Published in Sunday People, New Sunday Times
30 August 2009
Hope for the new generation
IN a quaint Chinese restaurant with décor that recalls the bygone era of imperial China, erhu player Gan Boon We recalls the early days where he learnt the Chinese instrument in high school.
“I was really passionate about it. Playing and practising the instrument was all that I ever knew. I would practise my fingering whenever I could, on the bus or even at the dinner table,” recalls Gan.
“Unlike today, when children are easily distracted with so many things like computers. We could really be focused on what we love to do. I suppose it is harder to be skilled at one thing today.
“Though there are more opportunities today to pick up Chinese instruments, it is our own initiative and interest that drives the person to do well.”
Gan is the concert master and erhu player of the renowned Dama Orchestra. A former national erhu champion, he has been instrumental in defining Dama’s musical performances and has produced a number of its critically-acclaimed recordings such as September Tale and Spring Kisses Lover’s Tales. He has also performed in numerous cross-cultural projects such as the Gambus Musical Fusion concerts.
At the recent preview of Dama’s latest musical I Have A Date With Spring, Gan says: “What makes me proud of being Malaysian is that we are able to retain our own cultural identities while living harmoniously and peacefully at the same time.
“For example, I have seen Indians and Malays who come and enjoy our shows despite the cultural and language barriers.
“The 1Malaysia concept is very good. I really hope to see a unified nation and equal opportunities for all regardless of race, creed or colour, as exemplified by the recent decision to end the bumiputera quota system for businesses,” says Gan.
Dama Orchestra’s I Have A Date With Spring — The Musical is scheduled for October. — By MAX KOH
30 August 2009
Hope for the new generation
IN a quaint Chinese restaurant with décor that recalls the bygone era of imperial China, erhu player Gan Boon We recalls the early days where he learnt the Chinese instrument in high school.
“I was really passionate about it. Playing and practising the instrument was all that I ever knew. I would practise my fingering whenever I could, on the bus or even at the dinner table,” recalls Gan.
“Unlike today, when children are easily distracted with so many things like computers. We could really be focused on what we love to do. I suppose it is harder to be skilled at one thing today.
“Though there are more opportunities today to pick up Chinese instruments, it is our own initiative and interest that drives the person to do well.”
Gan is the concert master and erhu player of the renowned Dama Orchestra. A former national erhu champion, he has been instrumental in defining Dama’s musical performances and has produced a number of its critically-acclaimed recordings such as September Tale and Spring Kisses Lover’s Tales. He has also performed in numerous cross-cultural projects such as the Gambus Musical Fusion concerts.
At the recent preview of Dama’s latest musical I Have A Date With Spring, Gan says: “What makes me proud of being Malaysian is that we are able to retain our own cultural identities while living harmoniously and peacefully at the same time.
“For example, I have seen Indians and Malays who come and enjoy our shows despite the cultural and language barriers.
“The 1Malaysia concept is very good. I really hope to see a unified nation and equal opportunities for all regardless of race, creed or colour, as exemplified by the recent decision to end the bumiputera quota system for businesses,” says Gan.
Dama Orchestra’s I Have A Date With Spring — The Musical is scheduled for October. — By MAX KOH
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