Malaysian Embassy in Vienna Celebrates World Orchestra Festival Opening
Seri Puteri Symphonic Winds bring Malaysian culture to Vienna’s historic stage
August 20th, 2025Vienna, July 23rd, 2025 – The Embassy of Malaysia in Vienna marked a proud cultural moment at the 11th World Orchestra Festival, as H.E. Ambassador Ikram Mohammad Ibrahim, accompanied by his wife Mrs. Noor Azida Azmi and embassy officials, attended the opening ceremony at the historic Vienna City Hall (Rathaus). The event gathered over 20 youth orchestras from ten countries, turning Vienna into a global stage for musical exchange and cultural diplomacy.
Representing Malaysia with distinction, the Seri Puteri Symphonic Winds (SP Winds) from Seri Puteri School in Cyberjaya stood out as one of the youngest yet most accomplished orchestras of the festival. Led by Principal Mrs. Julaila Yahya, supported by Mrs. Hawariah Mohd Ariffin, President of the school’s Parents & Teachers Association (PIBG), and accompanied by dedicated teachers and parents, the ensemble symbolizes the importance of community engagement in nurturing artistic excellence. The musicians, aged just 14 to 17, showcased their talent under the baton of Mr. Raja Muzafar Shah, conductor and mentor to the group.
Despite their long journey from Kuala Lumpur, arriving in Vienna only hours before the ceremony, SP Winds delivered a remarkable and spirited performance. Their repertoire included a Malaysian classic, Cindai by Siti Nurhaliza (composed by Pak Ngah and arranged by Vivian Chua), and Classical Delights, arranged by Makoto Onodera. Both pieces were warmly received by the audience, blending national identity with universal musical appreciation.
The Embassy of Malaysia in Vienna praised the ensemble for not only representing the nation on an international stage but also for promoting cultural diplomacy through music. The festival, which runs from July 23rd to 26th, 2025, highlights the unifying power of youth orchestras in fostering understanding across cultures. Malaysia’s participation underscores the country’s commitment to showcasing its artistic talent abroad while strengthening ties with international partners.
As the competition unfolds over four days, the Malaysian delegation expressed confidence in SP Winds’ performance, wishing them continued success and recognition. Their presence in Vienna stands as a testament to the vitality of Malaysia’s cultural scene and its growing role in the global arts community.
