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New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: MPO celebrates Asli music with 'Simfoni Budaya II'
THE Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) will showcase another dimension of its artistry with 'Simfoni Budaya II' on July 5 at 8pm at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP), Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). 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."
Malay Mail
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
From anime and film scores to heritage music: How the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra is winning over new audiences
KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 — When orchestras worldwide returned to perform after the Covid-19 pandemic, their once-brimming concert halls found little enthusiasm – and revenue – with an ageing and dwindling audience. Instead of playing its swan song, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) bounced back stronger when it began moving away from its primarily classical roots starting from 2021, to embrace pop culture, local heritage, and film scores like those from the Harry Potter franchise and Avatar: The Last Airbender. And this month, the MPO will be playing the cult classic mafia film The Godfather. 'The MPO and DFP are living, evolving cultural forces, not just a place for classical music but a home for diverse artistic experiences. 'The MPO is a versatile orchestra; its artistry transcends all genres,' the MPO and Dewan Filharmonik Petronas' chief executive officer Hassina Begam Abdul Gani told Malay Mail. While sharing on how the orchestra curates its concert calendar, Hassina said the rebranding has certainly been rewarding and has struck a note with a broader and younger audience. MPO and DFP chief executive officer Hassina Begam Abdul Gani said planning for the concert season begins 18 to 24 months in advance. — Picture courtesy of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra In the first half of 2025, she said the MPO sold out several big concerts: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets In Concert (January 6-9) Vivaldi's Four Seasons (March 8 & 9) Symphony of Memories: Nostalgic Hong Kong Classics (March 22) La La Land In Concert (May 4 and May 9-12) The second half of the year looks promising too; as of May, the sold-out concerts are: John Williams vs Hans Zimmer (August 21-24) Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba In Concert (September 20) How does MPO curate its concert calendar? Behind the scenes, the planning starts months ahead. Hassina explained that curating each season takes 18 to 24 months – factoring in performer bookings, tour schedules, logistics, and marketing. Each year is built around a unifying theme. For 2025, it's 'Where Every Beat Tells A Story', a nod to music's role in narrating human experiences. The calendar is then segmented into sub-themes to give each quarter its own character and rhythm. January kicks off with celebratory concerts to ring in the new year, followed by romantic serenades to mark Valentine's Day in February. Some seasons include Hari Raya Aidilfitri collaborations with local artistes in the second quarter. By mid-year when National Day and Malaysia Day roll around, the MPO shifts gears to highlight the nation's rich cultural heritage. From joget to Chopin This July 5, Simfoni Budaya II brings a symphonic spin to traditional joget, asli, and zapin songs. On August 9, Mistik Pura Masyrik dives into East Coast folklore, featuring legends like Cik Siti Wan Kembang and Ulik Mayang, brought to life by Artistana Istana Budaya and Orkestra Tradisional Malaysia. On September 6, the Temple of Fine Arts takes the stage with Ragas and Mudras, a showcase of Indian classical music and dance. Special classical concerts also take place in August to commemorate the orchestra's founding anniversary, which made its debut concert on August 17, 1998. This year, a two-part Chopin Festival will take place on August 16 and October 11, celebrating the works of Polish maestro Frédéric Chopin. Led by music director Junichi Hirokami, MPO will perform some of Chopin's renowned concertos with pianists Melody Quah and Martin Garcia Garcia. Pop culture meets philharmonic While the classics remain, it's the blockbuster soundtracks and pop culture tie-ins that have broadened the MPO's appeal. From August 21 to 24, the MPO will feature the iconic movie scores of two Oscar-winning composers at the John Williams vs Hans Zimmer concert. In September, the MPO will reimagine the pulse-pounding score of shonen anime hit series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. The year ends with a two-weekend Ballet Festival in December, pairing Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake and The Nutcracker with Russia's Ballet Stars of Moscow. The 2025 concert season will conclude with a two-weekend Ballet Festival, featuring 'Swan Lake' and 'The Nutcracker' respectively. — Picture courtesy of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra Coming up in 2026 Though the 2026 calendar remains under wraps, Hassina hinted at more blockbuster productions, landmark symphonic tributes, and genre-crossing experiments. The year will also coincide with major musical anniversaries: the 270th birthday of Mozart, the 50th death anniversary of Benjamin Britten, and Steve Reich's 90th. Asked if fan-favourites like The Shang Sisters might headline a solo concert, Hassina was open-ended but optimistic. 'The MPO is open to all possibilities,' she said. The female jazz trio first performed with MPO and the WVC jazz band on April 26; and if current trends hold, they may not be the last to bridge the old with the new.
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Rakyat Post
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Rakyat Post
[Watch] When Cinema Meets Symphony: Why The Godfather Still Commands Respect
Subscribe to our FREE In the world of film-to-concert adaptations, some movies whisper and others roar. According to Gerard Salonga, who will conduct the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra for The Godfather Live at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP) this June, Francis Ford Coppola's 1972 masterpiece definitely belongs in the latter category. 'Art is seasonless, timeless,' Salonga told TRP, drawing parallels that span centuries and galaxies. Look at Star Wars from the 1970s—it's still incredibly popular among youngsters today. Beethoven's notes are 300 years old, and they still move people. The same can be said for any ideology or philosophy—if it's good, it will remain popular across generations.' The film, which may be over 50 years old, still retains its cultural impact undiminished. Salonga points to one of cinema's most famous moments of protest: 'Marlon Brando won the Oscar and rejected it. Art doesn't age—it evolves, it provokes, it endures.' The Score That Made History This enduring power is evident in the film's continued recognition. The Godfather was named the greatest film ever made by Empire magazine in 2008, a distinction also awarded by Entertainment Weekly and Metacritic. It came second in Sight & Sound's prestigious 2002 list and Time Out's 2003 readers' poll, and currently sits at number two on IMDb's all-time rankings. The film's immortality isn't just about Coppola's direction or Brando's performance—it's deeply rooted in Nino Rota's iconic score. The Italian composer, who achieved international acclaim in the 1950s and '60s for his work with Federico Fellini (La Dolce Vita, 8½) and Luchino Visconti (The Leopard, White Nights), created what the 'There is little film music as instantly recognisable as Nino Rota's opening music played on trumpet,' says Justin Freer, the CineConcerts founder and producer behind The Godfather Live. That haunting main theme, with its blend of traditional Italian folk music and jazz elements, takes on an entirely different quality when experienced live. The Art of Orchestral Restraint This enduring power shapes how Salonga approaches different film concerts. Unlike the interactive energy of a Harry Potter screening—where audiences gleefully shout out their Hogwarts houses—The Godfather demands a different kind of respect. 'Some film concerts don't require the conductor to say anything, but with Harry Potter, yes, it's fun to let the audience express themselves,' he explains. But The Godfather is an intense kind of film. The appropriateness of a conductor speaking to the audience depends on the material's appropriateness. The MPO has mastered this delicate balance over the years. Since their first film concert with Psycho in 2010, they've presented everything from Casablanca (2015) and Raiders of the Lost Ark (2019) to recent successes like Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2024) and the upcoming La La Land in Concert (2025). Each requires its own approach, its own level of audience engagement. Beyond the Usual Orchestra What makes this particular concert special goes beyond the film's gravitas. Salonga reveals that the orchestra will feature instruments rarely heard in traditional symphonic settings. We'll have mandolin and accordion in The Godfather orchestra, which don't always appear in orchestras. These additions aren't mere novelties—they're essential to capturing Rota's authentic Italian flavour. It's this attention to detail that transforms a simple movie screening into something approaching a religious experience for cinema lovers. Salonga sits alone in the magnificent DFP, surrounded by the venue's distinctive warm wood panelling and tiered red seating. The conductor prepares for The Godfather Live, where he'll lead the MPO in bringing Nino Rota's iconic score to life beneath the hall's soaring acoustic ceiling. (Pix: Fernando Fong) A Global Vision Salonga's vision extends far beyond Hollywood classics. He mentions recent successes, such as Bollywood films performed at London's Royal Albert Hall, and hints at untapped potential. There's a famous Chinese-language film we're hoping we can do here. P. Ramlee movies too, perhaps—hopefully that's something we can take off. The idea of hearing Tan Sri P. Ramlee's beloved compositions performed by a full orchestra while watching classics like Bujang Lapok or Do Re Mi on the big screen suggests an exciting future for Malaysian cinema-orchestra collaborations. This global approach reflects CineConcerts' extensive reach—the company will engage over 4.8 million people worldwide in more than 3,000 performances across 48 countries through 2025, working with prestigious orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony and the London Philharmonic. Perfect for the Godfather Faithful For those who know every line of Vito Corleone's wisdom, who can quote Sonny's temper tantrums, and who still get chills during the baptism sequence, this cinema-orchestra experience offers something unprecedented: the chance to experience a familiar masterpiece through entirely new senses. The format is perfect for Godfather devotees—the complete film shown in high definition while the live orchestra breathes new life into every musical moment, from that haunting trumpet theme to the subtle jazz undertones that underscore the family's moral complexity. As Freer puts it: 'The marriage of these two masterpieces on stage live at DFP will be a visual and aural treat like nothing else.' Some art transcends its original medium. The Godfather Live isn't just a concert or a movie screening—it's proof that when something is crafted with enough care and truth, it becomes immortal. The Godfather Live performs at DFP on 14 June at 8:00 PM. Tickets range from RM298 to RM648, available at Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
Malay Mail
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Temple of Fine Arts to illuminate Dewan Filharmonik Petronas with classical Indian showcase on Sept 6
KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 — The Temple of Fine Arts (TFA) is staging a special performance at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP) on Sept 6. Themed 'Classical Traditions: Ragas and Mudras', it will feature Hindustani and Carnatic music, as well as four classical Indian dances: Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kathak and Kuchipudi. DFP said this highly anticipated showcase promises an immersive journey into the heart of Indian culture. ''Ragas' are melodic frameworks or 'modes' in Indian classical music, a combination of notes (called 'swaras') along with phrases and nuances (called 'gamakas') that define its unique character. ''Mudras' are symbolic ritual gestures, primarily performed with the hands, fingers, the entire body or even eye movements and breathing techniques,' DFP said in a media release. It said this show is part of its ongoing efforts to provide a platform for the performances of Malaysian arts and culture. Last year, DFP staged various culture-based performances including Mek Mulung Putera Cahaya Bulan, Randai Mudo Pak Belalang, Jit Sin Secondary School Chinese Orchestra and Sanggar Seni. Founded in 1981, TFA is dedicated to the development of Indian arts and culture. It has presented over 20 major productions and 300 short works including explorations of integrations of different cultural themes. TFA has staged its productions around the world including Singapore, Sri Lanka, India, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Tickets for the Sept 6 performance, priced between RM69 and RM249, can be purchased at DFP's website — Bernama
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Enko Capital welcomes commitment from IFC to new Impact Credit Fund
LONDON, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Enko Capital ('Enko'), an African-focused asset management firm managing debt, private debt, equity and private equity investments across Africa, has welcomed commitment from International Finance Corporation ('IFC') to its new Impact Credit Fund ('EICF'). The commitment has been confirmed by IFC with the planned equity investment in the fund being up to the lower of US$25 million or 20% of total Limited Partner (LP) commitment to EICF. The project is being processed under IFC's Debt Funds Project (DFP) Investment Framework. EICF is Enko's first private credit vehicle. It has a target LP commitment size of US$150 million, targeting US$80 million at first close, expected to take place in Q3 2025. EICF's objective is to invest in a diversified portfolio of USD denominated senior secured and unsecured debt to mid-sized corporates in sub-Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa. EICF will seek to invest in SDG-aligned, ESG focused and gender-oriented businesses, while generating commercial returns and utilising guarantees, insurance wraps and collateral to hedge downside credit risks. Alain Nkontchou, Managing Partner of Enko, said, 'We are delighted to have received this invaluable support from IFC for our debut private credit fund. The fund will provide critical growth capital for mid-market SMEs on the continent and will deliver both positive social impact and compelling risk-adjusted returns. This growth capital can help address the massive funding gap which businesses on the continent face while driving sustainable development.' About Enko: Enko Capital ('Enko'), is an African-focused asset management firm managing debt, private debt, equity and private equity investments across Africa. Enko offers deep knowledge of the continent combined with best-in-class investment expertise. Enko was founded in 2008 by Alain and Cyrille Nkontchou, and has over $1bn in assets under management. Contact:
