The Orchestra

Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra

            Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) is Malaysia’s first fully professional symphony orchestra. Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP) is the venue of choice for classical music as well as or local and international artists on pop, jazz and world music. It is popular with both performers and audiences due to its world-class facilities and atmospheres.

            MPO has become one of Asia’s premier orchestras and performs over 100 concerts annually. It has established in Aug 1998 and so as DFP. MPO has then revolved the performing arts’ scene in Malaysia. There is a regular series of chamber concert featuring small ensembles from within MPO as well as the informal happy hour concerts whereby the musicians perform outside their mainstream of classical music. The MPO went frequent visits to other states in Malaysia as well as international tours and also outreach activities organised under the MPO’s Education & Outreach Programme.

            There are six types of concerts within the MPO Concert Series and theses include Beethoven Solo Concerts and Legacy on the other hand which will bring together some of the world’s greatest and best-loved classical music performed by the MPO partnered with renowned conductors and artists. Besides, the Age of Elegance will journey across time to an age of beauty, romance and refinement.

            Discovery will be able to introduce some of the most famous orchestral music and promising young talents of today and to the ideal starting point to explore symphonic music. The fifth type will be the Pops. One could experience a world class orchestra playing popular music from the movies, musicals and light classics. Last but not least will be the Family Fun Play. It is a weekend series of fun which engaging classical music for the whole family.

            The season will be published as well as its concert calendar by the DFP. This coming May 2012, the schedule includes the following:-

Beethoven Solo Concertos:

5-6 May          : Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.2

MPO with Christian Arming as the Conductor and Foo Mei Yi as the pianist.

Pops:

12-13 May     : Swingin’ with the MPO

MPO with Richard Kaufman as the Conductor and Eileen Ivers will be doing the fiddle/vocals.

Age of Elegance:

19-20 May     : Tchaikovsky and His Idol

MPO with Paul McCreesh as the Conductor and Stephane Tetreault will be doing the cello.

Legacy:

26-27 May     : French Dreams

MPO with Stephane Deneve as the Conductor and Eric Le Sage as the pianist.

There will be a MPO – Jam Busters on 9 May 2012 and DFP spotlight will be doing Najwa on 21 May 2012. With Billie Holiday and Diana Ross as her role-models, Najwa offers up her special mix of R&B, hip hop and jazz, like a cooling breeze wafting through a hot day. Lastly, there will be also a Chamber Concert on 22 May 2012 with all MPO chamber players.

You may refer to their official website at www.mpo.com.my for further details such as the schedule timing and ticket pricing.

Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS

Personal Review:

            It will be a fantastic experience with one could not describe it with any words. Public is strongly recommended to watch how the MPO musicians perform in the world-class facilities. One’s mind will be relax and could really enjoy. If you are not sure whether you are a big fan of classical music, you may try out the MPO – Jam Busters first and it will serve a different concert going experience at a much cheaper and affordable price. You may join the various MPO musicians and their friends as they let their collective hair down in informal early-evening events where just about anything goes.

Written By: Tan Yee Thuan