MIRI: Irdina Batrisyia Mohd Faizul doesn’t understand Chinese, yet she moves the entire audience with erhu, a traditional Chinese two-stringed bowed musical instrument known as Chinese violin.

Her performance captivated the audience with the erhu rendition, transcending language and cultural barriers, embodying the universal power of music at the graduation ceremony of SMK St Columbia Miri last Saturday.

A Form Two student, Irdina stood out among the Chinese students performing the Chinese musical instrument during the opening ceremony with full attention focusing on her playing erhu.

In an interview with Sin Chew Daily, Irdina revealed that she first encountered the Chinese orchestra when she was in Form One, and was instantly captivated by the instrument’s hauntingly beautiful sound, prompting her to join the school’s Chinese orchestra.

Besides regular rehearsals at school, she often borrows erhu from the school to practice at home, working diligently to catch up and improve.

Irdina admitted that her parents were initially puzzled by her deep interest in the instrument, questioning why she was so committed to what they considered a “non-mainstream” hobby.

However, her persistence and passion eventually won their understanding and support.

“I’ve always loved music since young—I’ve tried piano and guitar before. The erhu is the third instrument I’ve learned, and it’s the one I’ve stuck with the longest!

“Even though I don’t understand the Chinese language, I’m deeply touched by the erhu’s melodies—it really resonates with me,” she said.

Irdina shared that she faced many challenges at the beginning—language barrier and difficulty keeping up with the rhythm—but she never gave up.

Instead, her interest grew stronger with every practice session.

After three months of intensive training, she gradually managed to master the basics, and within half a year, she was ready to perform on stage.

Due to her family’s financial situation, she still borrows the school’s erhu for practice. Her greatest wish is to own her very own erhu one day.

Khiu Chiong Tieu, the Chinese orchestra instructor at SMK St Columba Miri, praised Irdina as one of the most disciplined and dedicated non-Chinese students he had ever taught.

“She is quiet, self-motivated and never misses any scheduled or extra practice sessions.

“Although almost everyone else in the class is Chinese, she never feels intimidated. She practices quietly on her own and actively seeks guidance from senior students—it’s truly admirable,” said Khiu.

While the Chinese orchestra unit includes students from various ethnic backgrounds, Irdina’s attitude toward learning stands out—she is serious and committed, and this has enabled her to perform on stage in just six months—a remarkable achievement.

“Most of our lessons and communication are in Chinese. Even though she doesn’t understand the language, she persists in learning. That’s genuine love for Chinese music,” he said.