This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on December 20, 2019
Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) and the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) have announced the line-up of their 22nd concert season with a dazzling group of international artistes from the classical music world and renowned local artistes, with presentations of timeless masterpieces and various music genres. The first concert of their 2020 season begins on Jan 6 and ticket sales start today — there is never as good a time as the present to start planning your year of music. Under the stewardship of the MPO’s founding music director Kees Bakels, who returns this season as Conductor Laureate; 2020 might just be the DFP and MPO’s best year yet.
As is its usual practice, the MPO will continue to present the best of 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 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 a “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 Datuk 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 and Outreach Programme and nurture appreciation of music among local talents from the MPYO.
For more information on the DFP and MPO’s 2020 season or to buy your tickets, visit mpo.com.my.