PWYM Together We Play

PWYM Together We Play

PWYM 2026 presents a dynamic and exhilarating programme that showcases the power, precision, and expressive range of the modern wind ensemble. From the shimmering energy of Brian Balmages’ Hypnotic Fireflies to the thunderous virtuosity of Michael Daugherty’s Raise the Roof, the concert highlights both youthful brilliance and artistic maturity.

Audiences will be treated to colourful contrasts—spirited marches, the playful rhythms of The Clapping Song, and the sweeping lyricism of A Hymn for Band. Works by renowned composers Frank Ticheli and John Mackey add depth and drama, guiding listeners through sound worlds filled with intensity, warmth, and imagination.

Anchored by the iconic Star Puzzle March, this concert celebrates the creativity of contemporary wind music and the exceptional talent of Malaysia’s rising young musicians.

Date: 28th December 2025 (Sunday)

Time: 3:00pm

Venue: The Zone (FET Building), Sunway University

Programs:

1. HYPNOTIC FIREFLIES by Brian Balmages 

2. RAISE THE ROOF (TIMPANI COCNERTO ) by Michael Daugherty 

3. MARCHES 

4. THE CLAPPING SONGS by Randall Standridge 

5. FORTRESS by Frank Ticheli 

6. LIGHTNING FIELD by John Mackey 

7. Star Puzzle March by Soichi Konagaya 

8. A Hymn for Band by Hugh Stuart 

Artistic Director & Resident Conductor - Eric Lee

Eric Lee is a distinguished Malaysian conductor and trombonist who has significantly contributed to Malaysia’s music scene and beyond. Known for his leadership in forming the PJ Youth Symphonic Band, the Philharmonic Winds of Malaysia, and the National BAnd Director Association of Malaysia, Eric has been pivotal in nurturing young musical talent and promoting symphonic music in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Born in Malaysia, Eric Lee developed an early interest in music, particularly the trombone. His initial music education laid a strong foundation for his future endeavours. His passion and dedication to music were evident from a young age, leading him to pursue advanced studies and professional development. 

In 1994, Eric Lee founded the PJ Youth Symphonic Band, providing a platform for young musicians to develop their skills. THis initiative was followed by establishing the Philharmonic WInds of Malaysia, formerly known as the Symphonic Winds of the National Symphony Orchestra. Under his direction, these ensembles have achieved critical acclaim and have played a vital role in the cultural landscape of Malaysia. In 1997, Eric received a full scholarship to study trombone at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA). During his time in Hong Kong, he participated in masterclasses with prominent figures such as the American Horn Quartet, Luur Metals, Spanish Brass Quintet, Roger Bobo, and James Da Sanol. He also studied with renowned trombonists like John Swallow, Scott Hartman, and Jan Mortensen, and conducting with Mark Shanahan. From 1996, Eric was selected to represent Malaysia in the Asian Youth Orchestra (AYO) for six consecutive years. As a member of AYO, he performed in over 40 cities across 20 countries, including prestigious venues like the Royal Concertgebouw and the Sydney Opera House. He had the opportunity to perform under esteemed conductors and renowned artists such as Yo-Yo Ma and Mischa Maisky.

Eric made his conducting debut in 1999 with the Kuala Lumpur Symphony Orchestra for the production of Johan and Si Belang, Malaysia’s version of Peter and the Wolf. Later that year, he conducted a critically acclaimed local production of The Sound of Music. His career as a guest conductor has included collaborations with the Penang State Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. His contributions to the music world were recognised in 2006 when he received the Anugerah Seni Negara (National Young Music Director Award) for young music directors.

Eric serves as the Band Director for Catholic High School in Petaling Jaya and Sekolah Menengah Sains Selangor. Under his direction, these schools have secured multiple champion and gold awards both in Malaysia and Internationally. These achievements recognise Eric’s exceptional contributions as a popular music director, underscoring his influence and dedication to advancing the arts in Malaysia. Currently, Eric serves as the Acting Music Director of the National Symphony Orchestra of Malaysia (NSO) Istana Budaya, where he effectively channels his passion for music and leadership. In addition to this role, he is the Artistic Director and Resident Conductor of the Philharmonic Winds of Malaysia and serves as President of the National Band Directors Association of Malaysia. As principal trombone of the NSO, Eric demonstrates his versatile musicianship, frequently performing as a guest principal with esteemed ensembles such as the Macau Symphony Orchestra and the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, among others.

Assistant Conductor

Malaysian trombonist Lim Jie Ren is an active performer, educator, and arts organiser whose musical work bridges orchestral, jazz, contemporary, and traditional Asian ensembles. A versatile musician, his career spans performances with orchestras, wind ensembles, and traditional ethnic ensembles across Malaysia, Thailand, Austria, Indonesia, and Germany.

Jie Ren holds a Master of Music in Orchestral Trombone Performance from the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz (Austria), where he studied under Prof. Thomas Eibinger (Trombone) and Prof. Bernhard Rainer (Sackbut), and a Bachelor of Music from Mahidol University’s College of Music (Thailand), where he studied trombone with Dr. Michael Robinson Jr., Mr. Thanapoom Sriwiset, and Mr. Philip Brink, and composition with Mr. Valeriy Rizayev. Prior to his former studies, he learned trombone with Sir Eric Lee and Miss Tay Kai Yee.

As a performer, Jie Ren has appeared with ensembles such as the National Symphony Orchestra of Malaysia, Philharmonic Winds of Malaysia, TUTAN Festival Orchestra, Bandung Philharmonic Orchestra, Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, and Studio Musikfabrik (Germany). Beyond Western ensembles, his diverse practice extends to traditional ensembles including the Lee Rubber Chinese Orchestra, Grazer Dom Ensemble, and NyaiRaraSaraswati Gamelan Ensemble, reflecting his deepening interest in cultural hybridity and sonic diversity. 

Equally committed to education, Jie Ren is an active trombone, brass, and band educator, working with students from primary and secondary school bands through university level. He currently serves as Band Director of SMK Bandar Utama Damansara 3 (SMKBUD 3) and SJKC Chin Woo. During his recent tenure at SMKBUD 3, he led the band to multiple gold awards at both national and international competitions. Jie Ren has participated in masterclasses with leading international brass players including Joseph Alessi, Peter Moore, Branimir Slokar, Brian Wendel, Armin Bachmann, and Uwe Köller, among others - experiences that have greatly influenced his artistry, pedagogy, and approach to musical mentorship.

As Director of the Malaysia Brass Outreach Project (MBOP), Jie Ren continues to foster collaboration and cultural exchange, working alongside artists from the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, and Deutsche Oper Berlin. His artistic involvement also includes the award-winning production Dream of the Red Chamber by the Lee Rubber Chinese Orchestra, recipient of multiple honours at the 18th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards 2023. 

Soloist

Parker Tee holds a Bachelor Degree of Fine Arts in Music from the University of Taipei. Throughout his studies in Taiwan, he performed with several orchestras such as Evergreen Symphony Orchestra, Taipei Symphony Orchestra, Pro Arte Symphony orchestra, among others.

Before joining the National Symphony Orchestra Malaysia as Principal Timpanist, he served as percussionist with the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra and as Sub-Principal Percussionist with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.

His extensive performance and touring experience spans multiple region and countries, including Taiwan, China, Canada, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, France, Czech Republic and others.

Philharmonic Winds of Malaysia

Philharmonic Winds of Malaysia is founded by a group of passionate musicians based at Klang Valley in 2016. Our organization aspires to enrich the community through music making, developing strong leaders and competent musicians, as well as strengthening the appreciation of art and culture in Malaysia. With these ideas in mind, we work hard to consistently present concerts, workshops and masterclasses of high caliber that provide enjoyment, education and inspiration to the public. Our repertoires include original and transcribed wind band works that cover various type of music genres such as classical, contemporary, film and pop music.

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Philharmonic Winds Youth of Malaysia

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Concert Committees 

Chairman (Ticketing & Volunteers): Yong Ching Ting

Vice Chairman (Logistic): Chong Keng Woon

Secretary: Woon Sze Ting

Vice Secretary (Logistic): Yon Nian Shee

Treasurer: Bryan Cheah

Vice Treasurer: Kay Wong

Design & Marketing: Chia Pei Jing, Lim Jie Ren, Alwin Wong

Libriarian: Lim Jie Ren, Alwin Wong

Stage Manager: Alwin Wong 

Videographer: Ong Yuan Shun

Photographer: Jacky Leong, Chia Pei Jing