picciati of Italy's Orchestra della Toscana.
Ng's orchestral experience spans both Malaysia and Singapore. He served as Principal Clarinet of the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (MPYO) from 2007 to 2011, touring extensively throughout Malaysia and Singapore. He later performed with Singapore's award-winning Orchestra of the Music Makers (OMM), including a landmark tour as resident orchestra of the prestigious Cheltenham and Lichfield Music Festivals in the United Kingdom.
As a professional musician, Ng has performed with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and Singapore's Metropolitan Festival Orchestra. He has also been actively involved in nurturing young musicians, leading numerous school orchestras and wind bands to award-winning performances.
Under his leadership, the Penang Philharmonic Orchestra has continued to expand its artistic ambitions and repertoire. Recent highlights include PPO's landmark performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, a significant milestone that completed the orchestra's presentation of all nine Beethoven symphonies, as well as large-scale productions such as Carl Orff's Carmina Burana. He also serves as Resident Conductor of the Penang Philharmonic Winds, leading innovative programmes that range from traditional wind literature to contemporary film and popular music.
A native of Penang, Ng is a graduate of Jit Sin High School. He studied at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music in 2001 under Professor Zhao and subsequently joined the Penang Symphony Orchestra under Dato' Woon Wen Kin. In 2006, he won First Prize in the Open Category of the HSBC Chamber Music Competition in Kuala Lumpur as a member of a woodwind quintet. He has also performed with the High Winds Ensemble under the MPO Encounter Series, serving as Principal Clarinet under the direction of Joost Flach, Co-Principal Oboe of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.
In addition to conducting and clarinet performance, Ng is proficient on the double bass and holds an ATCL Diploma in Violin Performance. Today, he continues to champion orchestral and wind music in Penang, inspiring musicians of all ages through performance, mentorship, and artistic leadership.
Penang Philharmonic Chamber Choir Artistic Director
Tan Jin Yin is a Malaysian soprano, choral conductor, and music educator. She is Chairperson of the Music Department and Lecturer at the School of the Arts, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), and serves as Artistic Director of the Penang Philharmonic Chamber Choir. She is also founder and conductor of the USM SOTA Chamber Choir, choral coach of Penang Chinese Girls’ High School Choir, and a committee member of the Penang Arts Council.
She holds a Master of Arts in Vocal Performance from Nanjing Normal University, China, and a Master of Arts in Music Pedagogy and Performance from Universiti Sains Malaysia. Her principal teachers include Professor Lu Qi, Khoo Hooi Lay, and Chin Loke Chun. She also received guidance from the late Malaysian vocal pedagogue Loh Siew Tuan, whose teaching continues to shape her work as both performer and teacher.
Her collaborations with the Penang Philharmonic Orchestra include appearances as soprano soloist in Fauré’s Requiem (2023), Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 (2024), and Haydn’s Missa in Angustiis [Nelson Mass] (2025). Other recent engagements include an appearance as one of ten featured soloists in The Yellow River Cantata at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, Kuala Lumpur; the premiere of Endless Darkness, Op. 61 at the Chin Yong Music Festival; and recital collaborations with Music Makers Penang. She appeared as Suara in Five Arts Centre’s award-winning production Malam Takdir.
She is a prizewinner in national and regional vocal competitions. The choirs she leads and coaches have also received prizes at international choral competitions.
Penang Philharmonic Chorus Artistic Director
𝗖𝗵𝗶 𝗛𝗼𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗸 is a choral conductor, singer, adjudicator and clinician who has shaped the choral landscape in Malaysia and beyond. He is Artistic Director of Young Choral Academy and Penang Philharmonic Chorus, and Resident Chorus Master with Kuala Lumpur City Opera.
He co-founded the Malaysian Choral Eisteddfod and was the first Asian conductor awarded a fellowship with the London Symphony Chorus in 2010. His conducting journey in the UK includes roles with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Birmingham Cathedral Festival Chorus, Birmingham Opera Company, and Canzonetta Children’s Choirs in Manchester.
A two-time BOH Cameronian Arts Award winner (2015, 2024), Chi Hoe is equally acclaimed as a singer. He has appeared as soloist with all major Malaysian orchestras and has performed across Europe and Asia, from concert halls in Germany and Spain to festivals in Indonesia and China. He is a Principal Artist with KL City Opera and has collaborated with Bachfest Malaysia, Yin Qi Choir, and Malaysia’s only Early Music ensemble, The Wicked Music People.
As a vocal coach and teacher, he is committed to developing young talent. His students have won national and international prizes and secured places at top conservatoires including Juilliard, Mozarteum Salzburg, Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, and Yong Siew Toh Conservatory.
Chi Hoe holds two MMus degrees and an Advanced Postgraduate Diploma from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, which awarded him an Honorary Membership for outstanding professional achievement.
He continues to teach, perform, and mentor across Asia and Europe – building bridges, raising voices, and bringing people together through music.
Soloist
Desmond Wong, Tenor
Desmond began his musical journey at the age of six as a member of his church choir. He received more systematic training from the age of thirteen, under the guidance of Mr Eddie Chan and Ms Sabrina Tnay, who were also his church choir conductors.
Since then, he has been grateful for opportunities to take part in various musicals and performances. In 2015, he performed as part of the cast in Mamma Mia! with the Sarawak State Symphony Orchestra. He attained his ATCL Certificate in 2018.
Now based in Penang, Desmond sings with the Penang Philharmonic Chamber Choir under the direction of Tan Jin Yin. He remains deeply thankful to continue serving through choral music and to stay connected with the musical language he loves.
Soloist
Valentino Loh (Loh Chun Han), Tenor
Valentino Loh is a Malaysian tenor, collaborative pianist and music educator active in both performance and teaching. He holds piano qualifications from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and Trinity College London, including the professional diplomas ATCL, LTCL and FTCL, and was a recipient of the Trinity College London Excellence Award (Malaysia). In voice, he attained ABRSM Grade 8 with Distinction.
As a pianist, he has received awards in numerous competitions, was a finalist in the Southeast Asia International Chopin Piano Competition in Kuala Lumpur, and was selected to participate in the Overseas Winter Piano Masterclass Programme (OMWPA) at the Yehudi Menuhin School in the United Kingdom. As a vocalist, he has won prizes in several singing competitions and, in 2024, participated in the Qiandongnan International Folk Song Festival and World Voices Conference in Guizhou, China.
Beyond the stage, he is actively engaged in music education, adjudication and collaborative piano performance. He has worked with several primary school choirs as a choral instructor and remains committed to nurturing young musicians through choral singing and music-making.
Soloist
Adrian Cheong, Baritone
Adrian Cheong, the newest addition to our bass section, brings a resonant voice and a cheerful personality that immediately lifts the group’s spirit. His presence adds depth to the choir’s sound, and his light-hearted nature makes rehearsals enjoyable and full of energy.
He loves to chat and has a knack for making people feel comfortable, whether during practice or casual conversation. Easygoing and approachable, Adrian quickly builds connections and friendships, creating a welcoming atmosphere wherever he goes.
Beyond choir, he enjoys exploring music across genres, watching movies, and meeting new people. His curiosity and openness make him a great companion both inside and outside of rehearsals.
Adrian lives by his life motto: Always strive to find something positive in every experience. This outlook helps him face challenges with optimism and inspires those around him to see the brighter side of life.
Guest Choir
USM SOTA Chamber Choir
Founded in 2021, the USM SOTA Chamber Choir is an ensemble of students and alumni from the Music Department, School of the Arts, Universiti Sains Malaysia, directed by Tan Jin Yin.
Through performance, collaboration, and artistic exploration, the ensemble provides opportunities for singers to develop their musicianship and ensemble skills while sharing the joy of choral music with diverse audiences.
Since its establishment, the ensemble has participated in festivals, competitions, and collaborative performances with arts organisations in Malaysia, including award-winning appearances at the Malaysian Choral Eisteddfod (MCE), the Rondo Festival and USM events.
The ensemble continues to serve as a platform for young musicians to learn, grow, and contribute to the country’s vibrant choral community.
Guest Choir
Penang Hun Bin Primary School Choir
Established in 1997, the Hun Bin Children’s Choir is a premier youth ensemble from SJKC Hun Bin in Penang, Malaysia. Comprising passionate young singers aged 9 to 12, the choir is dedicated to cultivating musical discipline, vocal technique, and artistic expression under the direction of renowned conductor Mak Chi Hoe.
The choir has established a reputation for excellence on both national and international stages. Most notably, the ensemble has maintained a remarkable winning streak at the Malaysian Choral Eisteddfod (MCE), securing Gold Awards consecutively from 2021 to 2025. Their versatility was further proven when they were crowned Champions of the Young Choral Academy Virtual Choir Competition in 2020.
Recent international accolades include a Silver Award at the 13th Bali International Choir Festival (2024). Locally, the choir remains a top contender, consistently achieving podium finishes at the Penang State School Choir Competitions.
With a repertoire that spans classical choral works, contemporary music, and Malaysian folklore, the Hun Bin Children’s Choir continues to inspire audiences with their vibrant energy. They are honored to represent their school and country at the Taipei International Choral Competition.
List of Musicians
Penang Philharmonic Orchestra
First Violin
Tann Soon Pin ^
Judy Oh #
Aiven Ooi
Elben Lim
Ho Sing Tein
Pang Seng Keat
Rachel Chang
Wong Yao Long
Second Violin
Seow Xue Xi*
Aaron See Hai Tong
Auderey See Toh Weng Kei
Bennett Oh Yu Heng
Catherine Tan Yin
Cheng Hao Wen
Felicia Sim Kai Yun
Hannah Giam En En
Hannah Hew Tze En
Janice Tan Yan Tong
Lee Zhi Han
Tan Wei Juin
Viola
Lynn Khoo*
Alyssa Khong Ying
Lim Chong Hin
Ooi Kee On
Tan Yan Ching
Wang Pack Yee
Cello
Katie Coolbaugh*
Audrey Lee Wen Teng
Jeremy Tan
Low Jun Xuan
Lim Saw Lan
Lim Seong Gim
Lim Xin Xiang
Wong Ze Han
Double Bass
Moses Cheng Jiin Chorng*
Alden Teh Yi H'ng
Flute
Louise Goss-Custard*
Ang Chee Keong
Esther Tee
Oboe
Lim Fu Yan*
David Alexander
Tan Jia Xuen
Clarinet
Lim Yan Chao*
Jimmy Tan
Tan Wei Hong
Bassoon
Effie Lam Yan Yan*
Kenneth Yeoh Jian Yan
French Horn
Dan Jun Xian*
Chermaine Yeap Wan Xin
Ong Yong Hang
Wee Yi Fei
Trumpet
Ryan Loh*
Gan Chee Keong
Kevin Lowe
Tan Wei Yi
Trombone
Lee Chee Yean*
Delvan Khor
Natalie Liew
Tuba
Zen Lee*
Percussion
Ivan Choo Yu Feng*
Eunice Lim Zi Xuan
Gray Chan
Lim Zhi Sheng
Lee Kar Shin
Timpani
Jared Robertson*
Piano
Peter Lo*
Dennis Kong
Celesta
Sarah Lee*
^ - Concertmaster
# - Co-concertmaster
* - Section Principal
List of Choristers
Penang Philharmonic Chamber Choir
Soprano
Josephine Tew Yi Pin
Low Xin Ying
Scarlette Leang Ming Siew
Sarah Wong Yi Xuan
Tean Chooi Sean
Alto
Cheong Choy Leng
Gurzhii Olena
Shereen Lim Chia Yee
Tan Zhao Ying (Cassandra)
Tenor
Desmond Wong Yun Chien
Josh Ee Cung Ming
Keith Ooh Ching Tzen
Valentino Loh Chun Han
Bass
Adrian Cheong Mun Loong
Christopher Miley
Joel Lim Du Bois
List of Choristers
Penang Philharmonic Chorus
Soprano
Anastasia Tan
Belloni Lee Yunjie
Chan Ai Luen
Choo Hooi Shuan
Chuah Sue Ming
Delia Kek
Esther Tan Yean Mean
Gan Teng Muar
Karen Khoo
Khor Pek See
Koet Tian Wei
Lee Xiao Yun *
Looi Hoong Yuk
Low Mei Leng
Mak Hui Ying
Margaret Gasper
Mary Lee *
Ruth Geiser
Venus Goh
Vivian Yeoh
Yee Lee Lian
Alto
Adelyn Cheng
Aileen Goh
Betty Teok
Brenda Hera
Chow Ming Miu
Elizabeth Chow
Gina Sim
Ho Cheng Imm
Jennifer Giezendanner
Jovita Junilla Tan
Judy M. Lai
June Loo *
Koay Ai Choo (Mandy)
Lim Sin Nee (Sindy)
Lynster Liaw
Ng Guat Lee
Renee Cheah
Sally Tang
Sharen Ngoo Siew Chen
Shereen Lim Chia Yee
Tan Shen Ru
Tan Zhao Ying (Cassandra)
Wooi Li (Jackey)
Tenor
Adrian Gan Chee Kheong
Daniel Guerrard
Humphrey Yeap Leong Poh
Keith Ooh Ching Tzen
Ruedi Giezendanner
Bass
Chia Tong Yong
Chong Kock Khuan
Eddie Loh
Kevin Wang
Loo Choo Aun
Ooi Wee Lork
Philip TC Yeoh
Victor Loo See Choon
* - Section Leader
List of Choristers
USM SOTA Chamber Choir
Soprano
Khor Jia Qian
Puteri Ain Natrah Binti Azizi
Yang, ZeMingqi
Alto
Lee Khe Loo
Lee Pey Ying
Nur Badrina binti Suhaimi
Tenor
Carlson Jaimon
Emerson Anak Rufinus
Jiang XiongKai
Matthew Chan Kar Loke
Yan Han Xu
Bass
Chan Guang Yu
Chen TianHe
Jamie Liam Ohngemach
Mohammad Imran bin Ali Baba
Nuril Aiman Bin Nor Hazman
List of Choristers
Penang Hun Bin Primary School Choir
Ang Yu Xuan
Ashley Heng Jia Ying
Cassandra Yee Rui Xin
Chee Jing Yi
Cherish Chin Sze Qing
Chong Jay Vern
Cora Mark Zhi Ning
Elizabeth Jen Pereira
Elyse Tan Yu Shuen
Harper Ch'ng Tze Swuen
Lana Weilyn Richards
Lanie Jayvien Ng Yi Xuan
Lim Ying Li Ashley
Lo Chewpei Shan
Ong Cai Ling
Ong Jane Yu
Ooi Hui Teann
Ooi Ming Hao
Sophie Lok Yingxuan
Tan Wei En
Tan Yu Hao
Zoe Ow
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