MPO: The Saga Continues
If there is anything we have learned throughout this pandemic is that digital is the way forward. Many companies have adapted to hosting digital events and collaborations and the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) is no exception. The MPO has been actively producing digital content since last year with the launch of MPOPlaysOn on the MPO YouTube channel, MPO TV. Below are some highlights of MPO digital efforts from August 2021 to the present:
MPO x Netflix x Yuna – Money Heist collaboration.
MPO x Yuna x Netflix Bella Ciao
In September 2021, the MPO virtually performed a contemporary version of the song Bella Ciao, a popular Italian folk song from the 19th century, which was also the theme song for the popular hit TV series called Money Heist on Netflix. The virtual performance was held in conjunction with Netflix’s launch of the series’ season finale and became part of their promotional campaign across several countries.
The project involved 15 MPO musicians performing together with the Malaysian songstress Yuna, and was recorded remotely from their own homes. On 1 September 2021, the music video was launched on Netflix Malaysia’s YouTube channel, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
The music video went viral and became a massive hit, receiving over 436,000 views, more than 9,000 likes and 2,700 shares on Netflix Malaysia’s Facebook page. It also garnered over 390,000 views and 16,000 likes on Netflix Malaysia’s YouTube channel. Immediately, the mainstream media caught on to the social media buzz and news of the performance made headlines in various local and international news agencies. You can watch the music video here.
MPOPlaysOn: Malaysian Composers Series – Chamber Concert.
In November 2021, the MPO, in collaboration with the Malaysian Composers Collective (MCC), presented MPOPlaysOn: Malaysian Composers Series – Chamber Concert, a virtual concert featuring contemporary works by local composers. The concert was presented in three parts; on 5, 12 and 19 November 2021 on the MPO TV.
Malaysian Composers Series – Chamber Concert Poster
Screenshot of Malaysian Composers Series – Chamber Concert
The concert features a wonderful selection of contemporary works by Malaysian composers under the MCC banner such as Jessica Cho, Tai Yun Ming, Rayner Naili, Caeleb Tee, Raja Alif, Samuel Cho, Ilysia Tan, Ainolnaim Azizol and Vivian Chua.
The concert is MPO’s ongoing appreciation towards local orchestral compositions from a rich diversity of backgrounds. It is a platform to publicise the works of Malaysian composers on a prestigious stage and nurture the growth of local talents. It is the second MPO collaborative effort with MCC this year; the first being the MPOPlaysOn: Malaysian Composers Series – Vol.1 digital audio collection in May.
The Artistic Advisor for this presentation is the MPO’s Resident Conductor, Gerard Salonga. Each work promises an exciting smorgasbord of sounds and is accompanied by a video commentary by its composer. The concert received a great response from the public with the whole series garnering around 3,000 views and featured in several local news outlets and promoted in a local radio station, BFM. You can watch the whole series here.
MPO’s Education & Outreach (ENCOUNTER) efforts to educate young talents through the virtual platform.
The MPO, through its ENCOUNTER initiative, is also actively collaborating with Malaysia’s education institutions by hosting masterclass/workshop webinars to educate and nurture young talents in Malaysia.
In August 2021, MPO participated in The Malaysian Music Education Conference 2021 (MusEd’21) – a virtual event for music educators, researchers, administrators, students, musicians, and industry practitioners to discuss ideas, findings, innovations, and best practices relevant to the teaching and learning of music. The event was organised by the Faculty of Music, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), and the Malaysian Association of Music Education (MAME). The MPO hosted several workshops and masterclasses, as well as provided virtual performance for the event. You can watch the virtual performance here.
MPO Goes Baroque Poster
Workshop on ‘Percussion Wind Ensemble’ by Tan Su Yin
Violin Masterclass Poster
In addition to MusEd’21, MPO have also collaborated with other institution such as MPO Goes Baroque! webinar with Ming Goh and Runa Baggöe (collaboration with MAME) on 26 September 2021, Violin Masterclass with Maho Daniš (collaboration with Akademi Seni Budaya Dan Warisan Kebangsaan (ASWARA)) on 9 November 2021, and Conducting Technique with Gerard Salonga (collaboration with Academy of Arts & Creative Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)) on 19 November 2021.
Despite facing all the challenges and obstacles of the pandemic, MPO is still as committed as ever to showcasing timeless and inspiring performances to its fans and the public while also helping to educate and inspire future talents. One thing is for sure, while we are preparing to welcome back our fans once the hall opens again, the MPO will strive to deliver high-quality performances that the orchestra is known for by providing a variety of content digitally.
Visit www.mpo.com.my or check out the MPO social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram and YouTube) for any latest updates.
Writer:
M Shahrir Aizat M Shuhaili
Executive, Media Relations,
Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS