Category Archives: Heritage

Church, Festivals, George Town, Heritage, Music, Travel

Honing Malaysian pipe organ talents

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From left: Leonard, Hannah, Jason & Matthew (courtesy pix Leonard Selva Gurunathan)

For many young musicians, the pipe organ is a daunting and complex instrument. With its massive size, myriad of keys and stops, and powerful sound, it can be intimidating for even the most seasoned musician. However, for those who are willing to put in the time and effort, the pipe organ can be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling instrument to play.

Leonard on the pipe organ at St George’s Church

Young musicians Matthew Arwinraj Jaya Paul, Jason William and Hannah Thoraisingam seem to have found a good teacher in Leonard Selva Gurunathan in helping them navigate the complexities of this intricate instrument.

A free lunchtime pipe organ recital yesterday at St George’s Church in Penang was a good show that they are on the way to becoming very proficient pipe organ players.

One of the most inspiring things about learning to play the pipe organ is the rich history and tradition that surrounds this instrument.

Matthew with proud grandmum, Rani Rajamoney

The pipe organ has been a staple of Western music for centuries, and has been used in churches, concert halls, and even in popular music.

By mastering this organ, this group of young people are well on their way to being a part of this rich tradition and carrying on a legacy that spans generations.

Leonard and Jason

The latest edition of the George Town Festival has provided an opportunity for Leonard and young pipe organists in Penang to showcase their talent and inspire audiences from all walks of life with their passion for music.

If you happen to be a young pipe organist or nursing aspirations to be one (regardless of age!) there is still one more free recital during this annual arts festival to enjoy and be further inspired by.

See you next Saturday (July 27) at 1pm in the Church of the Assumption along Lebuh Farquhar.

Church of the Assumption

This heritage Roman Catholic church, is home to the country’s oldest pipe organ, where its resident organist and fierce custodian of the instrument, is Leonard.

Join him and his pipe organists as they take you on a (keyboard) journey of Malaysian music and those from around the world, as they try and inspire more people in Penang and elsewhere to make a home for and support the upkeep of pipe organs, while placing Malaysian talents on the world map of pipe organs.

https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/sunday-vibes/2019/08/512028/sir-leonard-rescues-old-lady

Church, George Town, Heritage, Travel

“Branding” a potential saint

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A chapter is dedicated to Sybil in the book “Agent of Change – Essays on the life and times of Archbishop Emeritus Tan Sri Murphy Pakiam”

Malaysia has a candidate for sainthood. While many claim they have no clue of who Sybil Medan Kathigasu is, others have brief recollections of her in their History textbooks.

Sybil is also the only Malayan woman to receive the British Crown’s George Medal for covertly supplying medicine, medical services and refuge to resistance fighters from her home (a shophouse in Papan, Perak) for years during World War II.

The shophouse in Papan, Perak where Sybil worked and lived.

Her legacy is also found in Roman Catholic cathecism books, a movie (Sybil Kathigasu – Apa Dosa Ku), a book she penned “No Dram of Mercy”, while a chapter is dedicated to her in a new book, “Agent of Change – Essays on the life and times of Archbishop Emeritus Tan Sri Murphy Pakiam.”

(The former archbishop who grew up in Batu Gajah, Perak where Sybil was incarcerated during the war, had a strong desire for her to become Malaysia’s first saint, because of his growing years and stories of her faith and courage which were relayed by family and friends.)

“Apart from my dad serving her medically while she was in prison, I feel strongly that Sybil should be made a saint as she has served as a faithful person who sacrificed so many things for the church’s sake and the community around her at the time can attest to it,” Archbishop Emeritus Murphy says in “Agent of Change.”

“Why I chose Sybil,” says Cardinal Sebastian Francis in the book , “is because she is a woman, a lay person (and not a cleric), a wife and mother and also a professional.”

“For the Catholic church,” notes Sebastian, who is also Bishop of Penang, “we are unique and are not taken up by stories of courage.”

“We (the Penang Diocese) have commenced with the collection of data and initial steps for the process of canonisation of (a saint from our soil).

“It is pretty obvious from the initial data that I have received and other sources of information that Sybil was a courageous freedom fighting heroine and we are reasonably convinced that we should proceed with (her canonization).”

His Eminence Cardinal Datuk Seri Sebastian Francis (left) is calling for Sybil’s beatification and canonisation

A movie titled “Sybil” is also reportedly in the making, while an opera “Solace of Papan” is set to open in Selangor this month.

The road to sainthood is a long, complex and expensive one and all help is needed in crafting a memorable and meaningful “brand” for potential candidates.

What qualities and characteristics do or did our potential saint embody? How can we best represent Sybil’s life and achievements through branding?

#sainthood #branding #saints #inspiration #sybilkathigasu #nodramofmercy #agentofchange #solaceofpapan

Sybil is mentioned in various books including ‘912 Batu Road’
Church, Festivals, George Town, Heritage, Music

Journeying through George Town’s pipe organs

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Malaysia’s oldest pipe organ is found at the Church of the Assumption on Lebuh Farquhar

On an island known for its richness in cultural and architectural heritage, music also plays an enriching role for its residents and visitors.

George Town’s Streets of Harmony (straddling Lebuh Farquhar and Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling), has been home to magnificent and heritage-rich houses of worship for centuries.

A brisk or relaxing stroll beginning from the Church of the Assumption (whose grounds also houses a Roman Catholic museum), onto St George’s Church, Goddess of Mercy Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple and ending at the Kapitan Keling Mosque, tells a tale of how multi religions can co-exist in harmony.

Penang island has also the distinction of being home to two majestic pipe organs found in two heritage churches on the same street in the Unesco heritage core zone!

Southeast Asia’s oldest Anglican church – St George’s Church in Penang – in 2017, received a bicentennial blessing in the form of a 1,050-pipe Mander organ.

It then joined the ranks of its “neighbour” – the Church of the Assumption in hosting its very own pipe organ.

Southeast Asia’s oldest Anglican Church, St George’s

Erected in 1914 and assembled in Penang by 1916, the Assumption Church’s pipe organ was restored in 2013, and carries the pride of being Malaysia’s oldest pipe organ.

As the annual George Town Festival returns to the island next month, a special music treat awaits pipe organ buffs.

Timeless classics by sons of Penang like Tan Sri P.Ramlee, Jimmy Boyle, Edwin Rajamoney and Tan Sri Ahmad Merican are among the tunes that will fill the air, as both heritage churches host lunchtime organ recitals on July 20 and July 27 respectively.

“I am excited to feature the organists of both churches at this innaugral event featuring the two lovely pipe organs in Penang,” says Leonard Selva Gurunathan, who is the resident pipe organist at the Church of the Assumption.

Gurunathan will also be playing some of his original pieces (inspired during the pandemic when he used to chase sunrises).

Young and upcoming Malaysian pipe organists like Matthew Arwinraj Jaya Paul are among the performers who will be infusing a new twist to P.Ramlee songs like “Hujan di Tengah Hari.”

He is also set to share a heartfelt piece “Lay Thine Hands” composed by his late grandfather, Edwin Rajamoney.

Matthew Arwinraj Jaya Paul
Penang’s Church of the Assumption will play host to one of the pipe organ recitals during the 2024 George Town Festival

Here’s a sneak peek of what to expect during the concerts, kindly presented by Leonard and Matthew …

FREE TICKETS https://www.cloudjoi.com/shows/free-lunchtime-organ-recital

Christmas, Church, George Town, Heritage, Music, Photography

Christmas and the wonder of the Nativity

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As the Advent season has drawn to a close, it is time to bid farewell to the beautiful Christmas crib that has been the centerpiece of our celebrations. This beloved tradition holds a special place in the hearts of many, as it reminds us of the sacredness and wonder of the Nativity.

The Christmas crib, also known as a nativity scene or manger scene, depicts the humble birth of Jesus Christ in a stable in Bethlehem. It typically includes figurines of the baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the Three Wise Men (Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar) and various animals. The crib serves as a visual representation of the biblical story and invites us to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

A scene from the manger recreated at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Penang

Throughout the Advent season, the crib has been a focal point of prayer and reflection, bringing us closer to the spirit of anticipation and hope. As we gathered around the crib, we were reminded of the immense love that God has for us, as he sent His only Son to redeem and save us.

Teacher and musician Leonard Selva Gurunathan generously shares the meaning of all things Christmas to him in this heartfelt video. His take on the meaning of family at Christmas, the spirit of the season embraced by Roman Catholics like him and his family with anticipation, and lovely anecdotes focussing on miniature photography, the pipe organ and Christmas carols, give a completely different spin to the loud and often obnoxious and over-the-top festive tones we embrace as we blindly take in all that is commercial and showy about the humble birth of Jesus Christ, and what the true gift of Christmas should mean for those who consider it a religious celebration.

So as we close the Advent season and bid farewell to the Christmas crib, let us carry the spirit of joy, love, and hope with us throughout the year. And may the story of the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ continue to inspire and guide us in all that we do.

Photography by BoonTiong

(video courtesy of Leonard Selva Gurunathan with scenes from his Mount Erskine family home and the Church of the Assumption, Penang, home to the country’s oldest pipe organ)

Art, George Town, Heritage, Style, Travel

Sparking joy in sketches … the Penang way

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A decade ago, Penang-born Tiffany Choong began sketching daily in her art journal, as part of her Happiness Project.

The self-taught artist discovered the joys of sketching through her global travels, which in turn it is said, gives her “a sense of purpose that fuels her soul.”

Just in time for Christmas, Tiffany presents EVERYDAY PENANG The Art of Joy.

She delivers playful pen and ink sketches, having drawn inspiration from simple objects she takes in daily.

Each sketch takes the reader not only into the “inner Penang” through the eyes of the artist, but is also paired with little pick-me-up quotes and words of wisdom along the way.

The visual treats found on every page of the compact book, is one which will spark joy with Penang residents and Penangites-at-heart, thanks to boutique publisher Clarity Publishing, who has connected Tiffany’s hometown and heritage with themes of love, loss and identity, including traditions and rituals.

As we wind up 2023 with an attitude of gratitude, the book serves as a gentle and colourful reminder to ourselves that “the simple joys of life will always shine through, if we let them.”

Copies of the book are available via https://www.clarity8.com/shopshop/en/gift-book/62-everyday-penang-the-art-of-joy.html

(All images courtesy of Clarity Publishing Sdn Bhd)

Art, Exhibition, George Town, Heritage, Photography, Travel

A gift to alma mater

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Image courtesy of Lim Siang Jin

Southeast Asia’s oldest English-medium school – Penang Free School (PFS) – on Penang island, was founded in 1816.

The many luminaries who have graced its halls include Malaysian prime ministers, chief ministers, captains of industry, media titans, musicians and those in the creative and performing arts, legal eagles, religious and grassroots leaders and the list goes on.

Image courtesy of Lim Siang Jin

Over the years, many sons of PFS have given back to their alma mater in various ways.

Self-taught artist Lim Siang Jin, is one such son, whose association with PFS has ranged on various platforms.

Image courtesy of Lim Siang Jin

Until recently, the Kuala Lumpur-based Siang Jin, has been only showing his works to family and friends.

He returns to his hometown Penang this week to pay tribute to his former school.

His latest solo: “Our Legacy: Landmark Memories of Penang Free School”, starts today till Oct 3, at The Old Frees’ Association in conjunction with the school’s centenary celebrations.

The exhibition consists of 31 black-and-white prints, each with a write-up by the artist.

Image courtesy of Lim Siang Jin

Siang Jin spent some three decades deeply involved in work, mainly in publishing, communications, branding and marketing.

He was, for example, a founder director of The Edge. He went on to head the media business of Nexnews Bhd that owned the business weekly and theSun.

His website says that in all these endeavours, he continued to take an active interest in the “backroom”, in the production and creative processes of the business.

“Like his art, his work, from publishing to management, is girded by the ideas of Quality, Timing and Aufhebung (the idea that every new development is an inextricable combination of the old and new).”

Siang Jin held his first solo exhibition in Kuala Lumpur in October 2022 where he exhibited some 70 pieces; all these were created during the Covid years (2020-2022).

While his favourite artists, and therefore his main influences, are mainly Western-modern (notably Picasso, Dali, Van Gogh, Matisse, Miro, Klee and Kandinsky), he continues to innovate.

This is especially apparent in the digital-analog creative space where he combines his experience in painting, photography and media production.

Image courtesy of Lim Siang Jin

(“Our Legacy: Landmark Memories of Penang Free School”, will be showcased from 10am-5pm at The Old Frees’ Association, 41 Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 George Town, Penang)

And the gifting continues …

The interactive Free School Guide is available in PDF form. Just click on the subheadings to access the system, and forward all these to people who may be interested in Penang Free School. The 10 sets of “Explore!” questions are to draw them to different parts of the Guide.

(Another gift to his alma mater by Lim Siang Jin and schoolmate SS Quah)

https://ssquah.blogspot.com/2023/10/free-school-guide-launched.html?m=1

(24/2/2024 – update from SiangJin)

I had my second solo, “Our Legacy: Landmark Memories of Penang Free School”, last September at The Old Frees’ Association in Penang in conjunction with the OFA’s Centenary. I am pleased to inform that I will have it in Kuala Lumpur too. The following are the details:

Date: March 1-31, 2024
Venue: Jin’s Art Gallery, Unit A-3-17, Centrio Pantai Hillpark, 1 Jalan Pantai Murni, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Weekends 10am to 5pm. Weekdays by appointment (please call 019 2219680)

Eats, Festivals, George Town, Heritage, Music

Fiesta with the Eurasians

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What better way to celebrate Merdeka 🇲🇾month and shed state polls fatigue, than by coming together as family, friends, Penang residents and visitors for samplings of great Serani fare found usually in Eurasian homes and kitchens.

Bravo Penang Eurasian Association for organising the fiesta and to the La Salle Brothers for remaining gracious hosts in allowing the event to be held in Southeast Asia’s oldest Lasallian school. #eurasianfiesta2023 #stxaviersinstitution #penang #serani #sugeecake #pibeapplejamtarts #saltedfishpickle #devilcurry #PEA

George Town, Heritage, Luxe, Spa, Stays, Style, Travel

The Grand Dame is back!

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She promised us Dec 1, 2019 as the date the E&O Hotel would open the doors to her newly-upgraded Heritage Wing, and Alison Fraser kept to her word.

The custodian and general manager of Penang’s Grand Dame of Hospitality – the Eastern & Oriental Hotel – greeted members of the media and bloggers to the hotel ahead of its annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony and played the gracious hostess.

The walkabout around the newly spiffed wing was a treat and left us all happy that the 134 year-old ‘Grand Lady’ is now refreshed and ready to “welcome home” travellers and Penang residents to her beautifully and luxuriously-appointed suites and to savour fabulously-developed food and beverage offerings.

The WiFi connection has been boosted, delicious beddings spread out, Panpuri Spa amenities placed in all the rooms, and other luxuries both big and small await the guests.

Dear and familiar faces like Jimmy Lee, Jesvinder Singh, JJ and the khaki-uniformed doormen will be on hand to welcome the paying public when doors officially open for business on Dec 20.

The now-famous front desk which featured in the opening scene of the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ will no doubt be a talking point for those hanging out in the lobby or checking in.

And who among us is not looking forward to a spot of the hotel’s famous afternoon tea in newly-created spaces around the property?

I know some of my friends who have checked out the Farquhar’s Bar and are looking forward to spending many happy evenings there after Dec 20!

Kudos and special mention to Faisol ‘Davo’ Abdullah for the spanking new and sharp uniforms designed.

Congratulations again Alison for all the hard work put in and showing us yet another female GM who stays at the top of her game!!!

George Town, Heritage, Luxe, Stays, Style, Travel

Heritage and the Grande Dame of Hospitality

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Before Penang’s grande dame hotel – the Eastern & Oriental (E&O) – closed the doors of her Heritage Wing for a facelift earlier this year, works were already in place by her design professionals on doing all they can to honour the spirit of the Sarkies Brothers who opened the hotel in 1884.

Datin Tham Oi Wah is no stranger to the hotel, and neither is her work within the group, Eastern & Oriental Berhad.

Years ago when taken on a tour of E&O’s Seri Tanjung Pinang development on Penang island, I asked who the designer was behind the show units. “Oi Wah” was the response and I was amazed by her exquisite taste in the choice of soft furnishings as these and the designs were definitely different from other property show units in Penang.

Prior to the refurbishment of the Heritage Wing this year, Tham and her team had worked on E&O Hotel’s adjoining Victory Annexe building. She has also had a hand with the group’s projects in the Klang Valley.

“The historical structure and location of the Heritage Wing are the most ideal inspiration for our work, and it has helped me in coming up with the perfect concept and design for its new look,” says Tham.

“We strive to evoke the elegant charm of the early period of the hotel when prominent figures like Somerset Maugham and Rudyard Kipling passed through the doors of the Grande Dame.

“It is quite challenging as we have to maintain the historic integrity of the 19th century structure while upgrading its amenities to the 21st century,” Tham notes.

With the Heritage Wing recognised as a historical building, Tham emphasised that they had to be very careful and strictly adhere to the guidelines set by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation on the dos and don’ts.

“Structural challenges might also arise throughout the refurbishment which our team of architects, contractors and designers must solve with a high degree of flexibility and capability,” she added.

On managing the public’s expectation from the revamped Heritage Wing, Tham said guests strolling along the walkway would feel themselves being transported back to the olden days.

“It’s just like revisiting an old friend where they can reminisce the past while discovering the delights of its refreshed outlook.

“I also believe that the cherry on top would be the familiar faces of the E&O staff, whose friendly service are sure to complete the legendary experience, greeting the guests with their unmistakable brand of warm hospitality,” she said.

The E&O Group hopes that when the doors of the Grand Dame reopen in December with fully refreshed suites and new dining concepts, it would represent a new level of hospitality that would make the Sarkies Brothers proud.

Meanwhile, the hotel’s custodian and general manager Alison Fraser promises the time-honoured tradition of the signature English Afternoon Tea at the hotel as one feature which will stay put, and served at its new Palm Court outlet, where a collection of Asian favourites will also be introduced in its all-day dining menu.

“Other new outlets will include ‘Java Tree’ where classic heritage flavours will feature,” says Fraser.

“The name ‘Farqhuar’s Bar’ has been maintained, but the concept is modelled on more of a vintage cocktail bar.”

Can’t wait to try whistling again under the main dome of this heritage jewel and to check out the magic Tham and Fraser and their teams have woven!

(images courtesy of E&O Hotel)