GROUP PORTRAIT (From left): Prof Dr P’ng Tean Hwa, director of Institute of Music; Datin Lily Ng, chairperson of UCSI International Schools; Professor Datin Paduka Dr Khatijah Mohd Yusoff, vice-chancellor’s spouse; Dato’ Peter Ng, founder and chairman of

WORLD-RENOWNED (From left): The Orfeo Trio – violinist Eveny Zvonnikov, pianist Julie Bees and cellist Leonid Shukaev – performing their first-ever concert in Malaysia during the launch of UCSI University’s Institute of Music.

KUALA LUMPUR: UCSI University has launched its Institute of Music as an independent unit within the University. 

With the move, the Institute is no longer attached to a faculty and it is free to chart its own academic direction and expansion as it seeks to grow it global presence. 

UCSI vice-chancellor Senior Professor Dato’ Dr Khalid Yusoff said that the move was timely as the Institute had come of age after 25 years of excellence. 

“The Institute’s silver jubilee sees it standing tall as Malaysia’s premier music school in both the classical and contemporary fields,” he said. “It is well respected in Asia and it collaborates with some of the best musicians, industry players, music schools and conservatories around the world.” 

“The who’s who in the Malaysian music industry are teaching, have taught or once studied at the Institute and I have no doubt that it will grow from strength to strength.” 

The vice-chancellor also said that the Institute’s close association with other faculties could spark multidisciplinary research within UCSI. 

To add glitz to the occasion, UCSI secured the presence of the renowned Orfeo Trio who staged their first-ever concert in Malaysia. 

Comprising pianist Julie Bees, violinist Evgeny Zvonnikov and cellist Leonid Shukaev, the Trio reside at Wichita State University, United States, and they have performed at the world’s grandest concert halls. 

Zvonnikov and Shukjaev are members of the world-renowned St. Petersburg String Quartet that has won countless international awards and Grammy nominations. 

An accomplished pianist, Bees has performed and conducted master classes all over the world and picked up rave reviews by the global press. 

UCSI’s Institute of Music director Professor Dr P’ng Tean Hwa said that the presence of The Orfeo Trio demonstrated the close ties the Institute shared with the biggest names in music. 

“Such performers of international calibre are seldom seen in our country and I’m delighted to host them today,” he said. 

“Tonight’s launch shows how far the Institute has come and we will continue devising and offering cutting-edge education in music as we engage the domestic and international community.” 

Founded in 1990 with only three students, the Institute – formerly known as the School of Music – has a long track record of excellence. 

The Institute’s alumni roster is impressive and individuals like violinist Dr Joanne Yeoh; accomplished musician Mr Dennis Lau; award-winning composer, arranger and music director Sang Weng Onn – better known by his stage name Onn San, to name a few, have made it big in the entertainment industry. 

UCSI chancellor Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Abdul Rahman Arshad, UCSI Group founder and chairman Dato’ Peter Ng and Alexander Gulko, the head of the Russian Centre of Culture and Science were present at the event.