Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP) and the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) embark into their 22nd concert season, Season 2020, this month with a dazzling line-up of international artists from the classical music world and renowned local artists, with the presentations of timeless masterpieces and various music genres.
This innovative programme is in-line with the efforts to make the DFP and MPO brands accessible and close to the hearts of Malaysians, for people from all walks of life.
Kees Bakels returns as the MPO Conductor Laureate this season; he is the founding Music Director of the MPO and was the central force behind the creation of the MPO in 1998. With this appointment, Bakels will bring the MPO to a whole new level of artistic excellence.
This season, the MPO will continue to present the best in classical music and elevate the arts scene to a higher level. It is anticipated to be a joyful season when the MPO celebrates Beethoven’s 250th birthday anniversary with presentations of the composer’s great music throughout the season, collaborating with violinist Karen Gomyo and Malaysian pianist Ng Chong Lim, among others.
The MPO will present its fourth Ballet Festival; prior to this, the festival was overwhelmingly received by the audiences in 2013, 2016 and 2018. This time around, the public should not miss the presentations of popular ballet works, The Nutcracker and Cinderella, in this two-weekend festival in June.
Due to its successful presentations in 2015 and 2018, the MPO will present Cirque de la Symphonie in February, this time around, complete with ‘live’ violin aerialist!
Artists who are making their gracious debuts with the MPO are mezzo soprano Fleur Barron, pianist Lukas Vondracek, and violinists Marc Bouchkov and Clara-Jumi Kang, all will captivate new audience with their virtuosities.
Luminaries making a comeback on the DFP podium include conductors Fabio Mechetti, Roberto Gonzalez and Junichi Hirokami. Also returning to enthrall their fans this season are flautist Sharon Bezaly, cellist Istvan Vardai and horn player Radovan Vlatkovic. The MPO Youth Brand Ambassador and pianist Tengku Irfan will return to dazzle piano music fans with the MPO in June.
On the local front, this season will witness legendary singers Aishah and Dato’ M Nasir collaborating with the MPO in their solo concerts in April and October respectively. The MPO will also pay tribute to renowned composer S Atan in a special Hari Raya concert themed Senandung Lebaran in June, featuring popular vocalists. All concerts will witness the MPO giving symphonic interpretations to our local music legacy.
Adding variety to the season offerings this year, DFP will present a solo concert by pop and R&B group Ruffedge in March and a concert themed Malam Ritma Keroncong by Yayasan Warisan Johor in October.
The Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (MPYO) will push its music boundaries through its collaborations with famed Indonesian jazz band Krakatau in February and local indie group Hujan in July.
The MPO will continue to bring the beauty of its music outside the concert platform to the underprivileged and all Malaysians through its Education & Outreach Programme (ENCOUNTER) and nurture appreciation of music among local talents from the MPYO.
Tickets for the new season are on sale now at mpo.com.my
