Back to Band- PWYM Series III

Philharmonic Winds of Malaysia

Venue:

Q Deck, Level 3,, Selangor

Date: 20/12/2026

Time: 3:00PM

Language: English, Mandarin, Bahasa Malaysia

Category: Concert

Duration: 80 minutes with intermission

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Price

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Price

RM50.00

from

RM50.00

Additional Fees Apply

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Duration: 80 minutes with intermission

As the subsidiary of PWM, Philharmonic Winds Youth Malaysia (PWYM) is the first youth’ wind band in Malaysia and strive to become one of the best of its own in the region. The ensemble holds the values and aspirations of G.R.O.W.T.H.-Growth, Resilience, Originality,Workmanship,Teamwork and Harmony.

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Sunday

20^th

Dec 2026

3:00PM (GMT+8)

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About

Back to Band - PWYM Series III

Date: 20th December 2026

Time: 3pm

Venue: Q Deck, Level 3, Sunway University at Sunway Square

Artistic Director & Conductor

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 developed an early interest in music, particularly the trombone. His initial music education laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors. His passion and dedication to music were evident from a young age, leading him to pursue advanced studies and professional development. In 1994, Eric 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 master classes 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 conducted 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 with 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 recognized 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 recognize Eric's exceptional contributions as a popular music director, underscoring his influence and dedication to advancing the arts in Malaysia. Currently, Eric is the Artistic Director and Resident Conductor of the Philharmonic Winds of Malaysia, President of the National Band Director Association of Malaysia, and the Music Director & Resident Conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra of Malaysia. He is also a regular guest player with several orchestras in the region and has appeared as a guest principal with orchestras such as the Macau Symphony Orchestra, the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, Bangkok Opera, and many more. In addition to performing, Eric frequently receives invitations to adjudicate international band competitions and conducts workshops and concerts across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. His expertise and experience make him a sought-after figure in the global music community, further highlighting his significant impact on the field. Eric Lee's enduring legacy in the music world is marked by his dedication to education, performance, and leadership. His contributions have not only elevated the standards of symphonic music in Malaysia but have also inspired countless young musicians all around the world. Looking ahead, Eric continues to build the future and shape the musical journeys of students in Malaysia, ensuring the continued growth and excellence of the nation's musical talent. His achievements in leading and developing wind bands, chamber music, and orchestras are truly remarkable, providing a lasting impact on Malaysia’s music education and performance landscape.

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 formal 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

Lertkiat Chongjirajitra is a former principal trumpet of the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra and a member of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Lertkiat is both a passionate educator and an active performer. In addition to his work in Thailand, he has taught and given masterclasses internationally in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Lebanon, Australia, Finland, Italy, and the United States. Since returning from Hong Kong in 2002, he has presented more than 90 solo recitals.

Currently, Lertkiat runs his own premium photo film processing and printing business, LERT’s, while continuing his dedication to music education with the aim of supporting and nurturing the next generation of professional musicians.

Programme Highlights:

Gustav Holst’s Second Suite in F for Military Band is a celebrated work inspired by traditional English folk music. Consisting of four movements—March, Song Without Words, Song of the Blacksmith, and Fantasia on the Dargason—the suite showcases a variety of musical characters, from spirited marches and lyrical melodies to lively dances. Through colourful orchestration, rhythmic vitality and inventive counterpoint, Holst captures the charm of English folk traditions and demonstrates the expressive versatility of the wind band.

The Seventh Night of July, also known as Tanabata, is inspired by a traditional Japanese legend about Orihime and Hikoboshi, two lovers separated by the Milky Way who are permitted to reunite only once a year, on the seventh night of July. Composed by Itaru Sakai during his high school years, the piece captures the romance and magic of this celestial reunion through vibrant rhythms, soaring melodies and colourful orchestration. The expressive alto saxophone and euphonium solos represent the two lovers, creating a lyrical and emotional contrast within the energetic work. The composition celebrates love, longing and the joy of reunion beneath the starry summer sky.

Sea of Wisdom depicts the beauty, serenity and immense power of the sea through vivid melodies and colourful orchestration. The music begins with a peaceful portrayal of the morning ocean before developing into a majestic theme accompanied by the calls of seagulls. A lyrical alto saxophone solo evokes the gentle waves, while a dramatic and powerful passage reflects the rugged coastal cliffs. Through its contrasting musical moods and expressive harmonies, the piece celebrates the sea as a symbol of beauty, strength and wisdom.

Alexander Goedicke’s Concert Etude, Op. 49 is a brilliant and energetic showpiece that highlights the technical agility and expressive capabilities of the solo trumpet. The music combines rapid passages, crisp articulation and lively rhythmic patterns with a contrasting, flowing melodic theme. Originally written for trumpet and piano, David Marlatt’s arrangement for solo trumpet and concert band enriches the work with colourful orchestration and a fuller, more dynamic sound. This exciting composition showcases the virtuosity of the soloist while creating a spirited and engaging musical experience.