MPOPlaysOn – A Way to Reconnect
When the Covid-19 pandemic strike, many companies have had to adapt their business to be more online oriented and the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) is no exception. In September 2020, the MPO launched MPOPlaysOn – a digital exclusive series featuring several new full-length and chamber concerts by the MPO performing wonderful selections of classical music and several pre-concerts talk shows hosted by MPO’s Resident Conductor, Gerard Salonga. MPOPlaysOn was established as a way to reconnect with the MPO fans and the general public amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and since its establishment, the series has received great responses from the public. This year, the series was more focused on showcasing local orchestral compositions and talents.
In May 2021, the MPO collaborated with the Malaysian Composers Collective (MCC) to present a digital audio collection themed MPOPlaysOn: Malaysian Composers Series – Vol. 1. This digital audio collection features a wonderful selection of classical works by Malaysian composers under the MCC banner such as Vivian Chua, Johan Othman, Ng Chong Lim, Adeline Wong and Ahmad Muriz Che Rose.
A total of 11 works were featured in this digital audio collection, all of which were previously performed by the MPO at the MPO Forum for Malaysian Composers concerts from 2003 to 2006. Some of the works are Vivian Chua’s Mercu Kegemilangan (commissioned for the MPO for its 20th Anniversary Season) and Ahmad Muriz Che Rose’s Bertabuh Kala Senja (a work full of harmonic and melodic element signifying the parallels between the dusk and a new day). Other works include Johan Othman’s Ittar (a work that conflates both the idea of a mythical dance and the allure of fragrances), Ng Chong Lim’s Rimba (a work about the earthy simplicity of the tropical rainforest) and Adeline Wong’s Snapshots (inspired by The Lovely Bones novel by Alice Sebold). The series received great response from the public, garnering over 3,000 views. The series can be viewed here.
MPOPlaysOn: Malaysian Composers Series – Vol. 1 Poster
The effort was then followed by MPO Patriotism Series – a new digital concert campaign in conjunction with the Malaysia’s Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day celebration. The series, comprised of 7 videos, were uploaded periodically for free on MPO TV starting from 31 August 2021 until 16 September 2021. Led by conductor Ahmad Muriz Che Rose, the digital concert series witnessed the MPO pay tribute to several iconic Malaysian patriotic works and folk songs, presented in unrivalled symphonic arrangements. The first video of the series was uploaded on 31 August 2021 and featured a special rendition of Tanggal 31 Ogos (formerly written and sung by singer Ahmad C.B, popularised by Sudirman) performed by the MPO and Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra musicians. This will be followed by another video of the MPO performing Negaraku and Bahtera Merdeka, uploaded on the same day.
MPO Patriotism Series Poster
Ahmad Muriz Che Rose
Other works that were featured in the following weeks are Suhaimi Mohd Zain’s Cindai, Syed Haron Ahmad’s Warisan, Tan Sri Ahmad Merican’s Tanah Pusaka, Tuan Haji Madzhi Johari’s Puteri Santubong and Dato’ Mokhzani Ismail’s Malaysia Prihatin.
Each of the works performed will be sprinkled with a video message and commentary about the works by some of the renowned figures in the local music industry. Some of the names that are set to be featured in this series are the MPO Patron YABhg Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, ORTM Music Director Dato’ Mokhzani Ismail, arranger Dato’ Johari Salleh, composer Tuan Haji Madzhi Johari, lyricist Hairul Anuar Harun, and popular Malaysian artists Datuk Syafinaz Selamat and Aishah.
Commenting on the campaign, Ahmad Muriz Che Rose said, “Other than to celebrate the 2021 Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day, this digital concert series was made as an appreciation towards the local symphonic compositions while also conveying the expressions of national sentiment conceived in purely orchestral terms. It is an honour to present these famous patriotic works by legendary composers who have shaped the patriotic melodies throughout the years.
You can watch the MPO Patriotism Series here.
Despite facing all of the challenges and obstacles of the pandemic, the MPO is still as committed as ever to showcase timeless and inspiring performances to its fans and the public. We look forward to what the future will bring and strive to continue to deliver high-quality performances that the MPO is known for.
Visit www.mpo.com.my or check out the MPO social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram and YouTube) for any latest updates.