2018 “Music & Laughter” - Post Event Article by From Emily To You

The PSPA Singers, led by choir leader Marianne Poh opens the Music & Laughter concert

It was indeed an afternoon of music and laughter when three Perak Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) collaborated with a choir from Selangor to bring more meaning to the event which was in support of the One Million Stars to End Violence project.

Perak Society of Performance Arts (PSPA) president, Datin Rosalina Ooi-Thong in her opening speech

The Perak Society of Performing Arts (PSPA), Perak Women for Women (PWW), and Soroptimist International Ipoh (SI) invited The Philharmonic Society of Selangor (The Phil) to join hands and voices to create an awareness for the One Million Stars to End Violence project.

Maryann Talia Pau, founder of One Million Stars to End Violence Project

One Million Stars to End Violence was founded by Maryann Talia Pau, an artist and weaver from Samoa who started the project single-handedly in 2012, as a personal response to a local tragedy. Through star weaving, she found a way to bring people together to support one another.

YB Wong Kah Woh, Member of Parliament for Ipoh Timur

Maryann’s project soon caught the attention of communities around the world, and with collective effort, the project achieved a million stars weaved in 2017.

Emcee of the day, Malika Oates

In Malaysia, or specifically in Ipoh, the Perak Women for Women (PWW) Society is spearheading the project. It is not merely an act of creating stars that have gained the support of the public, but a symbol of commitment to end violence, irrespective of background, gender, race, religion, etc. As an undertaking that connects communities and to create safe spaces for everyone, PWW also hopes to reach its own one million weaved stars.

Cheryl Teh, Chairperson, The Philharmonic Society of Selangor

Maryann graced the meaningful occasion, Music & Laughter, along with guests-of-honour Y.B. Wong Kah Woh (Member of Parliament Ipoh Timur) and Y.B. Jenny Choy (Canning State Assembly person).

The Philharmonic Society of Selangor in concert

The concert commenced with the PSPA Singers, accompanied by Marianne Poh as choir leader, who presented Ecce Homo Qui est faba, followed by Baba Yetu.

Presentation of mementos, first to Ms. Cheryl Teh

Next on stage was The Philharmonic Society of Selangor, or The Phil in short. Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the choir has been travelling around the country, bringing music and laughter to the people, as well as building community harmony through music centric activities. Ipoh is its final stop.

From PSPA to YB Wong Kah Woh

Therefore, it was very apt for The Phil to be featured in Ipoh’s One Million Stars to End Violence programme. During their stay in the city, members of The Phil participated in a star-weaving workshop. Led by Chairperson and choir Director, Cheryl Teh, The Phil has pledged to weave 60,000 stars to contribute to PWW’s feat.

Group photo with the organising committee

Performing a repertoire of popular music that moved the audience to sing along, The Phil wrapped up the afternoon with a “duet” with the PSPA Singers, rendering ABBA’s Thank You For The Music.