Line Up

Cathy's Art was founded in 2017, shortly after its creator, Cathy, resigned from the Angklung company where she had worked for 16 years. Cathy herself began learning to play the angklung in the 4th grade at Saung Angklung Udjo. Alongside graduates of the angklung school, Cathy established a forum for artists to express their creativity through both social and commercial performances. The team at Cathy's Art provides assistance to many schools and foundations in training and promoting angklung culture in West Java. With their skills, the team can deliver performances on an international scale, showcasing the talents of its members at various events both domestically and abroad. Team members have also brought pride to Indonesia by representing the nation in countries such as Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Germany, the Netherlands, and numerous others.

Jeremie Gan and Tan Yu Xin, prominent figures in the Malaysian ballet scene, share captivating journeys into the world of dance. Jeremie, from Subang Jaya, began his ballet voyage at a mere 2 years old, earning acclaim in national and international competitions. His achievements, including prestigious awards and a Dame Margot Fonteyn Bursary, took him to the Genée International Ballet Competition at 15 and led him to perform principal roles in the Royal New Zealand Ballet. He returned to the Singapore Ballet, maintaining an active presence in the ballet community.

Yu Xin, who began her ballet training at age 5, secured numerous accolades in both local and international ballet competitions, exhibiting her dedication and talent. She later honed her artistry under Miss LayNa Chan's tutelage in Kuching and is currently on her path towards the RAD Solo Seal Examination.

In December 2022, Jeremie and Yu Xin crossed paths during a ballet workshop in Kuching, deciding to collaborate for the SIFMA program. Despite physical distances, their unwavering commitment, guided by their mentors, allowed them to harmonize their performances in person just days before the SIFMA event. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in their ballet careers.

Malaysian pianist Bridget Yee has established herself as a prominent figure in the world of classical music, amassing an impressive list of international competition victories. She has consistently proven her exceptional talent and dedication to the art of piano performance.

Bridget's accolades include triumphs in renowned competitions such as the Windsor International Piano Competition, the Putra International Piano Competition, and the BBC Young Musician Keyboard Category Finals. Her remarkable skills extend to composition, as she has represented Malaysia with her original compositions on the international stage.

Bridget's musical journey began at the age of 11 when she was awarded a full scholarship to Wells Cathedral School in Somerset, where she studied under the guidance of Hilary Coates. Currently, she is pursuing her undergraduate studies at the Royal Academy of Music, supported by a full scholarship. Her dedication and exceptional talent have earned her recognition and support from various organisations. Bridget is the current recipient of The Richard Toeman Award from Awards for Young Musicians, and she is generously supported by the Hattori Foundation and the Talented Unlimited Foundation. With a promising career ahead, Bridget Yee continues to captivate audiences and leave a lasting mark on the world of classical music.

St. Joseph’s Private School Chamber Choir, established in 2017, has become a musical powerhouse, earning accolades for their stellar performances. Renowned for their rendition of "The White Rajah of Sarawak," the choir focusses on fostering community spirit and discipline among its members.

Despite pandemic challenges, the SJPS Chamber Choir clinched prestigious awards, including a Gold Medal at the 2nd World Virtual Choir Festival (2020), a Gold B award at the Malaysian Choral Eisteddfod (2021), and a Gold Diploma (Level V) at the Vietnam International Choir Competition (2023).

Their successes extend internationally, with a championship at the Busan Choral Festival & Competition in Korea (2021) and Gold at the Bali International Choral Festival (2022). The choir's repertoire, featuring arrangements by conductor Toh Ban Sheng, showcases Malaysian folk songs, earning them acclaim.

Locally, the choir has appeared in events like SIFMA, Sarawak International Bowling Competition, and National Level Unity Week Closing Ceremony. Notable guests, including the Prime Minister, have witnessed their performances.

Benedict Lo Jin Chi, hailing from Kuching, made a mark in music, earning Grade 8 in piano and violin during secondary school. His musical passion led him to vocal and choral training. He worked as an architect for 15 years while contributing to community projects, notably leading the SMK St. Joseph's School Marching Band to victory in the Malaysian National Band Championship.

Transitioning to education, Benedict, now at St. Joseph's Private Secondary School, heads the Student Development Department and directs the school's choir, string ensemble, and concert band. Believing in music's transformative power for young people, he directed the acclaimed "The White Rajah of Sarawak" musical.

Under Benedict's guidance, the SJPS Chamber Choir secured numerous awards, including Gold Medals in international competitions. Notably, they showcased Malaysian culture through local folk songs, earning recognition from Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka for promoting Bahasa Melayu. The choir also performed at national celebrations, adding a musical touch to events attended by the Prime Minister and Premier of Sarawak.

The 24 Festive Drum Team from Chung Hua Middle School No. 3 is a group of talented drummers that mixes calligraphy, Chinese solar terms, and traditional lion drums to create their unique sound.

These drummers have showcased their skills at different events. One notable performance was at the 2019 Hari Merdeka event, witnessed by Tun Mahathir himself. They also brought their rhythmic energy to the 2022 edition of SIFMA. This year, they’ve also added a lively touch to the Asia for Animals Annual Dinner hosted by SSPCA.

Catch their performance this December at SIFMA4.

Kuching native Eugenia Lou, a key figure in the Ensemble Virama, stands out as a well-recognised double bassist. Trained by Wolfgang Steike, a former Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra member and current principal double bassist of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, Eugenia's musical journey includes masterclasses with renowned figures such as Klaus Stoll, Gary Karr, Paul Ellison, and Charles Garrett.

Eugenia has been a guest player for the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the Selangor Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, she was invited by the Asian Symphony Orchestra in Vietnam and Cambodia, performing under the baton of Maestro Yoshikazu Fukumura. Eugenia has also performed with the Asian Youth Orchestra in various cities across the United States, Canada, Japan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia in 1999 and 2001.

A holder of a Bachelor of Music in Double Bass Performance, Eugenia has earned LTCL and FTCL diplomas from Trinity College of Music in Double Bass Solo Performance. She is a dedicated educator, sharing her passion with students ranging from 6 to 70 years old. Serving as a double bass tutor at prominent institutions like Bentley Music Academy, Kolej Yayasan Saad, Malacca (KYS), Sri KL International School, Tsun Jin High School, and Pin Hwa High School, Eugenia takes pride in her students' success both locally and internationally. Many of her students gained recognition and secured scholarships, notably at the Wells Cathedral School in the UK.

Having imbibed the essence of Bharathanatyam from her Guru "Kalaimamani" Dr. K.Rajamanickam, Sugapriya Ashok has emerged not only as an adept performer but also as a passionate educator. With more than 23 years of dedicated learning and teaching, she is a testament to the charm of the South Indian art form.

Her passion for Bharathanatyam has graced stages across India, where she not only showcased her skills but also performed at various government functions. A milestone in her artistic journey was marked by the completion of her Arangetram in the presence of dignitaries, making a name for herself in the world of classical dance. She was awarded the "Nalina Natya Sudar" from Sangeetha Salangai Natyalaya, School of Dance and Music, Puducherry, a proof of her passion for the arts.

Apart from her love for dancing, Sugapriya Ashok has a Bachelor of Technology degree from Puducherry University and also did a Master's in Human Resource Management (MBA). Now, she works as a consultant for schools. She loves cultural arts and dance so much that she doesn't just perform and teach – she also helps with research projects about different cultures.

A talented musician specialising in tabla, Sandip R Maisuri is a master at playing this traditional Indian drum, and is also a fantastic teacher. He has shared his tabla skills in many schools, colleges, and academies all over India.

Sandip is not just known locally; he's an award-winning musician who performs all around the world. When he plays, it's not just about music – he is also showcasing the beauty of Indian culture. Whether he is on a stage in India or in a different country, Sandip brings the rhythmic charm of tabla to audiences everywhere.

The Kenwy Yangqin Ensemble, led by the talented Kenwy Ho from the Kenwy Music and Arts Academy in Kuching, perform the Trapezoidal Yangqin, a Chinese hammered dulcimer that produces unique sounds. In 2019, at the big 3rd International Dulcimer Music Festival in Beijing, the group, calling themselves the Malaysian Dulcimer Ensemble, won five gold medals and two silvers after competing with 500 entries from China, Iran, and Malaysia.

Kenwy Ho shares that the Chinese dulcimer originally made its way to China from Europe through traders about 400 years ago. This instrument underwent an amazing transformation, adapting to Chinese culture, arts, and music. Today's dulcimer boasts over 100 strings, arranged in four sections to produce high, middle, middle-low, and low tones.

He explains that each dulcimer possesses its own distinctive character, influenced by factors such as the type of wood used, its construction, and the composition of its strings. The magic happens as skilled musicians unleash the dulcimer's potential by deftly hammering its strings with a pair of bamboo sticks encased in rubber. Join the Kenwy Yangqin Ensemble this December at SIFMA4.

In 1999, Kwerdas started as a pluck string quartet, initially formed to accompany a soprano classmate. Comprising music students who believed in the vast potential and diversity of the rondalla, the group evolved into a sextet, with all members being alumni of Silliman University’s College of Performing and Visual Arts.

A significant turning point for Kwerdas happened in 2001 when Maestro Michael Dadap joined as a visiting professor. His invaluable musical knowledge and experience became a source of inspiration, with his arrangements and compositions serving as a blueprint that shaped the ensemble's distinctive sound and identity. Kwerdas consists of members Ian Encarnacion (Bandurria), Mathilda Limbaga-Erojo (Bandurria), Yassef Ann Tuayon (Octavina), Juni Jay Tinambacan (Laud), Reginald Bernaldez (Guitar), and Abner Cabanting (Bajo).

Kwerdas takes pride in its role in fostering the Orkestra Sin Arco Movement. With a belief in the rondalla's global potential, the ensemble aims to competently perform a wide range of music, not just folk and popular tunes but also compositions tailored for the string orchestra tradition.

While the members have pursued diverse paths as professional musicians, they continue to reunite periodically for local and international performances, either as guest artistes or featured performers. From its modest beginnings, Kwerdas has emerged as one of the Philippines' most creative and entertaining ensembles.

Known as Yup Suling-Bas in Lun Bawang language, the Lun Bawang Bamboo Flute and Bass Band is the main traditional music group for the Lun Bawang people in Sarawak. It's made up of at least 20 people to create a nice, harmonious sound. Unlike some other bands, there isn't a set number of flute players needed for the band.

The bamboo band is played by the church choir during special occasions like Easter and weddings and is taught in theology schools in the Lun Bawang area. The band has also been playing for the community since 1945 at important events like visits by the Head of State, chief ministers, and ministers; Independence Day celebrations; TYT birthdays; Malaysia Festival 1990 in KL; and the Hello Malaysia programme.

Nan Hwa Singers, an inspiring vocal ensemble stemming from the roots of the Nan Hwa Choir, established in the 1990s, have been creating harmonious melodies since 2011, under the tutelage of Ms. Ling Foong. Fuelled by their love for singing, graduates from Nan Hwa School have come back to join the current Nan Hwa Choir members in their musical endeavours. Together, they mark the beginning of an extraordinary journey. In a significant triumph, the Nan Hwa Singers clinched a prestigious Gold Medal at the World Choir Games 2023 in July, marking a pinnacle in their musical journey. Now, some of these accomplished singers are celebrating their talents at SIFMA, creating beautiful symphonies with their juniors.

Wendy Yong, a renowned soprano from Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, began her musical journey as a pianist at the age of 6. Active in her teenage years, she significantly contributed to the local Chinese ensemble. Graduating from the Singapore Nanyang Academy of Arts in 1997, majoring in piano and classical singing, Wendy continued her studies at Middlesex University London under Ms. Jennifer Caren. Returning to Malaysia, she committed to teaching and performing locally and internationally.

Wendy's diverse musical talents extend to instruments like Yang Qin, Gu Zheng, and Chinese drums. She has collaborated with various orchestras and groups, including the SONS symphony orchestra and No Black Tie. Wendy's powerful and expressive voice, showcased in her recital "My Music My Life," featuring French chanson and musical theatre highlights, earned her acclaim in 2019. In 2022, she shared her expertise through singing lectures at "Talent Sarawak." A frequent guest performer at Sarawak state functions, Wendy's performances consistently deliver depth and expression.

Seremban's pride, The Stone Percussion, led by founder Zac Tan, is making waves in the world of percussion. Bearing the evocative name "Pán," the ensemble encourages performers to pursue their artistic aspirations with determination. Since September 2022, The Stone Percussion has delved into the realms of rhythm and innovation, establishing connections that deeply resonate with their audience.

Among their noteworthy projects are Malam Pesona Seni (2023), Let's Roll (2023), Voyage (2023), Commercial Show (2022-2023), Mambau Festival (2022), Bumi Kita (2023), Percussion Workshop (2022-2023), and Program X (2023).

Gilbert De Greeve, from Belgium, received his initial music instruction from his father and furthered his education at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp, notably under the guidance of Eugene Traey and Jan Decadt. He specialised in Performance (piano) and Composition and continued his studies in the USA, including with renowned figures like Rudolf Serkin and Eugene Ormandy. His artistic pursuits, including performances, master classes, and lectures, have taken him worldwide. At just 25 years old, he became one of the youngest Professors ever at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp and assumed the role of Director at the State Music Academy, transforming it into a major institution with over 4,200 students. His compositions encompass a diverse range, including the Lied Cycle Chamber Music (comprising 36 Lieder inspired by James Joyce's poems), instrumental works, chamber music, orchestra pieces, and choral compositions. De Greeve holds the titles of Honorary Director of the State Music Academy of Antwerp and Honorary Professor at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp. He served as the President of the International Kodály Society (IKS) from 1999 to 2011, a global organisation dedicated to music education for individuals of all ages, and currently holds the position of Past-President. He is a highly sought-after lecturer on the international stage.

The Halili-Cruz School of Ballet, founded in 1985, is renowned for its high-quality dance training and outstanding performances. It has proudly represented the Philippines in various international festivals and competitions across the globe, including Australia, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, China, Brunei, South Korea, Russia, England, and the USA. The school has achieved an impressive tally of over 300 national and international awards and accolades, including prestigious recognitions such as the Hall of Fame in the Aliw Awards, National Product Quality Excellence Awards, and the Aning Dangal Award for international achievements, which they have received 12 times.

Some of their notable achievements include winning the Grand Prize in the Asia Pacific Dance Competition in various locations, First Prize in Dance Excellence in Los Angeles, California, and the Global Excellence Award in Bangkok, Thailand. The Halili-Cruz School of Ballet has excelled in classical and contemporary dance, as evidenced by their Best Performance recognition in the Bauhinia Cup International Dance Competition in Hong Kong. They've also been honored with awards like the Global Pinoy Award, Grand Champion in the Hong International Elite Dance Competition, and the Gran Corybant Award (the highest award in the competition) in the All Dance 2019 World Championships in Orlando, Florida, USA.

These numerous achievements are credited to the school's founder and Artistic Director, Shirley Halili-Cruz, who has received multiple awards, along with the exceptional support of Associate Artistic Directors Grace Garalde-Perez and Anna Kathrina Halili Cruz-Bueno.

Witness the captivating Nattaya Thai Dance, an exceptional dance embodying both aesthetic beauty and graceful movements. A skilled dancer, Ms. Nattatida harmonises every part of her body, meticulously performing hand and foot gestures, showcasing the artistry referred to in Thai drama as 'Natyasa' or 'Nattaya'.

Immerse yourself in the rich tradition of "Awa Odori", one of Japan's largest and most renowned festival dances, originated in Tokushima with a history spanning 400 years.

Situated on the eastern side of the island of Shikoku, Tokushima is formerly known as "Awa", The word "Odori" means dance. Hence, "Awa Odori".

"Awa Odori" festivals are held in many places in Japan, including Tokyo. It is also performed in America, Europe and other parts of Asia. Usually, Awa Odori will be performed by a big group with live musical accompaniment, but at SIFMA, Hiromi san will perform the Awa Odori alone in an original format that she has arranged.

Dancers, adorned with "Amigasa" fan-shaped hats made from Igusa rush and "Geta" (wooden clogs), perform on tiptoes, a detail in the dance that one ought to pay attention to as well.

The song titled "Haruyo Koi" by Yumi Matsutoya is brought to life by the graceful performances of Sachiko san and Tanaporn san from "Japanese Dancing Ma-i." Set to the beautiful melody of Yumi Matsutoya's masterpiece, Sachiko san and Tanaporn san's dance embodies hope to endure the cold winter and anticipate the warmth of spring in Japan. Join these talented dancers as they convey the beauty and resilience encapsulated in Matsutoya's evocative composition.