Toyota Classics Ends Its 11 Year Music Run
By Ignatius Stephen

Bandar Seri Begawan – It is goodbye, at least for the time being, to sweet music.

Because the magic and the grandeur that thrilled music lovers in Brunei will not heard anytime soon.

The reason? It will be two long years, in year 2005 in fact, before the hitherto yearly Toyota Classics return to these shores again.

“It is not without a tinge of sadness that I announce tonight’s concert will signal the last of the annual Toyota Classic Series,” Mr Ninan Chacko NBT(Brunei) Sdn Bhd Managing Director told the audience which included HRH Princess Hajah Masnah Guest of Honour.

Among the distinguished guests was also Pehin (Dr) Dato Haji Awang Hussain, the Culture Youth and Sports Minister.

“Tonight is also a momentous point in the history of Toyota Classics. It is not without After 11 long and extremely fulfilling years, Toyota Classics will take a break. But ... It will only be a short break,” Mr Chacko told the audience.

Toyota classics will make a comeback in 2005 and thereafter, will only be held once every two years. I sincerely hope that you will be just as enthusiastic and forthcoming as you have been all these years, he added.

On October 4 the Northwest German Philharmonic Orchestra performed at the International Convention Centre (ICC) to the delight of the audience in which Ms Susanna Henkel gave a remarkable performance on the violin.

Toyota Classis – A World of Harmony was a presentation by Toyota Motor Corporation and NBT (Brunei Sdn Bhd.

The event also raised $80,000 for HRH Crown Prince Orphan Fund.

In thanking the generosity of the Brunei people Mr Chacko declared, “Tonight is also a fine example of Brunei's caring and generous nature. I am immensely pleased to announce that a total of $80,000 has been collected from tonight's proceeds and this will be donated to Dana Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah Untuk Anak-Anak Yatim. You will be delighted to know that many will benefit from your kind gesture.

It 1s heart-warming to see the same familiar faces every year, and even more encouraging to note that each year we also see new people coming to the concert, your unwavering loyalty even in the toughest of time has been most encouraging and a constant source of inspiration for us.

For the record, a total of $955,190 have been collected from the Annual Toyota Classics series in the past 11 years. Undoubtedly, this money has been put to good use and put a smile on our less fortunate friends. NBT's effort would come to nothing without your continued and kind support. Thank you Brunei. You have been very generous. Thank you.

“I must also express my gratitude to Toyota Motor Corporation tonight represented by its managing officer, Mr. Kunio Komada for their untiring effort and support for the Toyota Classics Series. This has given our sultanate the opportunity to experience many world-class performances.”

He also expressed his gratitude to Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna who had so kindly agreed to grace the occasion with her presence.

The concert would certainly not be the same without Her Royal Highness, he remarked.

“I hope NBT has in these past years through the Toyota Classics Series, helped raise the classical music profile in Brunei and made a few classical fans out of you. And more importantly, we hope we have played a part in promoting world harmony through the magic of music.

“At this juncture, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the government of his Majesty the Sultan for assistance and cooperation given which has made the task of putting together the concert all that much easier over the years.

I would also like to thank the staff of NBT for their untiring and enthusiastic effort to organize and coordinate not just tonight's concert but also the past 10 concerts, the NBT head said.

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