From renowned local legends the likes of Ahmad Muriz Che Rose and Dato Yusni Hamid, to esteemed international guest conductors, Rosen Gergov and Roberto Forés Veses, the March calendar is chokeful of amazing music. There is something for everyone at MPO, including the greatest of Tchaikovsky, Malay keroncong classics, and Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away.
Simfoni Budaya: Keroncong & Ghazal
Under the direction of Ahmad Muriz Che Rose, renowned singer Dato Yusni Hamid will make her comeback to the DFP stage for this concert, where she will share the stage with two up-and-coming vocalists, Haziq Rosebi and Asmidar.
Born in 1951 in Kuala Lumpur, Dato Yusni Hamid has a vast experience in the music industry. She has released 11 albums and was awarded many accolades for her contributions to the arts. Meanwhile, the talent of Haziq Rosebi caught the attention of the public when he entered Akademi Fantasia fourth season in 2006. This Johorean singer is synonym with traditional music and is one of the male singers who advocates classic local songs following the footsteps of his idols Dato Ahmad Jais and Tan Sri SM Salim.
Asmidar is the first runner-up for Bintang RTM (2001), and the winner for Bintang Asli (2006) and Vokal Bukan Sekadar Rupa (2011). She represented Malaysia at the World Championship of Performing Arts in Los Angeles dan participated in D’ Academy Asia in Indonesia (2016).
Listen to evergreen gems such as Sayang Di Sayang, Bisikan Hati, Dari Hati Ke Hati, Jauh Di Mata, Penawar Rindu, Seri Mersing, Empat Dara, Juwitaku Sayang and Selasihku Sayang accompanied with the grandeur of the MPO orchestra.
All songs are specially arranged for the orchestra by Luqman Aziz, Ilham Subri, Azhad Sulaiman and Ahmad Muriz Che Rose himself.
Date: 2nd March 2024, 8:30pm.
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MPO Chamber Concert 1
The itinerary at this concert includes a mix of sweeping music and dramatic chamber orchestrations. From Bach’s Chaconne to Corigliano’s sonata for violin and piano before closing with Prokofiev’s Romeo & Juliet Suite No.1 for Tuba and Piano, the evening will transport audiences to the brilliant music from the Baroque era. All seats are available for a modest price of RM75.
Date: 5th of March 2024, 8PM.
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The Classics in Pops
Led by MPO’s Resident Conductor Gerard Salonga, immerse in some of the best classical music such as Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 that has since become a famous motif in popular culture.
Other compositions that will be performed are Mozart’s Overture to Marriage of Figaro and Tchaikovsky’s Romeo & Juliet Overture, captures the passion of Shakespeare’s tragic tale. Another popular piece in the repertoire is Edvard Grieg’s In the Hall of the Mountain King from Peer Gynt Suite. Since its debut in 1875, it has been heard in many popular films and shows from the Inspector Gadget animated series to movies such as Corpse Bride and How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
A medley of Joe Hisaishi’s compositions from Hayao Miyazaki’s well-loved animated film Spirited Away, including One Summer’s Day, Nightime Coming, The Gods, The Dragon Boy, Reprise, and The Return, will be performed by MPO. This will undoubtedly delight fans of Ghibli films.
Date: 16th March 2024, 8:30PM.
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Dvorak the Seventh Symphony
Renowned for his proficiency in leading both opera and symphonic orchestras, Bulgarian conductor Rossen Gergov guides the MPO in a symphonic exploration of Romantic music.
The Ruslan and Ludmilla Overture by Glinka opens the program. Renowned accordionist Alexander Hrustevich next plays Zubitsky’s Homage to Astor Piazolla for accordion and orchestra. The evening culminates with Dvořák’s dramatic and austere Symphony No. 7, which perfectly captures the composer’s bohemian character.
Date: 23rd March 2024, 8:30PM.
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Heroes and Rascals
Acclaimed Spanish conductor Roberto Forés Veses graces the stage for a powerful performance of Beethoven Symphony No. 3. Dubbed “The Eroica” (or Heroic), it was dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military commander who became Emperor and whose revolutionary ideas won the composer’s respect. The event begins with a festive touch from Mozart’s Symphony No. 32, and ends with an exciting and playful twist from Brahms’ Hungarian Dances.
Date: 30th March 2024, 8:30PM.
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All images courtesy of MPO.