AAPPAC > Aug 2023 > ORKESTRA TRADISIONAL MALAYSIA (OTM) OUTREACH PROGRAMME: SOUNDS OF MALAYSIA
AAPPAC > Aug 2023 > ORKESTRA TRADISIONAL MALAYSIA (OTM) OUTREACH PROGRAMME: SOUNDS OF MALAYSIA
6 Jul

ORKESTRA TRADISIONAL MALAYSIA (OTM) OUTREACH PROGRAMME: SOUNDS OF MALAYSIA

Orkestra Tradisional Malaysia (OTM) plays an important role in creating the identity of Malaysian traditional music that is unique and encouraging Malaysians who are multiracial to come together, fueling Malaysian culture through a combination of various types of music from races and ethnicities residing in the country. This combination expresses unity and the spirit of togetherness among people of multiple races in Malaysia. OTM Outreach Programme: Sounds of Malaysia (SOM) is a programme initiated by Istana Budaya for the Gerak Campaign which aims to display the uniqueness of OTM to the community at the Public Institute of Higher Education (IPTA) and Private Institute of Higher Education (IPTS). The initiative by OTM gives an opportunity to universities in Malaysia to establish strategic cooperation with Istana Budaya as well as to give exposure to traditional music and the importance of preserving the art of music for future generations. 

Image Courtesy of Istana Budaya

Istana Budaya’s strategic collaboration involves three institutions namely Management and Science University (MSU), Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) and Islamic Science University of Malaysia (USIM). This effort can fuel more campus programmes that focus on the art of music education. Among them is the MSU Ethnic Music Festival 2023 (METFEST), which is part of the International Music, Arts programme & Culture Convention (IMACC). 

Istana Budaya’s Director General, Madam Zubaidah Mukhtar in her speech stated, “For the first time, the involvement with the universities in this country works as an initiative that should be encouraged to impart knowledge, skills and experience by OTM musicians who have been active for a long time by holding traditional music workshops for university students.” Mr. Yazid Zakaria, Conductor of OTM also added “Sounds of Malaysia is introduced to the community and campus residents to enhance their appreciation towards traditional music. Musical instruments featured through performances and public exhibitions are Sape, Sitar, Gambus, Yangqin, Kompang, Gamelan and others. This programme is classified as an edutainment that focuses on the study of music and allows them to perform with OTM in an orchestrated performance. Nevertheless, OTM will get the advantage to discover fresh talents that can be nurtured.” 

Image Courtesy of Istana Budaya

Image Courtesy of Istana Budaya

The first outreach programme this year was held at Management & Science University from 23 to 24 May and received positive reviews as we collected great feedback from the students and respondents through social media and surveys. The next venue for our outreach programme will be at Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) on 24 June and the last venue will be at Islamic Science University of Malaysia (USIM) on 11 November in conjunction with Alhan Madaniyah Concert. For more updated activities, kindly visit our website www.istanabudaya.gov.my, or feel free to email us at info@istanabudaya.gov.my. 

Istana Budaya heartily welcomes students, not only from the local universities but also the foreign universities to engage and learn more about Malaysian arts and culture. Istana Budaya, being the ‘Centre of Excellence’ welcomes cooperation worldwide to empower Malaysian arts and culture. 

Back to News

News