#SHOWBIZ: MPO celebrates Asli music with 'Simfoni Budaya II'
The concert is the MPO's continuous initiative to elevate local music following the success of 'Simfoni Budaya I' last year which presented the keroncong and ghazal genres in symphonic arrangements, featuring Dato Yusni Hamid, Asmidar and Haziq Rosebi.
KERONCONG
The MPO has presented traditional concerts themed Irama Warisan Kita (2009) and Keroncong Merdeka (2012).
'Simfoni Budaya II' will be helmed by Ahmad Muriz Che Rose and will witness the harmonious blend of tradition and music at the crossroads of cultures.
Music lovers can enjoy the beauty of joget, asli and zapin genres with MPO symphonic interpretations through evergreen songs such as 'Dikirim Jangan Dipesan Jangan', 'Mas Merah', 'Fatwa Pujangga', 'Nirmala', 'Tudung Periuk', 'Simfoni Bunga Tanjung', 'Joget Burung Merpati', 'Makan Sireh', 'Joget Wan Lebor' and 'Mak Inang Kayangan'.
The arrangements, crafted by Luqman Aziz, Ilham Subri, Azhad Sulaiman, Teuku Umar, and Shahakam Mokhtar, promise a dynamic fusion of old and new.
Renowned veteran singer Datuk Andre Goh is the main star for the evening, and he has enthralled the nation with his talent in singing Malay classics in Bakat TV competition in 1972.
He has performed at many state palaces and in Asian countries. He was conferred the Datukship title (Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka) by the then Melaka Governor Tun Khalil Yaakob in 2011 for his five-decade contribution to the arts industry.
This will be his third performance at DFP after his collaboration with Datuk Ramli Sarip (2010) and Badan Yayasan Warisan Johor's 'Malam Melayu Klasik' (2013).
3 JUARA
Among the rising stars joining him is Sarawakian Hazra Dollah, a graduate from Aswara who became the champion of Bintang Asli Remaja (2008), and who has recorded a few singles and participated in a reality show, '3 Juara', in the Irama Malaysia category (2016).
With her group Alun Tradisi, they have won Kumpulan Lagu Melayu Asli MBPJ (2010).
Danial Chuer of Sabah has a Diploma in Music and won the Idola Kecil 6 and Idola Kecil Ultra.
He has also participated in reality shows such as 'Big Stage', 'Vokal Mania', 'I Can See Your Voice' and was the jury for 'All Together Now'.
To date, he has recorded three singles.
GAMBUS
Rojer Kajol began his artistic venture in ghazal music in 2000 and was the protege of the late Pak Ngah.
He plays the gambus, tabla, rebana, percussion and mandolin.
Last year, he received an accolade from the World Islamic Tourism And Trade Awards besides performing around Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.
Zehra Zambri is the finalist for 'Gegar Veganza 11' and 'Anugerah Juara Lagu' in 2005.
She has participated in competitions such as 'Malaysian Idol' (2004) and 'Bintang Asli Remaja' (2001), and recorded two albums.
PROUD
Muriz said: "We are proud to present the next chapter in our celebrated concert series, following the resounding success of last year's 'Simfoni Budaya'.
"This year's concert serves as a sequel to that inaugural event, continuing the MPO mission and initiative to celebrate and preserve Malaysia's rich musical heritage."
MOMENTUM
Muriz said that building on the momentum of its predecessor, this year's concert will delve even deeper into the cultural roots and emotional depth of traditional music.
"Audiences can expect a thoughtfully curated repertoire that not only honours the legacy of Malaysian music but also introduces fresh interpretations and collaborations that bridge generations."
SEQUEL
He added: "This sequel concert is more than just a performance, it is a cultural statement.
"It reflects the MPO's commitment to nurture an appreciation for traditional music while evolving with contemporary sensibilities.
"We aim to inspire pride in our heritage and foster a deeper understanding of the musical traditions that have shaped our national identity.
"We look forward to welcoming everyone to this special evening of music, memory and meaning."
MEDLEYS
Muriz said that there will be about 18 songs inclusive of medleys, and it will be the debut performance for Hazra, Zehra, Rojer and Daniel with the MPO.
"The singers chosen are very much based on their strength in the wide Malaysian traditional genre and they are within the list of credible singers who will deliver to our expectations.
"There will be 60 musicians on the stage."
ANNUAL EVENT
Muriz added that the 'Simfoni Budaya' series would hopefully be an annual concert dedicated to celebrating the richness of Malaysian traditional music.
"By featuring both established icons/veteran artistes and emerging talents, the series aims to preserve, promote and reimagine traditional sounds for new generations, making it a cornerstone of Malaysia's cultural calendar."
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