MPO, DFP mark 20th anniversary session
THE MALAYSIAN Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) and Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) are embarking on a special concert season, billed as the 20th Anniversary Special, with an impressive line-up of timeless masterpieces from various music genres performed by top-notch artistes.
The season will run from August to December this year, and will continue to be a testimony of the MPO staying true to its commitment to present only the best in classical music as well as elevate the local arts scene.
The new season will kick off on the same date as the MPO’s glorious Gala Concert on Aug 17 and 18.
Eminent conductor Jac van Steen will weave his magic on the MPO via an exhilarating programme of Rimsky-Korsakov and Smetana.
Gifted Malaysian pianist Tengku Irfan, who was born in the same year that MPO was esablished, will perform Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1.
This season will also witness the débuts of violinist Soyoung Yoon, cellist Istvan Vardi, and conductor Roberto Gonzalez-Monjas.
Renowned harpist Leonard Jacome, pianist Stephen Hough and violin virtuosos Ray Chen and James Ehnes will return to the DFP stage to spellbind classical music fans with their inimitable musicianship.
The MPO will present specialthemed concerts such as The Music of Billy Joel featuring the evergreen hits by The Piano Man performed by Joel’s protégé, Michael Cavanaugh, in November. Malaysia’s favourite twins Upin & Ipin will appear with the MPO in family-themed concerts scheduled in October. MPO will also present concerts themed National Geographic: Symphony For Our World also in October; and not forgetting concerts which feature the works of Hollywood legendary film composer Hans Zimmer in September. On a local front, the MPO will pay tribute to local classics and icons of yesteryears, in concerts themed Semalam Di Malaya, also in September. Songs such as Sayang Di Sayang, Jelingan Manja, Ibu, Jauh Jauh and several classic P. Ramlee’s compositions will be belted out by surprise guest artistes. Local rock artistes Tomok and Black will meet in a vocal duel in a one-night-only concert in November, bringing fans of rock and powerful ballads to DFP. Popular American band Pink Martini returns to DFP in October after its last successful performance in 2010. Known as the ‘little orchestra’, the group’s music crosses such genres as classical, pop, jazz and Latin music.
Finally, the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (MPYO), fresh from its 10th anniversary celebration, will present a special concert in December.
Subscriptions and single tickets for the new season are now available. For more, visit the MPO website.