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> The new DFP and MPO 2017/ 2018 season will have more variety of shows featuring an impressive lineup of artistes
THE 2017/2018 season of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) and Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP), which also happens to be their 20th season, will kick off this Sunday with the grandeur of Ludwig van Beethoven’s final complete symphony, his Symphony No.9.
Themed The Mighty Ninth, the concert will feature a host of artistes, including singers, choir groups and the MAX Philharmonic Orchestra, performing with the MPO and the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (MPYO).
Incidentally, this year is also the MPYO’s 10th anniversary, and there will be local ensembles and conductors as part of the celebrations throughout the year.
MPO’s 20th season will see an impressive lineup of artistes who will be performing various musical genres.
This is in line with the orchestra staying true to its commitment to present the best in classical music and elevate the arts scene to a higher level.
Among the international acts returning this season are violin virtuoso Joshua Bell who will perform Max Bruch’s brilliant first violin concerto with the MPO in June 2018.
Eclectic duo Igudesman & Joo will be returning to DFP for the third time in April 2018, taking their fans on a musical ride, from classical music to rock, together with the MPO.
Other highlights of the season include the screening of 2016 local blockbuster OlaBola, complete with ‘live’ music accompaniment by the MPO; Music from Anime, under the baton of Japanese conductor Naohisa Furusawa, featuring music from various anime productions including those from Studio Ghibli; and the Ballet Festival that features pieces from such well-known ballets as The Nutcracker, Spartacus, Swan Lake and Gayene.
The Ballet of Armenia will also be making its debut on the DFP stage, with choreography by Armen Grigoryan.
Meanwhile, New York-based Malaysian piano virtuoso Tengku Irfan will be making his conducting debut in Malaysia this season.
And local rock queen Ella will perform two concerts of her evergreen hits with the MPO in December.
Fans of choral music will also be spoilt for choice with concerts by the Choir of Gonville & Caius College from Cambridge in August, Singapore Symphony Chorus and Singapore Symphony Youth Choir, as well as the Japanese School of Kuala Lumpur Children’s Chorus.
For more, visit the MPO website or download the season’s brochure for the full list of performances from the website.