IMPRESSIVE SHOW (From left): Drummer Chanutr Techatana-nan, pianist and organist Kerong Chok and jazz guitarist Teriver Cheung performing their concert at UCSI’s Recital Hall.

ENGAGING SESSION: Pianist and organist Kerong Chok (far left) giving words of advice to UCSI’s Music students during the master class.

YOUNG TALENT: Jazz guitarist Teriver Cheung (left) conducting his workshop with the assistance of one of UCSI’s Music students

KUALA LUMPUR: UCSI University’s Institute of Music recently hosted the renowned Teriver Cheung Trio - comprising jazz guitarist Teriver Cheung, pianist and organist Kerong Chok and drummer Chanutr Techatana-nan - who performed an impressive concert during their two-day visit. 

Apart from the concert, which saw the attendance of over 200 people, the Trio also conducted a master class and workshops for Music students. 

A versatile musician, Cheung has performed and recorded with world-renowned musicians such as Bernard Wright, Quamon Fowler and Shelly Carroll while Chok has picked up rave reviews by the global press like New Straits Times, Business Times and Today, to name a few. 

Regarded as one of the most innovative and exciting drummers in the Asian jazz scene, Techatana-nan has performed with other reputable ensembles at international concerts and festivals including the Thailand International Jazz Festival; Huahin Jazz Festival; “Tsunami Benefit Concert” in London; and the Lincoln Centre Festival in New York. 

When asked about the inspiration behind their music, Cheung and Hong candidly point out that they “just love playing music” and “jazz is our life”. 

For Chok, it’s all about “really loving the music” and he goes on to share some words of advice with aspiring musicians. 

“It’s beyond just doing your assignments and satisfying just the requirements of your classes. It’s about personally connecting with music.” 

Notably, the event was also attended by UCSI’s academics and Institute of Music director Professor Dr P’ng Tean Hwa. 

Commenting on the Trio, he enthuses: “They’re young and vibrant musicians and we are very privileged to have them here with us for several days.”