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Musicians of Rochester serves as a portrait of musical life in and around the greater Rochester, New York region.

David Chin: founder and Artistic Director of Bachfest Malaysia

Dr. David Chin
Dr. David Chin

 

When David Chin graduated with Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees from the Eastman School of Music, he embarked on a fascinating journey which has so far carried him from small town America to the sophisticated urban centers of Malaysia.   

 

 

Everywhere he goes, he carries with him a fierce passion for the music of J.S. Bach. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

As the founder and Artistic Director of Bachfest Malaysia and the Malaysia Bach Festival Singers and Orchestra, Dr. Chin set his sights on taking musicians halfway around the world to perform Bach’s music in his hometown of Leipzig.  Recent performances of St. Matthew Passion by the Malaysia Bach Festival Singers & Orchestra under David's direction were awarded "Best of 2019" and "Best Choral Ensemble Performance" for the 17th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards.  

 

Then the pandemic hit.  

 

In the past year, Dr. Chin has questioned everything, spent time reflecting on his life goals, and come back to his spiritual home: the language of J.S. Bach. 

 

He plans to conduct multiple chorale cantatas by J.S. Bach at the St. Thomas Church during Bachfest Leipzig 2022 in Germany. In the same year, David has also been invited to conduct at the Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall in New York, and a concert tour featuring Beethoven's Missa solemnis in East Malaysia.  

 

 

Watch Brenda's full interview with David Chin: 

 

 

For a deep dive into the world of Bach, settle in for David’s documentary: 

 

 

 

Brenda Tremblay has served as weekday morning host on WXXI Classical since 2009.