Penang Symphony Orchestra (PSO) is registered under the name of Penang Symphony Society a non-government organization. It is a non-profit organization which its sustainability is due to the generosity of the public and donors since 1987. Its objective is to promote classical music to the general public and development of orchestral playing skills for young musicians. From time to time, other music
ians throughout the country have bad the opportunity to collaborate and also to participate in concerts held by PSO in their individual state as well. Since the inception of PSO, it has mentored a few generations of students and musicians. Some of whom, have to date, found fame and fortune overseas. From time to time, they are invited as guest players at our concerts in Penang. PSO performed many concerts since 1987, which has collaborated with well-known artists from Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, China, Japan, Korea, Australia, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, Canada and Italy over the span of 31 years. In the year 1985 and 1993, the orchestra toured South Australia. In the year 1990, PSO was officially invited by the Penang State Government, to perform during the King’s official visit to Penang. In 1993, PSO was invited by the Russian Embassy to perform with the Russian International renowned musicians, Sergei Dorenski and Mstislav Smimov in a Gala Performance for the King and Queen in Kuala Lumpur. Also in 1993, the orchestra was invited to perform at the birthday celebration of the Princess of Thailand. In 1996, the orchestra toured part of the Asian region and was invited to participate in the 12th International Youth Music Festival at Kumamoto in Japan. In 2004, PSO was invited by the Consulate General of Malaysia in Guangzhou and the Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing to perform in Guangzhou, Xiamen and Beijing. The performances were to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, the 600th anniversary of Admiral Zheng Ho’s visit to Malacca and the 10th anniversary celebration between Penang and Xiamen as sister cities. Since 1983, Kosert Utama performed by PSO, was initiated by the late Chief Minister of Penang, Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, to commemorate the birthday of the Governor of Penang, Tuan Yang Terutama Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang and has been since then, an annual event and tradition carried on by PSO till to date. In 2000, the Penang Junior Orchestra (PSO) was born. The membership of the orchestra is open to all school students under the age of sixteen, with the objective to provide an avenue and facilities for young musicians to develop performing skills and to gain exposure in orchestral music. At the same time, to cultivate and enhance discipline and patience in the young musicians through music. Also to promote music appreciation, as well as to foster closer friendship, mutual understanding and racial harmony. Since its formation, PJO has performed annually to the delight and amazement of the public, PJO members are well practised and trained to undertake the future tasks of their senior counterparts in PSO in years to come. In 2014, invited by Hong Kong Sha Tin Music Festival to perform for the 17th anniversary of the reunification of Hong Kong and the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China. With Penang State Government interests to transform Penang into an international city that is both a UNESCO world heritage city with a vibrant arts and culture scene, PSO is playing its role to enrich and entertain its local and international guests. Penang Wind Orchestra (PWO) was founded in October 1998 with three main objectives:
1) To offer a whole new alternative to community activity to the Penangites.
2) To Engage and entertain the audience of today and to educate and encourage the audience of tomorrow in the state.
3) To bring up the standard of Symphonic Band music appreciation of the Penangites. The PWO will serve the community’s needs and wants by offering a balanced programme of established symphonic band repertoire, occasionally enriched by newer and more unusual and more challenging works. The PWO will actively participate in, and encourage support for the artistic education of the school children in this community, as a means of preserving our diverse cultural heritage. It is also an environment, which is supportive of family values, recognizing its partnership in the active lives of members and promoting the fun aspect of music making. Under the baton of Maestro Woon Wen Kin, the PWO has pioneered the symphonic band formation in the island has made the PWO a more promising and established musical organization.
