SPWinds Wins Gold At World Orchestra Fest In Austria

KUALA LUMPUR, 28 July (Bernama) -- The Sekolah Seri Puteri (SSP) orchestra, Seri Puteri Symphonic Winds Orchestra (SPWinds), has once again brought honour to the country on the international stage by winning the Gold Award at the 11th World Orchestra Festival (WOF) held in Vienna, Austria from July 23 to 26.

SPWinds, Malaysia's sole representative at the prestigious festival, comprises 66 students, aged 13 to 17, from SSP, Cyberjaya. The orchestra participated in the Youth category for Wind and Brass Orchestra, performing two challenging pieces: Amana by Hiroaki Kataoka, and Rai and Tari, a local musical composition by Yeo Chow Shern.

Its performance was judged on technical excellence, artistic finesse of the music, and overall impact, earning SPWinds the highest recognition.

Even more impressive, SPWinds conductor Raja Muzafar Shah, was also named Best Conductor for his outstanding leadership and direction throughout the competition.

SSP principal Julaila Yahya said the victory was not only a success in the field of music, but also reflected the students' perseverance, discipline and spirit.

"Seeing our students perform on a world-class stage and bring honour to Malaysia is a very meaningful moment that we will cherish forever," she said in a statement today.

This success adds another chapter to SPWinds' legacy as a nationally and internationally recognised school orchestra, uniting musical excellence with Malaysia's cultural identity.

SPWinds also performed traditional Malay songs such as Cindai, Wau Bulan, and Umpan Jinak Di Air Tenang in four concerts held.

Participation in this festival is made through an official application and strict evaluation by the festival committee, involving technical preparation as well as high commitment and cooperation from the entire team.

Also present to offer support was the Malaysian Ambassador to Austria, Ikram Mohammad Ibrahim, who attended the opening ceremony at the Vienna City Hall on July 23, along with officials from the Malaysian Embassy, teachers, and students’ parents.

The WOF, organised by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture and the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, brings together over 20 orchestras from 10 countries, with performances taking place at iconic venues such as the Wiener Musikverein (Golden Hall), House of Strauss and MuTh Concert Hall.

-- BERNAMA