Latest news with #DewanFilharmonikPetronas
New Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Melody Quah returns to perform Chopin with MPO
SHE left Malaysia at a young age to train as a classical pianist and now resides in Pennsylvania, but Melody Quah's heart remains in her homeland. Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, the 37-year-old pianist still makes it a point to return every summer to visit her parents here. Slated to perform solo in the first instalment of the two-part Chopin Festival at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas on Aug 16, Quah is thrilled to take the stage in Malaysia again. "This will be my second time performing here," said Quah, who last played at the concert hall in 2018 with a Beethoven masterpiece. "And now, I'm going to play Chopin." The concert will be led by Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra music director Junichi Hirokami. "For pianists, he is a special composer because he wrote primarily for piano. "The beauty of Chopin lies in his love for opera, especially the Italian style of singing, which gives his music an intimate, vocal-like quality. "His works are rich with nuance, offering listeners something truly special if we, the performers, do our job right." Quah will perform Chopin's iconic Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, a work that debuted to great acclaim in Warsaw in 1830 when the composer was just 21. The piece is often described as romantic, calm and somewhat melancholic, evoking the emotional landscape of cherished memories. Quah first performed the concerto as a teenager while attending the Australian Institute of Music in Sydney. "I've played it several times as an adult too. I hope that with the years of experience and skill I've accumulated, I can now offer an even more mature and thoughtful interpretation." Currently a professor of piano at Pennsylvania State University, Quah boasts an impressive international resume. Dubbed a "poet with titanium fingers" by the 'Vancouver Sun', she has performed extensively across Asia, Europe, Australia and North America. Her multifaceted career spans solo and collaborative performances, chamber music, education, adjudication and artistic direction. A prizewinner of the 7th International Paderewski Competition in Bydgoszcz, Poland, Quah has graced the stage at Carnegie Hall's Weill Hall and performed as a chamber musician at the Kennedy Center's Terrace Theatre. She has appeared as a soloist with orchestras around the world, including the Ku-Ring-Gai Symphony and Central Coast Symphony (Australia), the Pomeranian Philharmonic (Poland) and numerous North American ensembles, such as the Richmond Philharmonic, Academy Philharmonic, Vancouver Philharmonic, Vancouver Symphony, West Coast Symphony, Penn's Woods Festival Orchestra, Williamsport Symphony and Altoona Symphony Orchestra. An advocate of contemporary music, Quah has premiered more than two dozen new works by living composers and commissioned pieces for solo piano from prominent names across Asia and beyond, including Adeline Wong and Tazul Tajuddin (Malaysia), Parisa Sabet (Iran and Canada), Sidney Boquiren (the Philippines), Marisa Hartanto (Indonesia), Emily Koh (Singapore) and Piyawat Louilarpprasert (Thailand). She has also recorded works by Tom DeLio and Baljinder Sekhon. Her academic contributions are equally notable. She has served as artist faculty at the Nanyang International Piano Academy (Singapore) and Euro Arts Festival (Poland) and conducted masterclasses at institutions such as UCSI University and Universiti Teknologi Mara (Malaysia), Medan Musik School (Indonesia), Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (United Kingdom) and various universities across the United States. An active adjudicator and presenter, she contributes regularly to the Music Teachers National Association and the College Music Society and currently serves as president of the Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association. Quah earned her Doctor of Musical Arts from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University and holds graduate degrees from the Yale School of Music and the Juilliard School. She received her Bachelor of Music from the Vancouver Academy of Music after completing high school in Australia. Her principal teachers included Boris Slutsky, Peter Frankl, Matti Raekallio, Lee Kum Sing and Snezana Panovska. Quah recalls starting on the piano as a toddler. "I was probably around 2 or 3, playing by ear while my older sister was already taking lessons. "When my mother heard me play, she enrolled me in lessons too." She also plays other instruments, guitar and violin among them, and once told her mother she wanted to learn the flute. Laughing, she adds: "After retirement, I'll probably pick up the cello." Having performed around the world, Quah said one of her most cherished memories was her solo debut at Carnegie Hall, which was reviewed by 'The New York Times'. Another unforgettable moment was when she played the Electone at the opening ceremony of the Bukit Jalil National Stadium. "I was accompanying a famous singer. I can't quite recall who. It wasn't Siti Nurhaliza. Maybe Ning Baizura? But don't quote me on that," she said, laughing. Now a mother of two and married to an American trumpet player, Quah continues to make waves on the global classical music stage. The Chopin Festival continues on Oct 11, when the MPO will present Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2, performed by pianist Martin Garcia evening will also feature Sibelius' Symphony No. 2, with conductor Rune Bergmann leading the orchestra.
The Star
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
MPO steps up its efforts to elevate Malay heritage music
Under the baton of conductor Ahmad Muriz, the 'Simfoni Budaya II' performance on July 5 will bring classic Malay songs to life as the MPO presents joget, asli and zapin in rich symphonic form. Photo: The Star/Ong Soon Hin In the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) continues to champion traditional local music as a vital part of the nation's cultural heritage through its culturally-themed programmes at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, KLCC. MPO conductor Ahmad Muriz Che Rose sees the bigger picture – framing Malaysian folk music as an art form worthy of celebration, on par with classical traditions worldwide, and central to the orchestra's long-term vision. "We want the public to understand that MPO is not solely about Western classical music but is also actively involved in the development of the nation's traditional music,' said Ahmad Muriz in recent Bernama interview. He added the MPO is now more open and plans its annual programmes with a more diverse genre approach, including allocating dedicated space for folk music and cultural performances. "In the past, we may have focused solely on classical music but now we need to broaden that. Folk music, traditional music - all of these are now part of MPO's offerings to the public. "We have genres like asli, inang, zapin, joget and others, which are not only unique but also reflect the grace and beauty of Malay culture,' he said, hoping that these rhythms will continue to be appreciated, especially among the younger generation. Ahmad Muriz added that MPO is also taking a community-centred approach by holding promotional performances in public spaces such as LRT stations, as a way to introduce traditional music in a more relaxed and accessible setting. "We want people to feel that this music belongs to them. When it's played in public spaces, we show that traditional music is not just for formal performances but a part of everyday life. "For example, yesterday we held a flash mob at the Pasar Seni LRT station (in Kuala Lumpur). It wasn't just locals who were drawn to the music but even tourists showed interest and joined in with us,' he said. Simfoni Budaya returns On the big stage, MPO will present the second edition of the Simfoni Budaya concert at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas on July 5, following the enthusiastic response to the first edition last year. A follow-up to last year's successful Simfoni Budaya – a joyous showcase of Malay musical heritage featuring genres like ghazal and keroncong – the upcoming concert continues the journey of blending traditional sounds with lush orchestral arrangements. Audiences can expect a rich tapestry of classic melodies reimagined, brought to life by a mix of seasoned legends and rising talents. Among the featured performers is legendary singer Datuk Andre Goh, alongside a new generation of talent, including Mohd Rozaidy Shukry, better known as Rojer Kajol, a familiar name in the local folk music scene, known for performing ghazal and traditional irama asli songs. Under the baton of conductor Ahmad Muriz, the performance will bring classic Malay songs to life as the MPO presents joget, asli and zapin in rich symphonic form. "This concert is part of our mission. But more importantly, the message is clear - Malay music is a heritage and that heritage must be preserved, shared and celebrated,' he said. Evergreen favourites 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 will take centre stage. All songs will feature orchestral arrangements by Luqman Aziz, Ilham Subri, Azhad Sulaiman, Teuku Umar and Shahakam Mokhtar. More info here.
New Straits Times
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: MPO brings epic 'Godfather' score live
For the first time, director Francis Ford Coppola's cinematic masterpiece will be presented as "The Godfather Live" by the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) on June 14. The special two-hour concert at the prestigious Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) in Kuala Lumpur will start at 8pm. A winner of three Academy Awards and countless other accolades, 'The Godfather' remains one of cinema's greatest films. Its enduring appeal is largely due to Nino Rota's iconic score, which, combined with traditional Italian folk music, is instantly recognisable to moviegoers worldwide. Under the baton of Gerard Salonga, the MPO will perform the iconic "mafia" movie's complete score live, synchronised with the film shown in high definition on a large screen. 'Godfather Live' conductor and producer Justin Freer, in a recent statement, said: "It is with great excitement that we are able to bring this masterful score and film to Dewan Filharmonik Petronas. "That we are able to preserve and present some of the most cherished music in the history of our craft is both exhilarating and humbling." He added: "There is little film music as instantly recognisable as Nino Rota's opening music played on trumpet, and only a handful of films as masterfully made as 'The Godfather'. "The marriage of these two masterpieces on stage live will be a visual and aural treat like nothing else." 'THE GREATEST FILM EVER MADE' 'The Godfather', released by Paramount Pictures in 1972, tells the story of the Corleones and their rivalry with other New York crime families between 1945 and 1955. The head of the crime family, Vito (played by Marlon Brando), hands over the reins of power to his youngest son Michael (Al Pacino), who is reluctant to "get dirty with work". Michael, however, learns the ropes fast and soon becomes a capable heir to his father. The movie, which also starred James Caan, John Cazale, Robert Duvall and Diane Keaton, won three Academy Awards – including Best Picture and Best Actor (Brando) – and solidified Coppola's reputation as being among the "New Hollywood" directors who revolutionised the industry from the late 1960s onwards. In 2008, 'Empire' magazine proclaimed 'The Godfather' the greatest film ever made, with 'Entertainment Weekly' and 'Metacritic' a also awarding it the esteemed distinction. It placed second in Sight & Sound's 2002 list and Time Out's 2003 readers' poll, and currently holds the number two spot on IMDb's all-time list. Composer Rota gained international recognition in the 1950s and 1960s for his collaborations with renowned Italian directors Federico Fellini and Luchino Visconti. His music for 'The Godfather', including its immortal 'Love Theme From The Godfather', was ranked No. 5 in the American Film Institute's list of the greatest scores ever written. "We are proud to embrace the evolution of live experience. We hope that this concert honours the many talented musicians that bring the music of the movies to life, while giving everyone the ability to relive one of the great masterpieces in cinema," Freer said. NO STRANGER TO FILM CONCERTS In a recent interview, Salonga said: "The Godfather Live is not a first for the MPO. There have already been quite a few film concerts presented by the MPO at DFP, and I have conducted quite a few as well, the first being 'Ratatouille' in 2016." The best-known film concerts involving the MPO include 'Psycho' (2010), 'Home Alone' (2014), 'Casablanca' (2015), 'Ratatouille' (2016), 'Raiders Of The Lost Ark' (2019), 'Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone' (2024), 'Avatar – The Last Airbender' (2024), 'Harry Potter And The Chamber of Secrets' (2025) and 'La La Land In Concert' (2025). "We chose 'The Godfather' because it is a major achievement in cinematic history, the music is memorable and so closely associated with the subject of the film "On a personal note I am a fan, and I had the original novel in my house when I was a kid," Salonga said. He added that Michael Corleone played by Al Pacino was his favourite character in the movie. "I have always been an admirer of Pacino and the character of Michael is complex and human. "As for the movie score, it has always been on my bucket list, so I'm looking forward to hearing the MPO perform the iconic main theme from the film, as well as the trumpet solo." A RESTAGING ON THE HORIZON There will be approximately 60 musicians in the MPO this time, and 'The Godfather Live' may be restaged by popular demand. "Prior to this, we've restaged a few other concerts," said Salonga, whose favourite score at DFP is a toss-up between 'Harry Potter' and 'Ratatouille'. "Ratatouille has a beautiful score by Michael Giacchino, and it is memorable to me personally because that was the first concert I conducted with the MPO. Salonga also hopes to conduct scores from other cinematic classics, including 'Star Wars', the remaining Harry Potter films, 'Gladiator', 'Amadeus', 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'Jurassic Park'. "More and more films are being released as concerts with live orchestras, including 'Top Gun'!" he said. The MPO also has plans to perform 'The Godfather Live' outside Kuala Lumpur. "It would be nice for us, the MPO, to once again perform for more Malaysians, whether classical repertoire or a film concert. "The orchestra belongs to Malaysians and everyone should be able to enjoy an MPO performance," Salonga added.
New Straits Times
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 'La La Land' comes alive
THE magic of Damien Chazelle's 'La La Land' came alive at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) recently. The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) delivered a dazzling live-to-film performance that transported the audience straight into the heart of Los Angeles' dreamy, jazz-soaked landscape from the 2016 movie. Concertgoers revisited the Academy Award-winning film, starring Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone and John Legend, in a swoonworthy live-to-film concert experience. The movie showcases the captivating story of Seb, a promising pianist, and Mia, an aspiring actress, who cross paths and fall in love while attempting to harmonise their career journeys in the city of stars. The concert featured a full orchestra and jazz band performing the soundtrack alongside the screening of the movie. This allowed attendees to experience the vivid musical moments central to the film, including the unbelievable piano solos, all played live by the MPO. A stellar performance Gerard Salonga conducted the orchestra, which breathed new life into Justin Hurwitz's Oscar-winning score. From the exhilarating opening number, 'Another Day of Sun', to the poignant finale, the MPO displayed both technical precision and emotional depth. The seamless synchronisation between the live performance and the on-screen visuals was a feat in itself, allowing the film's story to unfold naturally while adding a richer, more immersive musical experience. Particularly captivating was the performance of 'Mia & Sebastian's Theme,' with the piano melodies soaring above the strings, evoking the tender romance and heartbreak at the film's core. The jazz sequences, especially those featuring 'Herman's Habit' and 'Start A Fire', were performed with vibrant energy, bringing the spirit of classic Hollywood and contemporary jazz into perfect harmony. An extraordinary afternoon Visually, watching 'La La Land' on the big screen at the concert hall setting was a treat, but it was the MPO's passionate performance that elevated the afternoon into something simply extraordinary. The audience responded with thunderous applause, a testament to the enduring power of great music and storytelling. For fans of the film, jazz enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates the magic of live music, 'La La Land in Concert' with the MPO was a breathtaking reminder of cinema's ability to move, uplift and inspire. MPO's cinematic season This recent concert was part of the MPO's Season 2025 run, which includes more cinematic treats for movie lovers. In January, the MPO presented 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert'. Film and music fans can also look forward to catching a classic Hollywood gangster movie during 'The Godfather Live' concert on June shows provide the audience a unique opportunity to relive the magic of movies on the big screen while the symphonic orchestra brings the iconic scores to life. While orchestral music has long been associated with the upper echelons of society, collaborations with blockbuster films like these can be seen as an interesting method to bring orchestral music to a much wider audience. Judging from the packed hall on the day I attended the show, with a rather mixed crowd of young and not-so-young people, I'd say it was quite a success for both the MPO and DFP in bringing the masses to enjoy live orchestral music.
New Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Experience 'The Godfather' live with MPO at DFP this June
KUALA LUMPUR: Fans of classic cinema are in for a treat this June 14, as one of Hollywood's most legendary films, The Godfather, comes to life at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in director Francis Ford Coppola's iconic crime saga like never before. The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) will lend its majestic orchestral prowess to Nino Rota's unforgettable score, performing it live as the film screens in high definition on the big screen. Under the skilled baton of Gerard Salonga, the MPO will transport audiences into the world of the Corleones with Rota's masterful blend of Italian folk music and jazz, a soundtrack as iconic as the film itself. "It is with great excitement that we are able to bring this masterful score and film to Dewan Filharmonik Petronas," shared concert producer Justin Freer. "There is little film music as instantly recognisable as Nino Rota's opening music played on trumpet, and only a handful of films as masterfully made as The Godfather." Released in 1972, The Godfather tells the gripping tale of the Corleone family and their intense rivalry with other New York crime syndicates between 1945 and 1955. The narrative follows the powerful Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) as he gradually cedes control of his empire to his youngest son, Michael (Al Pacino), a role that catapulted Pacino to major stardom. A true cinematic giant, The Godfather garnered three Academy Awards, including Best Picture and a Best Actor win for Marlon Brando. Its enduring legacy is further cemented by its consistent ranking as one of the greatest films ever made, a distinction bestowed upon it by publications such as Empire magazine (in a 2008 vote), Entertainment Weekly, and Metacritic. This special concert, produced by CineConcerts, promises an unforgettable evening for film buffs and music lovers alike.
