Malaysia's Sri Dasmesh Pipe Band to march onto the DFP stage this Merdeka Day

The Star

2 hours ago

Music lovers will have the opportunity to witness a rare performance at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP) in Kuala Lumpur when the Sri Dasmesh Pipe Band stages The Fortress Of Dreams, a full-length bagpipe concert on Aug 31 – making it a Merdeka Day to remember.
The two-hour concert, with a 20-minute intermission, presents a bold fusion of Scottish piping with Malaysian and global instruments, creating a soundscape that unites tradition and innovation.
Tripert Singh, chairman of the Sri Dasmesh Pipe Band, calls the show the realisation of a long-held ambition.
'This concert has been a dream of the band for many years – to one day perform in a prestigious venue. We began working towards it a year ago,' said Tripert in a recent interview.
The performance will showcase collaborations with instruments including the Chinese tanggu (a traditional barrel drum), the Indian urumi (a double-headed hourglass drum), the Malay gamelan, and the Irish flute.
'They add a distinctly Malaysian spice to the Scottish dish. Over the years, we've experimented with many combinations of instruments and found that these few bring tremendous impact to a bagpipe performance,' he said.
From community roots
The Sri Dasmesh Pipe Band was founded in 1986 by brothers Sukdev Singh and Harvinder Singh as a community initiative in Kuala Lumpur to bring music, discipline and camaraderie to young people.
From its early beginnings, the ensemble has grown into a 40-member band, bringing together students as young as 11 and professionals up to 40 – now recognised as the world's largest Sikh bagpipe band.
'The Sri Dasmesh Pipe Band Malaysia was established by two brothers who wanted to create a place with activities and support services that would cater to the community through music,' said Tripert.
Kuala Lumpur's Sri Dasmesh Pipe Band presents 'The Fortress Of Dreams' – a full-length bagpipe concert – at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS on Aug 31. Photo: Sri Dasmesh Pipe Band
'Our members, from students to working professionals, are accomplished individuals who apply the discipline of the band to their daily lives, integrating both their careers and music into a balanced lifestyle,' he added.
Recruitment today remains systematic, with applicants undergoing interviews and practical exams before being admitted. Weekly training sessions are held every Saturday at Sri Dasmesh International School, supported by a structured mentorship system.
'The band has multiple levels of mentorship running simultaneously. Online training programmes have been developed for new recruits to allow them to progress at their own time at home. They then have mentors in the band who guide them through this content. They also have a section head in each section who monitors and supports their progress. This frees the senior team to focus on developing themselves and the band,' explained Tripert.
The band's commitment to discipline and growth has also led to international triumphs, most notably in 2019 when it became the first and only Asian band to win the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.
'The bagpipe is a war instrument. It is very commanding. A single bagpipe is powerful enough to rally thousands. It was a common instrument on the battlefield in both the great wars. As such, we picked this instrument as we felt it fit our identity the best. We've grown great respect and passion for it and have worked very hard to keep it alive and growing in Malaysia,' said Tripert.
An important milestone
'Over the years we've built a highly competitive mindset. Competitions demand discipline and precision, but a concert offers freedom – a chance to be creative, to experiment, and to express what we love,' said Tripert.
While competitions demand discipline, the upcoming concert has given the band space to explore creativity.
Tripert (right) says it has taken a year of planning and rehearsals to prepare for the DFP concert. Photo: Sri Dasmesh Pipe Band
Audiences can expect original compositions alongside traditional Scottish pieces, woven together with narrative storytelling that reflects the band's journey and values.
"We have a remarkable story to tell. Sikhs from Malaysia mastering the Scottish bagpipe – it's a unique mix. Our goal has always been to share that story through music, and this concert is our way of doing so,' he added.
The evening will also feature guest appearances and tributes celebrating the band's legacy and its role in promoting cultural harmony.
'Dewan Filharmonik is Malaysia's most prestigious stage, reserved for the creme de la creme. Just like winning the World Pipe Band Championships, performing here has always been among our greatest ambitions,' said Tripert.
As Malaysia celebrates its 68th year of Merdeka, The Fortress Of Dreams stands as more than a concert – it carries a message of inspiration.
'The stage will be filled with young Malaysians striving to make their mark on the world. We hope it shows them that there are no limits, except those we set for ourselves,' concluded Tripert.
Sri Dasmesh Pipe Band's The Fortress Of Dreams is set to play at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 31. More info here.