The Unexpected Friendships I Found Through Orchestra Collaborations

By Akmal Danial

Participating in both Animania 2 and POP-sical was a deeply meaningful experience for me, both musically and personally. In Animania 2, what stood out the most was the opportunity to perform songs from my childhood as well as some of my favourite anime pieces, such as Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Highlights from Castle in the Sky. These were pieces that I had grown up listening to, so being able to perform them with a full orchestra felt truly special and memorable. Beyond the music itself, I also had the chance to meet many new friends, not only from PPW but also from KVWO. The friendships and connections formed throughout the project made the entire experience even more meaningful.

From a flautist’s perspective, Animania 2 was technically challenging. One of the greatest difficulties was achieving precise articulation and accurate intonation throughout the performance. Our conductor, Mr. Benjamin, together with my flute principal, Ms. Louise, provided invaluable guidance during rehearsals that helped me improve my tone quality and overall playing. In comparison, the repertoire performed in POP-sical was generally more approachable than Animania 2. However, that did not mean I could take the music lightly. I still needed to work hard to deliver the best musical quality possible, especially in pieces such as Puteh Ramlee and Isn't She Lovely. Even when music is technically less demanding, maintaining musicality, precision, and expression remains equally important.

POP-sical also marked my first experience performing the Flute 1 part. Normally, the Flute 1 score contains higher passages and is generally more demanding than Flute 2, so I had to spend a significant amount of time practising high notes to ensure they could be played confidently and in tune. Through both concerts, I learned that technical preparation alone is not enough in ensemble playing. Teamwork and listening skills are equally important. I learned the importance of listening carefully to those around me and striving to achieve a perfectly blended sound by maintaining accurate intonation and matching articulation with the section. I often think of it as a process of “passing on” musical quality. When one player performs with clear articulation and a good tone, that quality naturally influences the next player, and then the next, allowing the entire flute section to achieve a unified sound and cohesive musical expression. This taught me that ensemble playing is not just about performing your own part well, but also about constantly listening and adapting to others.

Some of the most memorable moments happened outside of rehearsals and performances. During the first rehearsal for POP-sical on 23 May 2026, one of the KVWO flautists, Eunice, surprised me with a small gift and a handwritten card during the break. I was deeply touched by her kindness and generosity, and it made me feel genuinely welcomed by the KVWO members. Another memorable moment happened on the same day when KVWO’s flute principal, Jian Wei, suggested that the seating arrangement alternate between PPW and KVWO players. Although it seemed like a simple idea, it encouraged us to interact more closely and helped strengthen the friendship between members of both orchestras.

As an intermediate musician, these two concerts taught me the importance of practising consistently in order to achieve better intonation, articulation, and overall musicianship. They also taught me how to balance my academic responsibilities with my commitment to music, which is a valuable skill that I continue to develop. Beyond the musical aspects, both collaborations strengthened my teamwork and communication skills while giving me the opportunity to meet many new friends who share the same passion for music. I sincerely hope that PPW will continue to organize more collaborative concerts with other orchestras in the future, so that more musicians can experience the same sense of learning, friendship, and musical growth that I gained through Animania 2 and POP-sical.

Photo credit goes to Kinta Valley Wind Orchestra and Akmal himself.