Date Posted: 18 Dec 2008

KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysia Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (MPYO) entertained hundreds of symphonic music lovers who thronged the Tun Raffae Auditorium at Menara Tun Mustapha on Monday evening.

Led by its principal conductor, Kevin Field, and in collaboration with well known Malaysian cellist, Tan Poh Joo, the 110-member orchestra performed a great variety of harmonious songs.

Among others, the songs included the Roman Carnival (Op.9) composed by Hector Berlioz, Cello Concerto in B minor (Op.104) written by Antonin Dvorak and Symphony No. 2 in C minor (Op.17) - "Little Russian" by Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

A youth orchestra associated with the activities of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), MPYO is the realisation of an integral part of the late Petronas chairman, Tan Sri Dato Seri Azizan Zainul Abidin's vision.

After a decade of music making by the MPO, along with a myriad of education projects organised by its Education and Outreach Programme (ENCOUNTER), MPYO was formed with 110 founding members selected from 500 potential musicians who attended its audition across seven cities including Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Penang, Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan and Johor.

Officially launched on Jan 13, 2006, the youth orchestra is the stage for young talent with musicians from an average age of 18 years old and from all over the country.

It aims to encourage young musicians in their passion and appreciation for all genres of symphonic music, to support Malaysia in the provision of well-trained professional and amateur musicians.

It also inspires well-informed audiences and teachers alike, nurtures aspiring Malaysian composers and conductors and provides valuable experience for individuals interested in all aspects of arts and events management.

Under the guidance of Field, each section of the MPYO receives professional coaching from the MPO musicians, and each member also has the opportunity to participate in chamber music ensembles and workshops.

Following a year of week-long intensive music camps and rehearsals, the MPYO made a significant impact in its debut performance, mesmerising capacity audiences at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) on Aug 25, 2007.

Its astounding performance was part of the MPO's and DFP's 10th anniversary celebration which also coincided with the country's 50th Merdeka celebration.

With their exuding passion and enthusiasm, members of the MPYO represent the best this country has to offer, demonstrating the ability to perform the most demanding repertoire. It has acquired an impressive achievement in such a brief existence.

Prior to their performance in Kota Kinabalu, the musicians had performed to a sold-out concert in Kuching on Dec 12.

MPYO was also involved in outreach programmes such as performing at the Radiotherapy Unit, Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching on Dec 13 and at Rumah Kanak-Kanak Kota Kinabalu on Dec 14.

The MPYO tour to East Malaysia was co-organised by the MPO, Century Music School Sdn Bhd and Kells, and Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd. The tour was supported by gold sponsors like MLNG and Global Upline Sdn Bhd, and silver sponsors MITCO Sdn Bhd and Petronas Methanol (Labuan) Sdn Bhd.

(Source: New Sabah Times, 17 Dec 2008)