CONCERT PROGRAMME 2017/18 SEASON

CONCERT PROGRAMME 2017/18 SEASON

The initial steps towards realising the longcherished dream of the late PETRONAS Chairman, Tun Azizan Zainul Abidin, to create a youth orchestra as a stage for young talent, alongside the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), were taken on 13 January 2006. Some 500 aspiring instrumentalists from across Malaysia auditioned and 110 with an average age of 18 were selected to form the new Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (MPYO). After a period of intensive training under its founding conductor, Kevin Field, and mentors drawn from the ranks of the MPO, the MPYO gave its first public concert in Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS on 25 August 2007. It has since established a pattern of music camps held three to four times a year, culminating in performances in Kuala Lumpur and beyond. It has toured Peninsula Malaysia (2007 and 2010), Sabah and Sarawak (2008), as well as at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music in Singapore (2009) and in Brisbane, Australia, as part of an exchange programme with the Queensland Youth Orchestra (2012). In 2008, a second nationwide round of auditions was held to ensure the MPYO continues to fulfil its aim of encouraging young musicians to appreciate orchestral music and build a pool of well-trained Malaysian instrumentalists, community and professional performers, teachers and inspired amateurs. Its repertoire ranges from the core symphonic repertoire to specially-commissioned works by Malaysian composers. In an innovative project, Jazzaar, in 2010, the orchestra collaborated with six leading jazz musicians from the USA, led by Fritz Renold (who wrote his Suite Nusantara specially for the project) to enrich and widen their musical experience. In 2013, the orchestra performed in Kedah with renowned local singers Datin Paduka Julie Sudiro and Datuk Yusni Hamid in a keroncong concert was attended by the late HRH Agong of Malaysia. In 2014, the ensemble collaborated with Yayasan Warisan Johor and Orkestra Tradisional Malaysia in Johor Bahru. In 2015, the MPYO was given the honour to perform at the opening of the 128th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Kuala Lumpur. In 2017, the MPYO was invited to perform at Majlis Santapan Malam Memuliakan Mesyuarat Majlis Raja-Raja ke-247 at Istana Negara, and Majlis Jamuan Teh Sempena Sambutan Ulang Tahun Hari Keputeraan Rasmi DYMM Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, Sultan Johor. For inquiries, please call Fadilah Kamal Francis at 03-23314218, email fadilah.francis@mpo.com. my or check out www.mpo.com.my.

Fri 17 Nov 2017 at 8.30 pm Sat 18 Nov 2017 at 8.30 pm Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Orkestra Tradisional Malaysia Ahmad Muriz Che Rose, conductor Mohd Yazid Zakaria, conductor Datuk Ramli Sarip, vocals Norihan Saif, vocals PROGRAMME Johor Sports Club arr. Ruslan Imam Mahsuri Mohd Yazid Zakaria Laksamana Raja Di Laut arr. Shamsul Zin Desir Angin Timur Ahmad Muriz Che Rose Mudik Arau Shamsul Zin Zamzaharman Mohamad Zambrin & Zamzahardi Mohamad Zambrin, caklempong Violin & Paluan Wayang Kulit Concerto Shamsul Zin Izzywan Musib, violin Irish Joget for Sitar arr. Lilian Loo Shu Chin Mohammad Radzi Rosli, sitar Serampang Laut arr. Ahmad Muriz Che Rose Razli Ayob, violin Medley: Puteri Santubong/ Sayang Kinabalu arr. Shamsul Zin Lesli Anak Eli, sape INTERVAL 20 mins Medley: Pak Ngah Balik/ Seri Mersing arr. Shamsul Zin Norihan Saif, vocals Dondang Sayang arr. Isabella Pek Norihan Saif, vocals Perigi Biru arr. Shahrizan Sahamat Norihan Saif, vocals Pantun Budi arr. Zamzahardi Mohd Zambrin Norihan Saif, vocals Kamelia arr. Zamzahardi Mohd Zambrin Datuk Ramli Sarip, vocals Syair Laila Majnun arr. Hasnul Hafizi Datuk Ramli Sarip, vocals Lagu Zaman arr. Ruslan Imam Datuk Ramli Sarip & Norihan Saif, vocals Teratai arr. Mohd Fikri Abd Rahim Datuk Ramli Sarip, vocals Medley: Iqra/Seruan arr. Lilian Loo Shu Chin Datuk Ramli Sarip, vocals Kau Yang Satu arr. Lilian Loo Shu Chin Datuk Ramli Sarip, vocals The concert will last approximately 120 minutes with an interval. All details are correct at time of printing. Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS reserves theright to vary without notice the artists and/or repertoire as necessary. Copyright 2017 by Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (Co. No. 462692-X). All rights reserved. No part of this programme may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the copyright owners.

Ahmad Muriz Che Rose conductor Hailing from Penang, Ahmad Muriz Che Rose has excelled in music since his school days in Penang Free School where he performed with the school s military band and Penang Combined School Symphonic Band. He completed his compositional studies at The Boston Conservatory, obtained his Bachelors Degree in Music from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) and the Berklee College of Music, majoring in Film Scoring. He has performed at various domestic and international art and culture festivals in Indonesia, Singapore, France and the USA. In 1993, Muriz spearheaded a local jazz fusion group called Tamingsari at the KL International Jazz Festival. Notable accomplishments includes appointment as Associate Music Director for Saidah Rastam s M! The Opera, the first production of Malaysian opera, staged at Istana Budaya. Muriz has conducted the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) for Keroncong Merdeka (2012) and MPO Rocks (2013) at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP). He also conducted the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (MPYO) at the Merdeka Award concerts and the opening ceremony of the International Olympic Committee Session in 2015. A collaboration between KRU Studios and the MPO saw the epitome of Muriz s compositional career as he was given the privilege to arrange live music score for the epic movie Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa in 2011. In 2014 and 2015, he was Music Director for the Malam Terang Bulan showcases at DFP. Currently, Muriz is the Head of MPYO while also arranging orchestral works and performing with renowned local artists such as Anuar Zain, Siti Nurhaliza, Sheila Majid, Jamal Abdillah and Ning Baizura.

Mohd Yazid Zakaria conductor Mohd Yazid Zakaria holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). His talents as a composer, arranger, music director and conductor garnered attention locally and internationally. Today, he conducts the Orkestra Tradisional Malaysia (OTM) at Istana Budaya. Yazid began as a flutist and saxophonist at Badan Kesenian PETRONAS in 1993. In 1998, he became Music Director of Raja Sakti, the first musical theatre premiered at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP). In 2002, he was conferred the Cameronian Arts Award in the Best Musical Composition category for Inderaputra. In elevating Malay gamelan music to international standard, Yazid collaborated in East Meets West concert under Dato` Ooi Chean See, and the Kuala Lumpur BBC Proms under Kevin Field and the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra at DFP in 2003. He was feted as Most Favourite Composer at the MPO Forum in 2007. He was trusted with the formation of the OTM to elevate traditional and ethnical Malaysian music. Yazid has led many local and international concerts such as Konsert Mega Gegar Vaganza, Konsert Keajaiban Cinta Rossa, Konsert Lantera Timur with Dato Siti Nurhaliza, Malaysia Week London, The Malaysian Showcase (in Washington, USA), The Malaysian Showcase (Paris) and ASEAN-Korea Commemorative Summit (Seoul). Yazid has also guest conducted the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Professional Cultural Center Orchestra and Hong Kong Chinese Instrumental Music Association. His achievements culminated in him being appointed advisor, composer and conductor of the ASEAN-Korea Traditional Orchestra in South Korea since 2009, and the C asean Consonant music ensemble in Bangkok since 2015. In 2016, he was appointed as Chairman of Orkestra Warna Warni Assemblage.

ORKESTRA TRADISIONAL MALAYSIA The Orkestra Tradisional Malaysia (OTM) identifies with the pluralistic communities in the country via the humanitarian and musical aspects, whereby culture for the various races is the core and perpetuates the function and the identity of original music and tradition. Genre selection and composition will unify the various aspects of musical heritage by merging aesthetic and traditional values. The formation of the OTM is an ongoing effort by Kementerian Pelancongan & Kebudayaan Malaysia through Istana Budaya for re-organizing the traditional musicians as well as allowing traditional Malaysian music to achieve a high professional international standing, in line with Western symphonic orchestras. The OTM is seen as a key catalyst for the Malaysian music revolution in the 21 st century. Its repertoire comprises music of diverse ethnic races from Malay, Chinese, Indian, Orang Asli, Sabah and Sarawak. The amalgamation of various music genres acts as a means of uniting citizens of Malaysia in the coming century. Among its concerts are World Gamelan Music Festival, Gegar Pop Yeh Yeh, Dikir Barat Performance, The Colours of Malaysia Concert, Concert of 3 Legends with OTM, Mega Gegar Vaganza Concert, Nusantara Musical, Bongkar - Wings Concert, Magic of ASEAN Concert, OTM Concert with Stars, Lentera Timur Dato Siti Nurhaliza Concert, Gemilang Concert, Kembara OTM Concert, OTM Malaysian Diversity Concert, 50 th Bank Negara Anniversary and World Bank Governors Summit, Malaysian Citizens Symphonic Concert and Titian Cultural Programme Malaysia-Singapore at The Esplanade, Singapore. Six OTM musicians have been key members of the ASEAN-Korea Traditional Orchestra (AKTO) which presented its inaugural concert in 2009 in Korea. OTM s conductor, Mohd Yazid Zakaria is one of the composers and conductors involved with the AKTO.

RAMLI SARIP vocals Datuk Ramli Sarip emerged in the rock music era as lead singer of Sweet Charity; its successful debut album was released in 1979. At the peak of his popularity, he fortified his status in the world of music by releasing a debut solo album in 1985. His popularity led to higher album sales, and to date, he has garnered 12 platinum awards and 10 gold awards. It comes as no surprise when Ramli was feted as a Malaysian rock legend despite his birthplace (Singapore). Still, he remains comfortable in other genres such as world music, poetic songs and contemporary nasyid. Ramli is also known as a producer, composer and lyricist for renowned artists such as the late Tan Sri SM Salim, Dato' Khadijah Ibrahim, Ella, Jamal Abdillah and Francesca Peter. He became the first Malay artist to release a box-set anthology entitled Ziarah Seni in 1994. His 1997 album, Syair Timur, touches the soul in a deep way and represents his best work containing fresh traditional fusion music. Never one to disappoint his rock fans, he released Ramli Sarip Alive in 1998, followed by the ethnic rock album Kalam Kasturi in 2002. His Zaman The Concert was staged at Istana Budaya (IB) in 2005 before he toured Malaysia to fly the flag on National Day 2006 through the Kembara Merdeka programme. Ramli reunited with Sweet Charity after 12 years in concerts in KL (2008) and Singapore (2009). In 2010, he staged a solo concert at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS. 2014 witnessed his solo concerts at IB and Singapore to commemorate his 45 th anniversary in entertainment. Ramli is frequently invited to world music events, poetry festivals, to lecture and perform at universities and colleges around Malaysia. His mission through his songs as a service to the community, knows no bounds. His charity works transcends through concerts including in Indonesia. Ramli was honoured Anugerah Sri Wirama at the Anugerah Industri Muzik in 2015.

Norihan Saif vocals Norihan Saif s early music influences came from his parents who were eminent traditional songs, ghazal and gambus exponents. Besides learning the tabla and rebana, he enhanced his gambus playing under the tutelage of Syed Ahmad Syed Salim and Fadhil Ahmad. Since 1988, he has worked at Kompleks Budaya Negara as a gambus player and singer. He has made international and local gambus recordings with artists such as Yusnor Ef, Senario, Aspalela Abdullah, Norma Kadir, Sheqal and Kumpulan Redang. Norihan s performances for visiting heads of states of Saudi Arabia, France, Bahrain and Qatar with the OTM at the Istana Negara were much feted. The ultimate feather on his cap was playing the gambus at Siti Nurhaliza s Royal Albert Hall concert in London in 2005. PROGRAMME NOTES After the MPYO tenth anniversary concert in August and its pioneering collaboration with RTM Orchestra last October, this joint performance with the OTM tonight continues to enlarge the MPYO s versatility in an East Meets West programme, where a blend of Malaysian traditional instruments and Western counterparts create delightful genres. Johor Sports Club, a joget, which is a traditional fast Malay dance that originates from Melaka, opens the concert tonight. The joget was influenced by the Portuguese Branyo dance. Mohd Yazid Zakaria's new composition, Mahsuri, combines two major elements; purity and beauty of a lady. It highlights the assimilation of classical and traditional instruments timbre to connect the themes signifying the innocence and bitter truth of the famous legend. Laksamana Raja Di Laut, an ethnic Malay melody composed by Datuk Suhaimi Mohd Zain (more famously known as Pak Ngah) that takes a form of zapin (a Malay dance popular in Johor, Pahang and Selangor), is presented next. Ahmad Muriz s Desir Angin Timur pays homage to the hardworking fishermen from the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia, with hints of the ulik mayang used as one of the thematic materials, blending western classical idioms and showcasing the true colours of Malay traditional instruments.

Mudik Arau, played by two caklempong (small kettle gongs), is a traditional Minangkabau instrument from Sumatra but is now prevalent in Negeri Sembilan. Violin & Paluan Wayang Kulit Concerto is a composition which tells of the clash between the violin and the elements of paluan in a wayang kulit ensemble. Metaphorically, it shares the notion that although we recognize and accept the modern element from the West, we do not forget the art and identity of Malaysian music. Another lively joget is presented by the two orchestras; Akasha s Irish Joget for Sitar which has an exotic Indian-Irish flavoured blues fusion feel to this tune. Serampang Laut is another traditional and classic Malay joget. This song was also made popular in various interpretations by the late violinist Hamzah Dolmat, Sharifah Aini and Rokiah Wandah, and ever since, became an evergreen classic. The medley Puteri Santubong and Sayang Kinabalu features the sape (a traditional lute of the Kayan and Kenyah communities in Borneo island). Legend has it that Puteri Santubong, a mythical princess who slayed another princess over a prince, was turned into Mount Santubong by the King of Heaven. Sayang Kinabalu, on the other hand, is a song that tells the story of a bond between man and Mount Kinabalu that will never be broken. Two evergreen Malay classics, Pak Ngah Balik and Seri Mersing, are presented as a medley sequence. Pak Ngah Balik is a favourite traditional 'zapin' from Johor whilst Seri Mersing may have been composed as early as 1923. This song retraces the rich heritage of Johor in its purest musical form. Tonight's performance will reincarnate the song in 'ghazal'. Dondang Sayang, a traditional Peranakan poetic love ballad from Malacca with obvious Portuguese folk music influence. Perigi Biru, an 'asli' song sung by the late Kamariah Noor from a 1959 movie Bawang Putih Bawang Merah, is Norihan s penultimate offering before Pantun Budi, a song made famous by the late Tan Sri SM Salim, closes his vocal sequence. Guest artist Ramli Sarip enters to sing Kamelia, his famed hit song with rock group Sweet Charity. Syair Laila Majnun, a song which praises the Almighty, is followed by his tribute to SM Salim, through Lagu Zaman. It was originally recorded by Ramli and Salim in 1992. Ramli s dramatic Teratai depicts a metaphorical lotus flower in a strong wind, whilst the next worshipful medley of Iqra and Seruan, and his closing number, Kau Yang Satu, also proclaim and exclaim the Almighty. Concert Notes by Daniel Lee

MALAYSIAN PHILHARMONIC YOUTH ORCHESTRA FIRST VIOLIN Izzywan Musib Soon Wern-Shynn Andrea Sim Yi Xian Ng Chia Wen Elle Chang Su Ting Timothy Song Chang Sing Yee Cheong Keat Zhen Yoo Ai Lee Kylie Tan Khai Li SECOND VIOLIN Joey Young Azhad Sulaiman Debbie Johanna Ho Yan Yan Jarrett Chin Qi Ren Sophia Tan Pinqi Stephanie Wong Hui Ern Ngoh Ea Son Alisha Chan Celeste Tan VIOLA Benjamin Phoon Zu Ying Belinda Chong Bei Le Evelyn Chow Tan Jiunn Shaw Mardhiah Syahida * CELLO Lee Pu Yen Charissa Tan Tian Ai Hoh Wei Tao Stanley Isabel Lau Kai Zi Emily Lee Tze Shin DOUBLE BASS Wong Zheng Dao Yong Yoon May Khee Yu Hang FLUTE Japheth Law Sze Cheng Tan Wei Harn Note: Sectional string players are rotated within their sections. OBOE Tunku Amanina Tunku Ibrahim Mohd Izzat Bukhori Awang CLARINET Eugene Chee Jia Jiunn BASSOON Muhd Afiq Husaini TIMPANI/PERCUSSION Ng Lip Sheng Mohd Mikhael Nadzrin** Winnie Chong Yee Nie* HARP Madelaine Chong Zhia Chee PIANO/CELESTE Tengku Mohd Hadif Tengku Mohd Sharifudin Choong See May *MPYO Alumni **Guest musician ORKESTRA TRADISIONAL MALAYSIA HARMONIUM/ACCORDION Shamsul Zain GUITAR/GAMBUS Noor Leyzam Ali ELECTRIC BASS Nik Nizam Jaafar DRUMS Abdullah Omar GAMBUS Zahari Musa VIOLIN/REBAB Ahmad Razli Ayub TABLA/GENDANG SUNDA/ DARBUKA Romli Abdullah MANDOLIN Rosli Abu Bakar Syed Mahadzir Syed Noor SAPE Zamzaharman Mohamad Zambrin Leslie Eli SITAR Mohammad Radzi Rosli YAN QIN Joyathi Biswas R R Biswas GAMELAN Ku Zahir Ku Ahmad Roslan Harun Ku Naza Ku Zahir PALUAN Ku Naza Ku Zahir Muhamad Dahari Che Seman Asrol Amri Mohammad Che Fauzi Che Abdullah Dzulkifli Jalil CAKLEMPONG Ku Naza Ku Zahir Zamzaharman Mohamad Zambrin Zamzahardi Mohamad Zambrin SERUNAI Zamzahardi Mohamad Zambrin Muhamad Dahari Che Seman Asrol Amri Mohammad Roslan Harun CORPORATE SUITE CLUB MEMBER

Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Nor Raina Yeong Abdullah BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Wan Yuzaini Wan Yahya At Ziafrizani Chek Pa Nurartikah Ilyas Kartini Ratna Sari Ahmat Adam Aishah Sarah Ismail Affendee MARKETING Yazmin Lim Abdullah Hisham Abdul Jalil Munshi Ariff Abu Hassan Farah Diyana Ismail Noor Sarul Intan Salim Muhammad Shahrir Aizat Ahmad Kusolehin Adha Kamaruddin CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT Asmahan Abdullah Jalwati Mohd Noor Music TALENT DEVELOPMENT & MANAGEMENT Soraya Mansor PLANNING, FINANCE & IT Mohd Hakimi Mohd Rosli Norhisham Abd Rahman Siti Nur Ilyani Ahmad Fadzillah Nurfharah Farhana Hashimi PROCUREMENT & CONTRACT Logiswary Raman Norhaszilawati Zainudin HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION Sharhida Saad Muknoazlida Mukhadzim Zatil Ismah Azmi Nor Afidah Nordin Nik Nurul Nadia Nik Abdullah TECHNICAL OPERATIONS Firoz Khan Mohd Zamir Mohd Isa Yasheera Ishak Shahrul Rizal Mohd Ali Dayan Erwan Maharal Zolkarnain Sarman Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Nor Raina Yeong Abdullah general manager Timothy Tsukamoto gm's office Timmy Ong ORCHESTRA MANAGEMENT Amy Yu Mei Ling ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATION Khor Chin Yang Sharon Francis Lihan MUSIC LIBRARY Ong Li-Huey Wong Seong Seong EDUCATION & OUTREACH Shafrin Sabri Shireen Jasin Mokhtar MALAYSIAN PHILHARMONIC YOUTH ORCHESTRA Ahmad Muriz Che Rose Fadilah Kamal Francis

Box Office: Ground Floor, Tower 2, PETRONAS Twin Towers Kuala Lumpur City Centre 50088 Kuala Lumpur Email: boxoffice@dfp.com.my Telephone: 603-2331 7007 Online Tickets & Info: mpo.com.my malaysianphilharmonicorchestra DEWAN FILHARMONIK PETRONAS 462692-X MALAYSIAN PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA 463127-H