Latest news with #MPO
New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- 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
4 days ago
- 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.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Officials accepting public comments for proposed EV charging station
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Officials say starting June 5, the public is invited to review and provide feedback on a proposed amendment in regard to an electric vehicle (EV) charging station. The Green River Area Development District (GRADD) says this proposed amendment will be to the Owensboro-Daviess County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). This amendment includes the addition of a new project: the construction of an EV charging station at 3220 West Parrish Avenue in Owensboro. Officials say the TIP serves as a short-range planning document that identifies all scheduled transportation projects—ranging from highway improvements and rail upgrades to pedestrian walkways and public transit—within the MPO area through fiscal year 2028. GRADD says the TIP also outlines estimated project costs and designates the local, state and federal funding sources that will be used. Officials say public input is part of the transportation planning process. A 15-day public review and comment period will be held from June 5 to June 19. First medical cannabis safety compliance facility breaks ground in KY GRADD says community members are encouraged to review the proposed amendment and share their thoughts during this window. Copies of the amendment will be available at the following locations: Owensboro City Hall Daviess County Judge/Executive's Office Owensboro Transit System Green River Area Development District (GRADD) Office Daviess County Public Library Whitesville City Hall Online Officials say alternative formats can be provided upon request with at least seven days' notice. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Star
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
No popcorn, no problem: MPO hits all the right notes with film concerts
These days, when you browse through the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra's (MPO) annual programme, you'll find special shows that take your movie experience to the next level at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) – where your favourite films come to life with live music by the MPO. Since 2010, when it first screened Alfred Hitchcock's classic thriller Psycho, the MPO has been delighting film lovers with its cinema-inspired programmes. MPO and DFP chief executive officer Hassina Begam Abdul Gani said the orchestra began exploring film-with-live-orchestra programming as a way to diversify its music offerings and reach a newer, younger audience. 'The positive response from the public, evidenced by sold-out shows, has demonstrated a clear appetite for this type of programming, which has now become a 'signature series' for the MPO,' says Hassina. By pairing orchestral music with popular films, the MPO has made classical music more accessible, offering an entry point for those who might not usually attend such concerts. To date, the MPO has presented nine film-with-live-orchestra concerts, including Raiders Of The Lost Ark, Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and the recent La La Land, which saw additional shows added due to high demand. 'For me, it's a less daunting introduction to classical music. While I'm not naturally inclined toward traditional concerts, a show like La La Land – though not strictly classical – provides a more accessible way to experience orchestral music,' says Adrian Yap, who attended La La Land at DFP, following his first experience with the format at Ratatouille (also at the DFP) in 2016. A view of the 'La La Land In Concert' series presented by the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra earlier this month at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: MPO 'Watching a film I enjoy while observing how the orchestra performs the score makes me more receptive to attending a traditional classical concert in the future,' he adds. Rizal Johan, a fan of the film-with-orchestra format, recalls the Raiders Of The Lost Ark concert at the MPO in 2019 as a standout experience. 'The orchestra played flawlessly from start to finish. It was a unique experience – watching a film with live music and realising how challenging it is for the musicians to stay in sync as the mood shifts from action to comedy, suspense to romance. It was truly captivating,' he says, hoping the MPO will one day give a Star Wars film the full live-orchestra treatment. Opening the symphonic door MPO resident conductor Gerard Salonga notes that the movie screening concert series offers a distinct experience compared to the orchestra's usual performances. 'It's not like ballet or opera where the singers and dancers can hear the orchestra – the film stops for no one. In film music, normally the precision of the musical accents is down to a matter of a few frames which are fractions of a second,' says Salonga. Another challenge is that, although the music is usually well-known, it is not typically part of the repertoire that professional musicians have been playing for many years. 'For example, the first violin part of Don Juan by Richard Strauss is incredibly difficult, but violinists are expected to know the piece well, and have been playing it since they were very young," says Salonga. Next month, the MPO's film-and-orchestra series will feature the classic movie 'The Godfather', starring Marlon Brando. Photo: Handout 'The violin part of John Williams' ET score is also very hard, but musicians would not have spent the same amount of time with it throughout their lives, making the learning curve steeper due to the shorter time to learn it. For a symphony orchestra like the MPO, it makes for an exciting and musically rewarding challenge for both the performers and the audience,' he adds. The Filipino conductor-composer agrees that film concerts are an excellent way to engage audiences with symphonic repertoire. "In films scored by John Williams, the music is directly influenced by great composers such as Mahler and Stravinsky, so these concerts serve to introduce the audience to their orchestras and form a connection with the artists on stage through sharing a profound experience," says Salonga. 'So I hope for our audience members, these film concerts can unlock the door to the world of symphonic music and encourage them to discover the riches that await,' he concludes. For Father's Day on June 14, experience The Godfather Live at DFP. Watch Francis Ford Coppola's classic 1972 film in high definition while the MPO, led by Salonga, performs Nino Rota's legendary soundtrack live – bringing every haunting note and emotional moment to the forefront. More info here.
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Night of culture and diplomacy as Asean-GCC-China leaders dine in KL
KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hosted a gala dinner last night in conjunction with the 46th Asean Summit, the 2nd Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the Asean-GCC-China Summit, celebrating unity, diplomacy and the region's rich cultural heritage. Held at Exhibition Halls 4 and 5 of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the event saw the arrival of guests and delegates from 8 pm, followed by a video presentation highlighting Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship 2025. Among the leaders present were those from Asean countries, Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, and the Chinese Premier, Li Qiang. A ceremonial welcome was rendered by the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), with 60 musicians performing a 25-minute instrumental ensemble as dignitaries arrived in succession. The procession of dignitaries entered the grand hall to the accompaniment of the MPO and a 60-member cultural troupe, symbolising the spirit of regional solidarity. The evening opened with a stirring opening performance titled Ardi Bertuah by the PERMATA Seni Choir, featuring a medley of Malaysian traditional songs such as Ulik Mayang and Jambatan Tamparuli, performed in traditional songket costumes, followed by welcoming remarks from the master of ceremonies, Terrence Dass. Dinner was served alongside a vibrant cultural showcase, beginning with a medley of Asean songs performed by Bob Yusof, Asmidar and Yasmin Aziz, with orchestral support. Among the songs performed were Sabai Sabai and Oh Oh Timor, which captivated the audience and drew delighted reactions, including smiles and thumbs up from the Prime Ministers of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Timor-Leste Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim applauds with joy after the Gala Dinner held in conjunction with the 46th Asean Summit, 2nd Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, and Asean-GCC-China Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) yesterday. — Bernama pic- fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED Celebrated Malaysian icon Datuk Zainal Abidin then took the stage with his iconic hit Hijau, accompanied by a cultural troupe, followed by Ikhlas Tapi Jauh. The artistic segment continued with Wira Perwara, a powerful cultural performance featuring MPO and the PERMATA Seni Tari troupe. Award-winning singer Shila Amzah followed with Wau Bulan and Zheng Fu, accompanied by cultural groups Mind'ance and MPO. In his welcoming speech, Anwar expressed his gratitude in multiple languages spoken across Asean, GCC and China, which was reflected in an LED display showcasing the word 'Thank You' in all corresponding languages. A lively 'Colours of Borneo' dance performance followed, before songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza mesmerised the audience with three numbers—Ya Maulai, Kun Anta with the PERMATA Seni Choir, and the Asean Theme Song. The evening concluded with a medley of Heal the World and Fight Song, performed by MPO and the PERMATA Seni Choir, as guests exited the hall waving ASEAN, GCC and China flags—marking a symbolic end to a night of friendship, diplomacy and unity. — Bernama
