Sunday, June 29, 2008

Invitation to Pro Musica @ Alpha Utara Gallery

Greetings! We are excited to inform you that a charity show, which integrated vocal classical music and visual arts as well, is happening at Alpha Utara Gallery!

The 2008 Pro Musica is a master class for advanced or promising singers is a continuing effort to establish periodical international level musical enhancement programmes. The full course is for voice training, musical interpretation and the art of performance. Pro Musica 2008 will be conducted by renowned international vocal teacher Miss Loh Siew-Tuan of the Operaplus and Hein Boterberg, vocal music and repertoire coach at the Flanders Opera Studio of Belgium. Assisting them will be Geneviene Wong, herself an accomplished vocalist and pianist.

Pro Musica is organised on behalf of the teachers by Suriana Events. The 6-day course will reinforce the students in the art of solo and ensemble singing, individual advice on appropriate repertoire (lieder, chanson, opera, etc), and individual advice on development potential, music discussions and listening sessions. These sessions will be held at the Hotel Bellevue, and the students will be provided accommodation at the Nature Lodge, both of which are located on Penang Hill.

Meanwhile, Pro Musica @ Alpha Utara Gallery serves as a graduation concert for participants of Pro Musica master class. The performers will be conducted by renowned international vocal teacher Miss Loh Siew-Tuan and Hein Boterberg, and the pianist will be Geneviene Wong.

It will also accompany a preview of imminent Singapore painter Qwek Wee Chew's most recent works, after a hiatus of many years. Qwek Wee Chew (b. 1934) has been regarded as one of the foremost still life painters of Singapore. He was an eminent student of both Cheong Soo Pieng and Chen Wen Hsi, and his vintage works have a masterly quality that is indeed unique. Hew ceased to paint for several years in his dedication as a temple keeper, and his earlier works have therefore become rare collector’s items. A few years ago he was urged to paint again, and the splendid results can now be seen in a special and exclusive preview of 14 recent works at Alpha Utara Gallery, on 4 July 2008, by courtesy of the artist, which will reveal that he has retained and further matured his artistic vision and touch, in a consistent stylistic reprise.

The works will also be offered for sale via internet at a fixed price, with part of the proceeds donated to APA (AdanA Projek Asli) charity fund, administered by Suriana Sdn. Bhd on a non-profit account, for the training and advancement of orang asli from the Temiar tribe.

These fine pieces are also being offered for sale, and part of the proceeds will be utilised in aiding the AdanA Projek Asli initiative, an effort to assist the Orang Asli, especially the Temiar tribe.

The AdanA Projek Asli is a cooperative enterprise, a hospitality & training programme for the Temiar people; it is encouraged and hosted by the Nature Lodge, with support by private funding. The cooperative provides village accommodation & meals in an authentic Temiar dwelling - and also a Sewang hall for gatherings, meetings & tribal dances. The AdanA cooperative will be organising performances and events here from time to time. The hall is also to be used by visiting villagers for training sessions in gardening, nature conservation, housekeeping, language and other useful skills.

Performance Time & Date

8:00pm, 4 July 2008

Preview Exhibition

4 July 2008

Online Exhibition

From 5 July 2008 onwards

Venue

Alpha Utara Gallery

Address

83 China Street, 10200 George Town, Penang

Admission

RM50 (suggested contribution)

Notes

Ÿ Refreshments will be served

Ÿ No admission for children aged under 12

Ÿ Photography or recording of the performance and paintings are strictly prohibited

Ÿ Mobile phones to be switched off or in silent mode during the sh

Limited seats available. Please be advised to RSVP before 2 July 2008.

For more enquiries on Pro Musica, please contact Jasmin or Parvathy at +604 227 4006 or e-mail penbell@streamyx.com. Enquiries on the preview of Qwek Wee Chew's paintings can be directed to Alpha Utara Gallery at +604 2626 840 or e-mail art@alpha-utara.com.

We are looking forward to meeting you there! Thank you.

Alpha Utara Gallery