Tribute to Korean-Malaysian ties

Anuar and Sumi performing a duet, with Nasron conducting the orchestra, at the Korea-Malaysia Friendship Concert in Kuala Lumpur. — Photos: RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star

It would seem that Sumi Jo, the South Korean soprano and star of the Korea-Malaysia Friendship Concert was too hot to handle for National Symphony Orchestra conductor Nasran Nawi.

Coming on stage at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas in a shimmery silver, off-shoulder fish-tail gown, the songbird began with an aria from Chacun le sait (“Everyone knows”) from La Fille du Régiment (“The Daughter of the Regiment”), an opera written by Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti.

To enliven the performance, Sumi playfully batted her eyelashes at Nasron and at one point even took away a music sheet from his stand to use as a fan.

Seemingly flustered, Nasron could only wipe away the sweat from his brow with a large handkerchief.

The audience, equally impressed by Sumi’s vocal prowess, was also entertained by the duo’s onstage antics.

The sporting pair also had the audience in stitches when they did a little waltz in between Sumi’s arias.

The invigorating arias, which showed off Sumi’s superb technique, was in the spirit of South Korea’s National and Armed Forces Day celebration and to commemorate its diplomatic relations with Malaysia that was established in 1960.

The friendship concert, which saw Sumi being joined by Malaysian singer Anuar Zain, was hosted by the South Korean Embassy in Malaysia.

Playing hosts were South Korean Ambassador Yeo Seung-bae and his spouse Choi Sung Hee who graciously greeted some 900 guests at the promenade.

Attending as guest of honour was Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin who gave a toast to the continued prosperity and success of the people and government of South Korea.

In his speech, Yeo said the concert venue had significant meaning as Tower 2 of PETRONAS Twin Towers, location of the classical music concert hall, was built by a South Korean company.

He also said that this year marked a new momentum in Korea-Malaysia relations.

“With upcoming high-level visits, exchanges between the two countries have been more active than ever, with bilateral trade surpassing US$25bil (RM108bil) for 2023.

“With tonight’s concert, I am delighted to introduce K-classical music to the Malaysian public, who have long embraced K-pop and K-drama.

“Moving forward, we will continue to strengthen our strategic cooperation through expanded exchanges in culture and other areas,” said Yeo.

Among the highlights of the night was a duet between Sumi and Anuar where they sang Endless Love, composed by Lionel Ritchie.

Sumi also made a donation of RM30,000 to Selangor Cheshire Home during the event.

The home’s president Datin Paduka Khatijah Sulaiman received the mock cheque on behalf of the non-profit organisation.

The night ended on a lively note with Sumi obliging the audience’s request for an encore, and sang with the audience clapping in time to the beat.

Sumi also received lush bouquets from appreciative fans at the close of the evening.