ESO wraps up three-night KL tour under Maestro Jaap van Zweden

New Straits Times

22-07-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The Evergreen Symphony Orchestra (ESO), led by its Artist-in-Residence Jaap van Zweden, concluded its three-night tour in Kuala Lumpur with a final concert at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) on July 20.
The tour, titled "Destiny Symphony – Jaap van Zweden and the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra," featured a VIP performance on July 18 and a charity concert the following day.
All three performances were held at DFP, marking ESO's first international tour under Maestro van Zweden since his appointment in early 2025.
"This was a meaningful milestone for the orchestra and a testament to the deepening cultural exchange between Taiwan and Malaysia. The concert was a demonstration of the power of unbounded charity and music without borders," ESO said in a statement.
Some 300 guests from more than 10 organisations for disadvantaged communities attended the charity concert on July 19, including the National Autism Society Malaysia (Nasom), the National Council for the Blind Malaysia (NCBM), and the Down Syndrome Association of Selangor (PWSDNS).
The concerts showcased a range of classical works, with the first half featuring Mendelssohn's "Fingal's Cave" Overture, evoking the sweeping imagery of the ocean.
It was followed by Mozart's Concerto for Flute, Harp and Orchestra in C major, with Malaysian flutist Yew-Kia Koh and Taiwanese harpist Menglu Chiu performing as dual soloists.
"This collaboration symbolised the beauty of international artistic cooperation," said van Zweden.
The second half of the programme featured Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C minor, widely known as the "Symphony of Fate", and concluded with two encores: Dvořák's Slavonic Dance Op. 46, No. 8, and the beloved Malaysian classic "Getaran Jiwa."
The ESO said the Malaysian tour not only promoted Taiwanese musical excellence but also strengthened ties between the peoples of Taiwan and Malaysia.
Plans are already in motion for tours next year and beyond.
Future tours are expected to include stops in major cities across Asia, Europe, and the United States, further elevating Taiwan's presence on the global classical music stage.