The young maestro holds court
Newly-appointed MPO Youth brand ambassador Tengku Irfan wants to share his musical passion and dispel misconceptions about classical music, writes Aref Omar
UNASSUMING and soft-spoken in person, he only shows his wild side when he’s onstage banging out boisterous rhythms and melodies on a grand piano. Young piano maestro Tengku Ahmad Irfan Tengku Ahmad Shahrizal is always a sight to behold during concerts, as audiences here would attest to, after seeing him perform with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) on many occasions since 2009.
Dynamically switching from light twinkles to heavy pounding, he utilises all 88 ivory keys that define beguiling musicality.
The fresh-faced talent has also taken on tough and complex works like Sergei Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with seemingly effortless ease, a mean feat for even the most seasoned expert.
But don’t worry if you don’t recognise the piece, or find classical music to be intimidating or inaccessible.
WONDERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
As the newly-appointed MPO Youth brand ambassador, the smiley 20-year-old intends to dispel misconceptions about the genre and invite everyone, especially youngsters, to discover the wonders of classical music.
Modest about his abilities, Irfan says that anyone can enjoy the music and playing an instrument is not a requirement to do so.
“It’s everywhere,” he says about the genre when met recently at Traders Hotel for the launch of the MPO’s special 20th anniversary season.
According to him, there are plenty of entry points for the young to get into the classical realm.
Orchestral scores from anime shows to the music of Harry Potter or the various recognisable themes composed by John Williams are just a few.
“There are lots of misconceptions but most people don’t realise that they’re already listening to some form of classical music. It’s not intimidating or inaccessible,” says the avid videogame player.
Irfan adds that the music would grow on people if they just gave it a chance.
“Some of the Italian operas, for example, are full of drama and emotion. They’re dynamic and bombastic, something I feel that the youth would be attracted to,” he says.
Irfan, who is currently pursuing a double major in piano and composition at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York, plans to engage the young through music workshops or mini concerts in schools and to encourage more attendance at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP).
“I’m excited and honoured to be given this responsibility and hope that I can inspire the young to either become musicians or to enjoy classical music,” he says.
ANNIVERSARY CONCERTS
In relation to the milestone 20th anniversary season, the MPO will be presenting a whole series of exciting concerts.
Irfan will be performing during the Gala Concert on Aug 17, which will also feature conductor Jac van Steen helming the MPO.
Some other shows that would also intrigue those interested in taking a step towards enjoying classical music for the first time include The Music Of Hans Zimmer on Sept 29 and 30 with the MPO helmed by Gerard Salonga, and Upin & Ipin With The MPO on Oct 14 featuring conducter Naohisa Furusawa.
LIFELONG PASSION
For Irfan, music has been a lifelong passion since he was just 7, when he started learning to play-by-ear the classical tunes from his little electronic keyboard’s song bank.
Since then, he has performed around the world with various orchestras and garnered several awards.
Aside from performing, he has also composed music pieces and lent his hand at conducting, all of which he says he enjoys doing and want to develop further.
“Playing is like going to the gym, something like exercising where you get to develop your muscles.
“Composing is like expressing art, freeing your mind to possibilities,” he says.
Irfan adds that conducting is like driving a huge vehicle. Perhaps like driving a bus?
“Yeah like driving a bus, a big, hefty load of musical imperative to make an impression on listeners,” he says with a laugh.
For more details, visit www.mpo.com. my. aref@nst.com.my