Symphonic rocker
Ella promises a new take on her rock hits at her upcoming concert with the MPO, writes Bibi Nurshuhada Ramli
ELLA first performed with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) in 2013 for its MPO Rocks concert. And thanks to their synergy on stage, she has been invited to perform again at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas for her own solo show.
which celebrates the singer’s 30 years in the music industry, marks the first solo concert with the MPO for a rock artiste.
“It’s really an honour, especially since it coincides with my 30th anniversary,” says Ella, whose real name is Nor Zila Aminuddin, in an interview.
“Even though it’s a huge challenge as we will be turning rock songs into symphonies, it’s an opportunity that I can’t refuse.”
The show will take place tomorrow and on Sunday at 8.30pm, featuring Ella’s best hits performed by the 90-piece orchestra led by MPO conductor Ahmad Muriz Che Rose.
“We’re glad to have Ella on stage with us because we already know how far she can deliver based on our collaboration four years ago,” says Muriz.
“This time around, we pushed the boundary even further with our new arrangements of her songs,” he says, adding the MPO had wanted to engage with Ella for a concert performance earlier. Ella, who counts
and as some of her alltime favourites, can’t stop admiring the new life that was breathed into her songs by the orchestra.
“You’ll still hear the familiar tunes but they’ve been given a totally new identity,” she explains.
Muriz agrees. “The intro, the bridge and the chorus sound different than the original.”
Ella assures that the songs are still rock at heart. “They’ve just been given a symphonic interpretation.”
Her challenge is to “connect” well with the musicians while finding her own rhythm.
“There are more musicians involved than usual, and the orchestra is a musical body of its own. I will have to find a connection between my vocals and the symphony,” she says.
Initially, MPO resident conductor Naohisa Furusawa was roped in to lead the orchestra but Ella had requested for Muriz instead.
“We had worked together on the MPO Rocks concert, and we had established a bond.
“Not only do I believe in local talent I also think that being Malaysian, he knows more about my songs. He should be able to handle the challenge just fine,” says Ella.
“No pressure, yeah?” Muriz quips in return.
Muriz
SONG CHOICE MATTERS
The concert’s song selection had taken six months to be finalised since Ella and the musicians had contrasting preferences.
“There were just too many hits that could be made into symphonies. It shows how vast and impressive Ella’s 30-year repertoire is,” says Muriz.
“At the end of the day, it was up to her. She knows her songs best and she understands the underlying story behind each of them.”
The setlist comprises 15 single performances and a lengthy medley made up of five songs. They include
and
“I hope our decision on the song selection isn’t disappointing,” says Ella, 51. “We chose to include both chart-topping hits as well as lesser-known tracks.
“And even though it’s a prestigious venue and it’s a symphonic performance, fans are welcome to sing along loudly.”
In charge of arranging Ella’s songs are Muriz, Jenny Chin, Luqman Aziz and Leonard Yap.
ONE OF A KIND EXPERIENCE
Since Ella is exploring a new musical style, fans’ expectations are naturally high but the singer thinks it’s part and parcel of being an entertainer.
“This may be a boring answer, but I will just have to do my best on those nights.”
But because of the unfamiliar territory, she says her excitement is on a higher level than when she performs in stadiums or at formal events.
“I’ve given more thought to my appearance for the concert,” she reveals with a laugh.
Fans can expect lots of nostalgic moments as the singer goes down memory lane.
“I’m carefully preparing what I’m going to say to my audience. My fans know that I don’t talk much during my shows but I’ll make an effort to interact more,” she says, laughing.
“Besides the song performances, the whole concert experience will be one of a kind, so I hope the audience will have the time of their lives.”
The MPO will be backed up by musicians Chin (keyboards), Edrie Hashim (electric guitar), Rizal Abdul Halim (electric guitar), Derrick Siow (drums) and Syed Sharir Faisal Syed Hussain (bass guitar).
Tickets are priced at RM380, RM270, RM210 and RM150. Call 03-2331 7007 or visit www.mpo.com.my