IN the strains of Rasa Sayang and the playful echoes of Trek Tek Tek, there lies a story much deeper than melody. It is the story of a people, their memories and the colours of their lives stitched together through song.
Next month, that story will be retold on stage — not just as performance, but as a celebration of heritage and humanity.
Peranakan: A Musical Legacy is set to take audiences on a journey through the songs of the Baba and Nyonya community, bringing to life a tradition that is at once uniquely Southeast Asian and intimately familiar to Malaysians.
The concert, to be staged at the Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC), promises a blend of nostalgia, artistry and community spirit. At its heart, the show is as much about people as it is about music.
Organised by Somerset Music, the concert is a fundraiser for the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM) and World Vision Malaysia, with the spotlight firmly on special needs singers who will take centre stage.
“This fund-raising concert is a heartfelt celebration of Southeast Asia’s Peranakan heritage told through songs passed down across generations,” says Somerset Music principal Joanne Poh, who has been the driving force behind the production.
She elaborates: “From playful childhood rhymes to soulful love ballads, these folk melodies are rooted in the traditions of the Malay Archipelago and the Straits-born Chinese community. We hope to bring to life again the sense of togetherness in a community through music and laughter.”
The choir, dressed in vibrant and authentic Peranakan attire, will lead the audience through sing-along moments, creating a sense of shared memory and belonging.
For Poh, that interaction between stage and audience is what will make this concert more than just another musical evening.
“Members of the public are invited to actively play a personal part in this charitable cause, while enjoying an artistic evening of songs, stories and culture,” she adds.
RHYTHMS OF EVERYDAY LIFE
The programme is a tapestry of well-loved pieces — Chan Mali Chan, Kopi Susu, Lenggang Kangkung, Bengawan Solo — songs that echo the rhythms of everyday life. They conjure kampung scenes of old, the warmth of family kitchens and the gentle bittersweetness of growing up in changing times.
But beyond its nostalgic pull, Peranakan: A Musical Legacy is also about empowerment.
For NASOM, the collaboration is an opportunity to shine a light on its work while celebrating the talents of its choir, the NASOM Maestros.
“We are incredibly excited about partnering with Somerset Music on their upcoming fundraising concert,” says NASOM chairman Julian Wong Ming Vui, who adds enthusiastically: “This event celebrates a rich cultural heritage while directly supporting NASOM’s vital work in our community. We believe this collaboration will create a truly meaningful impact.”
He adds that audiences could expect something special from the Maestros. “We are delighted to present the exceptional talents of the NASOM Maestros — our very own choir group who are known for their heartwarming and inspiring performances.”
Continuing, he shares: “This collaboration not only brings us closer to our mission of raising awareness about autism, but also offers a wonderful platform for the Maestros to showcase their incredible talents.”
COMPASSION THROUGH COMMUNITY
World Vision Malaysia, the other beneficiary, sees the concert as part of a wider movement to build compassion through community.
Its chief executive officer Hernando Betita III says: “We’re grateful to be part of this initiative and to Somerset Music for making a difference with us.”
Continuing, he enthuses: “The support generated through this concert will go a long way in improving lives through child-focused development programmes, especially for individuals with special needs. It’s about working towards a more compassionate and just world for all.”
The production has also gathered support from the Nusantara Performing Arts Research Centre as community partner, while Acre Works and Giddy Nyonyas have stepped in to provide backing and attire.
Ultimately, though, what Peranakan: A Musical Legacy offers is an evening of connection — between past and present, performer and audience, heritage and hope.
As Poh puts it: “It is about music and memory, but also about community — about voices coming together.”
And in those voices rising in harmony is the reminder that songs do more than entertain. They carry legacies, they bridge differences and sometimes, they change lives too.
‘Peranakan: A Musical Legacy’ will be staged at DPAC, Petaling Jaya, on Oct 4 and 5, 2025. Tickets are priced at RM80, RM130 and RM180. All ages welcomed. For more info, go to www.peranakanmusical.com.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
