An accomplished classical music pianist, composer and conductor at such a young age, Tengku Ahmad Irfan Tengku Ahmad Shahrizal hasn’t let his achievements go to his head. He remains humble and earnest, not to mention unerringly polite—this is evident from my back-and-forth correspondence with him via email and Whatsapp. He comes across as shy yet open and approachable, but get him up on stage and there’s no mistaking his passion as he runs his nimble fingers on the piano keys or when conducting a full orchestra.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 22-year-old is currently quarantined in the house he lives in together with his mum, dad and two younger sisters. They moved to New York when he turned 14, in order for him to get admitted to the prestigious Juilliard School’s pre-college programme. While he still kept up with his online classes with Juilliard throughout the lockdown, he said he misses his regular walks in Central Park and going to concerts. “Even during the busiest times in the midst of school exams, I still watch performances. What I miss the most however still, is the time spent with friends and seeing people face-to-face! There is only so much that social media can do that can never live up to the feeling in real life,” he admits ruefully.
Denne historien er fra August 2020-utgaven av Tatler Malaysia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prÞveperiode pÄ Magzter GOLD for Ä fÄ tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ?  Logg pÄ
Denne historien er fra August 2020-utgaven av Tatler Malaysia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prÞveperiode pÄ Magzter GOLD for Ä fÄ tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg pÄ
How Working Out Transforms Your Skin
When we think about the benefits of exercise, glowing skin might not be the first thing that comes to mind. That said, getting that sweat going is not only great for your body but also an absolute game-changer for your skin
Mane Attraction
Dr Chang Chee Seong of Kaiteki Clinic shares his expert insights on hair loss, from the most common causes to cutting-edge solutions and what to expect on the journey of hair recovery
Body Manscaping
Discover the entrepreneurial journey of Jared Chuah, cofounder of Nateskin, and how this Malaysian brand is breaking taboos around men's grooming, particularly below the belt
Skin Superfoods
Glow from within with these six ingredients that are good for your complexion
Elevated Wellness
Discover Amani Biohacking Club: Malaysia's first biohacking society for optimal leadership and life balance
The Dior Warrior
Drawing inspiration from the world of sports and the strength of female Amazonian warriors, Maria Grazia Chiuri redefines empowered femininity as something both graceful and formidable for Dior's spring-summer 2025 collection
ASIA'S MOST INFLUENTIAL - MALAYSIA
Meet the country's most influential individuals: 100 prominent figures who are changing the landscape in Malaysia across industries in our main categories, from business and STEM, to social impact and culture.
Innovating with Purpose
Chor Chee Hoe, co-founder of Qarbotech, talks about how carbon-based innovations are changing the face of farming and ensuring a greener, more productive future
Grounded Vision
Minister of housing and local government, Nga Kor Ming shares the personal experiences and guiding principles that have shaped him, revealing the thoughtful man behind politician
Raising Penang's Bar
Backdoor Bodega's Koh Yung Shen is elevating Penang's bar scene with Penang Cocktail Week