At the Penang Philharmonic Orchestra’s (PPO) new venue on Lebuh Pitt, young musicians calmly practice their shiny instruments as others mingle and help themselves to the free food. In a few hours, they will be playing "Beethoven's First", the first of a cycle of Beethoven symphonies the orchestra will be performing this year.
PPO chairperson Datin Seri Irene Yeap takes me around the premises. If the young musicians are nervous, none of them are showing it, as far as I could see. We’re actually in what used to be the iconic The Star offices, recently refurbished and converted into the state orchestra’s new home. Featuring an auditorium that can fit up to 200 people, rehearsal rooms and a reception area, the venue was renovated at the cost of RM300,000 in collaboration with Think City.
After years practicing and honing their craft in random buildings all over George Town, the often-nomadic PPO finally has a home.
