HANDS Percussion’s latest production concluded its run at PJPAC, 1 Utama, to packed halls and heartfelt applause.
More than a concert, Camaraderie was a testament to the power of human connection via the unseen bonds that shape creativity, community, and the heartbeat of Malaysian performing arts.
At its core, Camaraderie explored the relationships that define us: the trust between teacher and student, the spark between collaborators, the intimacy of family, and the mutual respect that grows through years of shared artistry.
These connections became the foundation of every rhythm, movement, and musical dialogue presented on stage.
HANDS Percussion Invites Us to Reimagine Classics & New Creations
The evening featured a dynamic blend of rearranged signature works and brand-new compositions, each reshaped with new layers, new collaborators, and renewed perspectives.
While long-time audiences recognised familiar motifs, the works were far from mere reprises. They carried the weight of experience and the freshness of new voices.
Several pieces returned in refreshed forms, including:
- Rhythm Ride
- Rhythm Within
- Flowers Thrusting
- Taiko’s Duel
With the addition of the Irama Tanah Air (ITA) Ensemble, these works were expanded with live contemporary instrumentation, electronic textures, and cross-cultural soundscapes that deepened their emotional resonance.
The programme also featured two compositions by Teuku Umar Ilany. His works:
- Kencang Kenanga
- Camaraderie
explored memory, vibration, and human connection through gamelan.
Performed together with HANDS drummers, young talents, and DeafBeat, these pieces reminded audiences that rhythm can be both heard and felt.
Intergenerational Performances that Moved Audiences
One of the most touching themes of Camaraderie was the presence of young talent stepping into the spotlight. This is a reminder that rhythm transcends age and experience.
In My Flower, HANDS’ principal percussionist Jimmy Ch’ng performed a tender duet with his daughter Emi. This marked her debut on a professional stage.
Their performance unfolded like a quiet exchange between parent and child, carried by music and trust.
Rising performer Siew Yanhou brought bold energy to Taiko’s Duel, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with senior drummers in a demanding, high-intensity piece.
Meanwhile, Kamarul Baiquni bin Kamarul Baisah shone in Kencang Kenanga and Camaraderie. This adds youthful vibrance and instinctive rhythm to the gamelan and percussion ensemble.
Together, these young performers embodied the spirit of Camaraderie, which is the next generation stepping forward with heart, courage, and rhythm.
Teochew Roots, Contemporary Voices: Chao Ge Gu Ying
A highlight of the evening was Chao Ge Gu Ying, an exploration of Teochew heritage imagined for the contemporary stage.
The work combined striking visuals, bold drum choreography, and a narrative inspired by cultural symbolism and ancestral memory.
The piece was composed by I Wayan Sudirana (Sudi), a distinguished Balinese composer, ethnomusicologist, and long-time HANDS collaborator.
His extensive international work includes commissions for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, collaborations with global performing arts companies, and performances at Carnegie Hall.
In Chao Ge Gu Ying, his deep understanding of traditional gamelan and contemporary sound worlds converged into a powerful soundscape that honoured Teochew roots while opening them to new artistic possibilities.
Under the choreography of Bernard Goh and Zamzuriah Zahari, the work became both a cultural reflection and a forward-looking statement.
It serves as a creative prelude to HANDS’ 30th anniversary celebrations in 2027.
Looking Ahead: Kaleidoscope 8 & HANDS’ 30th Anniversary
Following the success of Camaraderie, HANDS Percussion will return in October 2026 with Kaleidoscope 8: HANDS International Drumming Festival.
The event will unite global percussionists in a celebration of rhythm and cultural exchange.
In 2027, HANDS will mark its 30th anniversary, with Chao Ge Gu Ying standing as an artistic prelude to a milestone year of performances, collaborations, and new creations.