Musical concert for a noble cause

By Rosli Abidin Yahya Some 100 young musicians from the La Strad Musique (LSM) will perform in a charity concert to be held at the International Convention Centre in Berakas on Dec 4 . The musical concert is organised by Basmida, a drugs eradication organisation, and La Strad Musique (LSM), a local music school in Madang. It is supported by HSBC. The event is aimed at introducing music to the younger generation in the country so that they would stay away from negative influences like drug abuse. LSM Ensemble leader, Beverly Sim, said they rehearse once or twice a week for the upcoming concert of their lifetime. The violinist added that they started practising since last April. Apart from the 50 young LSM musicians aged between 4 and 35, the concert will also feature more than 40 musicians from the neighbouring Malaysian state of Sarawak. They will be performing with various orchestra instruments such as violin, cello, double bass, digital grand piano, classical guitar, electric violin and Computer Music. Led by the LSM Junior leader, Chiew Si Hui the junior musicians have been practising four to five songs since April. They will also join the adult musicians in 28 other musical pieces. The charity concert will feature some 28 musical pieces ranging from baroque, modern contemporary and P Ramlee's evergreen pieces to classical, Disney music and folk tunes. Besides trying to promote Music Education among youths here, the concert also hopes to raise fund for Rakan Basmida project as well as for scholarships to support talented LSM students to pursue studies in music overseas. Meanwhile Kimberly, a LSM music teacher, said the Sarawakian musicians will arrive on December 1 and they will rehearse for a few days before the concert date. A musical director from the London College of Music and Media Faculty at the Thames Valley University will be arriving in Brunei on Dec 2 to coach the performers as well as to conduct workshops for both the students and the general public. "Those who are interested to attend the workshops are required to buy tickets," she said. The concert tickets priced at $100, $70, $50, $30 and $10 (for students) are available from Kimberley at 8753360 or Hjh Ramlah at 8753005.