Latest news with #DFP
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
The suburbs set to be transformed by minister's sweeping powers
More than 70 major housing, energy and commercial projects have been approved by the Victorian government, bypassing local councils and sidestepping residents' objections. An analysis by The Age has found at least 40 more developments are in the pipeline for ministerial approval through the Development Facilitation Program, which allows Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny to 'call in' and approve projects regardless of local opposition, including a proposed waste-to-energy-powered office tower in Cremorne. The property industry has lauded the bolstered ministerial powers as a critical way to accelerate housing supply and investment, but councils are demanding an urgent review and claim there is no evidence it has sped up the construction of new homes. Projects already approved under the program include an 18-storey, 400-home apartment building in Collingwood, which Yarra City Council had opposed. Property Council Victoria executive director Cath Evans said the DFP was a 'critically important' pathway to accelerate housing approvals and address blockages in development and construction. 'While this has been a positive initiative, there remain significant overall delays in planning approvals and red tape, such as the lengthy wait times many in the industry are facing on essential infrastructure delivery, such as water and power,' she said. According to the state government, its DFP pathway has approved 4802 homes since the launch of the Housing Statement in September 2023, when then-premier Daniel Andrews set a target of building 800,000 homes in Victoria over the next 10 years. The government can use the bolstered program to fast-track developments and bypass local councils based on several criteria, including a significant economic contribution, inclusion of affordable housing, or high-quality design and sustainability.
The Age
2 days ago
- Business
- The Age
The suburbs set to be transformed by minister's sweeping powers
More than 70 major housing, energy and commercial projects have been approved by the Victorian government, bypassing local councils and sidestepping residents' objections. An analysis by The Age has found at least 40 more developments are in the pipeline for ministerial approval through the Development Facilitation Program, which allows Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny to 'call in' and approve projects regardless of local opposition, including a proposed waste-to-energy-powered office tower in Cremorne. The property industry has lauded the bolstered ministerial powers as a critical way to accelerate housing supply and investment, but councils are demanding an urgent review and claim there is no evidence it has sped up the construction of new homes. Projects already approved under the program include an 18-storey, 400-home apartment building in Collingwood, which Yarra City Council had opposed. Property Council Victoria executive director Cath Evans said the DFP was a 'critically important' pathway to accelerate housing approvals and address blockages in development and construction. 'While this has been a positive initiative, there remain significant overall delays in planning approvals and red tape, such as the lengthy wait times many in the industry are facing on essential infrastructure delivery, such as water and power,' she said. According to the state government, its DFP pathway has approved 4802 homes since the launch of the Housing Statement in September 2023, when then-premier Daniel Andrews set a target of building 800,000 homes in Victoria over the next 10 years. The government can use the bolstered program to fast-track developments and bypass local councils based on several criteria, including a significant economic contribution, inclusion of affordable housing, or high-quality design and sustainability.
New Straits Times
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: MPO teams up with violin virtuoso Bomsori Kim
THE Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) continues its tradition of exceptional musical collaborations, this time featuring South Korean violin virtuoso Bomsori Kim. Kim's performance, this Saturday at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP), will mark her debut with the MPO. "I'm thrilled to perform Bruch's Violin Concerto with the MPO in Kuala Lumpur. I've heard about the warm, enthusiastic audiences here and it'll be my first time playing there, so I'm excited to share this experience together," the 35-year-old shared in an email interview with Groove. She added: "Performing with new partners is always inspiring. I love how an orchestra and a soloist connect. I hope the audience feels the blend of deep emotions and technical refinement in the music that we are creating. Kim, a regular guest at renowned music festivals across Europe and a prizewinner of many prestigious violin competitions, has been honoured with the Young Artist Award from the South Korean Ministry of Culture. She has performed under acclaimed conductors such as Paavo Jarvi and Fabio Luisi, captivating audiences in Hong Kong, London, New York and Los Angeles with her exceptional musicality. The MPO now joins the ranks of her illustrious orchestral collaborations, which include the New York Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic, Vienna Symphony, Danish National Symphony Orchestra, Netherlands Radio Orchestra and San Francisco Symphony. Together with the MPO, Kim will enchant the DFP audience with Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1, a work celebrated for its brilliant lyricism. Completed in 1866, this piece opens with the MPO's vigorous and energetic musicianship before the soloist enters with a full, gypsy-like theme and virtuosic flair. A distingushed career In February 2021, Kim signed an exclusive contract with Deutsche Grammophon in Berlin. Highlights of Kim's 2024/25 season include opening with the Philharmonia Orchestra under Santtu-Matias Rouvali, making her debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Fabio Luisi, and touring with the Bamberg Symphony and Jakub Hrusa in Germany and Asia. She is also set to debut with the RSB Orchestra Berlin, the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, and at Wigmore Hall. Additionally, she will return to the Concertgebouw with the Netherlands Radio Orchestra and Ryan Bancroft, and to Hong Kong with Jarvi. Recent career milestones include her debuts at the BBC Proms with the BBC Philharmonic and at the Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. She has also toured with the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich and Jarvi, and made her debuts with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Pittsburgh Symphony, and the Spanish National Orchestra. Kim has performed with the Vienna Symphony at the Vienna Konzerthaus and made her Concertgebouw debut with the Residentie Orchestra. This highly experienced violinist is a regular guest at renowned festivals such as the Rheingau Musik Festival, Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, and Verbier Festival. In 2021, she became the Focus Artist of the Rheingau Musik Festival and began a five-year residency at the Gstaad Menuhin Festival as a Menuhin's Heritage Artist. Her discography with Deutsche Grammophon includes Violin on Stage with the NFM Wroclaw Philharmonic and a duo album with Rafal Blechacz featuring works by Faure, Debussy, Szymanowski, and Chopin, which won the Fryderyk Music Award for Best Polish Album Abroad. Her latest recording of the Nielsen Violin Concerto with the Danish National Symphony Orchestra and Fabio Luisi won the 2024 Gramophone Award. Born in South Korea, Kim studied at Seoul National University with Young Uck Kim and at The Juilliard School with Sylvia Rosenberg and Ronald Copes. Kim shared that watching fellow South Korean Kyung-Wha Chung at age 5 was a pivotal moment that deeply moved her and shaped her approach to music. "Chung inspired me with her direct, emotional tone. I also learned from every great musician I've worked with; each collaboration has shaped my voice. "Another moment was when performing Shostakovich Concerto in Montreal, the audience gasped at the cadenza. It was a breakthrough for me," explained Kim, who performs on the 1725 Guarnerius del Gesu violin 'ex-Moller', generously loaned by The Samsung Foundation of Culture and The Stradivari Society of Chicago. Despite demanding schedule, Kim prioritises her fitness routines. "I do yoga almost daily even while touring. it keeps my body flexible, prevents strain from long practices and helps me stay relaxed and focused," said Kim, who is a proponent of yoga, combining physical stretching with mental calm. Beyond her physical wellbeing, she dedicates considerable time to rehearsals. "I study rehearsals carefully, record them, and then mentally rehearse and imagine performing on stage. "That preparation builds confidence. Before going on stage, I will calm myself, focusing on the mood of the opening piece. That mental space prepares me to swim freely in the music," she added. t the upcoming concert, conductor Jaume Santonja returns to lead tha MPO for an evening of sweeping romanticism and passionate tonal colours. The MPO will open the concert with Overture to Byron's 'Manfred', composed by Schumann and based on Byron's great dramatic poem. In addition to the evening performance, Kim will host a violin masterclass on June 26 at 6pm at DFP for music enthusiasts.
New Straits Times
15-06-2025
- 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.
