TWO major milestones have emerged in super singer Aina Abdul's decade-long career this year.
First, working with acclaimed Indonesian composer and lyricist Melly Goeslaw for the first time, and second performing with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) in Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) on May 10 and 11.
TEAR-JERKER
"I'm coming up with a soundtrack for the Indonesian tear-jerker and Hanung Bramantyo film 'Cinta Tak Pernah Tepat Waktu' which is set to be released at year-end," said Aina at a press conference to announce the concert at Traders Hotel in KLCC recently.
"My duet partner is popular Indonesian crooner Fabio Asher, such a gentleman, and we recorded the song in Jakarta in early April."
Aina and Fabio took three hours to wrap up the title song, and they also filmed a stylish music video within two days.
"It is a dream come true for me to meet the composer and lyricist, Ibu Melly. She is a very generous person who accepts fresh ideas.
"She may be Indonesia's queen of composers and lyricists, but she is always humble and friendly," said Aina.
CAREER MILESTONE
When asked about the concert, the award-winning singer-songwriter from Seremban, Negri Sembilan said that her 8.30pm concert on both nights was themed Aina Abdul Collaborates With The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, and the orchestra will be led by Ahmad Muriz Che Rose.
Aina, 30, said that working with a classical orchestra like the MPO was an interesting challenge.
"In this 90-minute concert, my challenge is to bring my music alive in orchestral style, and some of the songs will be substantially transformed with new arrangements by the orchestra," said Aina.
ICONIC LOOK
Aina added that she will be singing about 20 songs, including medleys and was planning an "iconic look" for her big day.
"I've been busy rehearsing since last week, eating right and exercising. Two weeks from now the MPO and I will be rehearsing together in DFP and we hope for the best."
UCSI University music graduate Aina said that she wanted the audience hear her songs as if it was their first time.
"It will be an Aina performance like no other."
BACK SEAT
Aina added that it was not about her costumes but her music alone, and that means her trademark "huge dresses" will be taking a back-seat at the concert.
"Some of my less-known songs such as 'Dawai' will be there. In fact, 'Dawai' is a personal favourite of the orchestra, even though I have seldom performed it on the big stage."
NEW INSPIRATION
Aina admitted that working with the MPO gave her new inspiration.
"Working with these world-class, experienced musicians helps me discover new sounds and indirectly makes my songs look bigger."
SEMALAM
Among the songs Aina and the MPO will perform are 'Sumpah', 'Semalam', 'Sepi' and 'Terus Hidup'.
Ahmad Muriz, the music director, said that the MPO comprised 60 musicians and tickets for the second day of the concert had been sold out within the last 24 hours.
"I've always wanted to work with Aina as she is a super singer whom I believe will be the next major phenomenon in Malaysian popular music," he said.
BENCHMARK
Ahmad Muriz said that Aina's concert was set to be another benchmark for the DFP and MPO.
"Aina is an amazing singer whom I have always wanted to work with.
"Her songs are always intense, and our music arrangement will be likewise, in line with her songs."
"We hope to raise the bar higher for all future performances with this concert."
SOFT-SPOKEN
Ahmad Muriz said that when he first met Aina last year, he found her sweet and soft-spoken.
"But she is a very different person once she goes on the big stage. She sets every stage 'on fire' once she starts to sing."
ANUGERAH JUARA LAGU
Aina has been a major winner in the annual Anugerah Juara Lagu (AJL) over the last two years.
Tickets for the concert are priced from RM150 to RM555.
For further information call 03-2331 7007.