KUALA LUMPUR: Despite the MCO, classical music lovers can still listen to the works of local composers courtesy of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) and the Malaysian Composers Collective (MCC).
A digital audio collection themed MPOPlaysOn: Malaysian Composers Series — Vol. 1 is currently available to the public for free on the MPO's YouTube channel, MPO TV.
The 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 are available, all of which were previously performed by the MPO at the MPO Forum for Malaysian Composers concerts from 2003 to 2006.
Held at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP), this project provided a platform for the composers to constructively exploit the benefit of intensive integration and interaction with the musicians of the MPO, tutors and audience.
Some of the works in the digital audio collection include Chua's Mercu Kegemilangan (commissioned for the MPO for its 20th Anniversary Season) and Ahmad Muriz's Bertabuh Kala Senja (a work full of harmonic and melodic elements signifying the parallels between the dusk and dawn of a new day).
There's also Johan's Ittar (a work that conflates both the idea of a mythical dance and the allure of fragrances), Ng's Rimba (a work about the earthy simplicity of the tropical rainforest) and Wong's Snapshots (inspired by The Lovely Bones novel by Alice Sebold).
A statement from the MPO read: "This online collection is an appreciation towards the local orchestral compositions and to provide a platform for our composers to showcase their artistry on a prestigious stage and to nurture the growth of talents."
Established in 2007, the MCC has been the leading force in promoting Malaysian composers at home and abroad over the years.
Representatives from MCC have participated at the Young Composers Competitions and the Asian Composers League festivals around the region.
MCC has pioneered a series of milestone initiatives including the nation's first-ever Young Composers Workshop with HSBC Bank (2008) and the KL Contemporary Music Festival (2009) with the Goethe Institut.
Visit www.mpo.com.my or check out the MPO social media platforms (Facebook & Instagram: @malaysianphilharmonicorchestra) for any latest updates.
To experience the music, visit Spotify or MPO TV (www.youtube.com/c/MPOTV/featured).