Latest news with #SimfoniBudayaII
The Star
a day ago
- 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
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."
