MUSICWERKS Studio is thrilled to announce Animenia, a groundbreaking music festival that promises to captivate audiences and push the boundaries of orchestral performances.
With funding by My Creative Ventures and the support of the Communications Ministry, Animenia promises to captivate audiences at the Tropicana Gardens Mall Convention Centre in Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya on July 27.
ORCHESTRAL FUSION
Founded by award-winning Malaysian composer and producer Sharon Paul, Animenia will feature an anime-themed orchestral fusion concert, Raja Farouk Live (RFL).
The 30-piece orchestra of up-and-coming musicians from diverse musical backgrounds in the local anime, cosplay, and gaming scene will take to the stage to perform an eclectic mix of compositions that seamlessly bridges the divide between traditional and modern instruments, vibrantly reimagining popular anime and games music.
The music festival will feature live performances from local Japanese-inspired rock bands through a collaboration with JRock Malaysia.
Festival goers can participate in a host of fun activities, including a Wasabi Challenge presented by Sakae Sushi, a cosplay competition from 10am to 1pm, and more than 20 arts and crafts booths from local creators.
LASTING IMPRESSION
"We are excited to bring this innovative and exhilarating music format to this community," said Sharon at the recent launch of the festival in Tropicana Gardens Mall.
"Animenia represents the future of anime music, where diverse genres and styles come together to create something truly unique and inspiring.
"We believe this performance will leave a lasting impression on all who attend."
MULTI-ETHNIC
Sharon said the festival was a "first time" for her.
"Its centre of attraction will be the fusion orchestra, complete with multi-ethnic musical instruments, both modern and traditional, including the 'erhu' and 'guzheng'.
Sharon added that the orchestra under the able leadership of music director Raja Farouk has 35 members, who are mostly part-timers.
"Many of them have vast experience performing in concerts and showcases."
ERUL SAMAH
Sharon said while there had been festivals that promoted cosplay and music in the past, this was the first to have a focus on an orchestra.
There will be six bands performing in the day, from 1pm to 7pm, namely LESS, Tabako Neko, Grand Endeavour, Za Shinsei, Ignight and Moshi Hoshi.
RFL. which will perform from 8pm to 10pm, will feature the vocals of Afir, Leena, Binyun, Delphine, Kaoru, Minri, Kazuki, Jeii, Rina-Hime, Zie Aun, Fate Feather, Tato Queen, Yonlynn and Erul Samah.
Sharon said: "This is my first major collaboration with Erul, who graduated from Mentor 3 and Akademi Fantasia 9. He will be the only singer entertaining fans in the day and night."
MAGNETIC
Sharon revealed that her son, Rio Rusdi, 15, will be performing in one of the bands at 6pm.
She admitted that she was not a fan of cosplay but loves anime music.
"I'm a big fan of the song 'Akuma No Ko' from 'Attack on Titan'. It is orchestral and magnetic.
"The music of the Ghibli Studio films is great too," said Sharon, who hoped that Animenia will be an annual event.
"If all goes well, we hope to take the festival to all major cities around the country.
"Daily visitors are expected to number 500 to 1,000.
LESS PUBLICISED
On her collaboration with Raja Farouk, Sharon said it was their first major team-up.
"We worked together in my production workshop two years ago. He is full of ideas, so it is great to collaborate with him."
Sharon said the J-Rock acts in the festival were not big names in the region but they were all very talented.
"J-Rock is less publicised compared with K-Pop, and this festival is specially aimed at raising the genre's profile.
"The theme is J-Rock in the morning with 1980s and 1990s styles, and orchestral music at night," said Sharon.
LED SCREEN
The musicians will be accompanied by a LED screen with science-fiction animation to thrill fans.
When asked about her new compositions and concerts, Sharon said she was fully focused on being the music director for popular composer, lyricist and reality show judge Ajai's concert, which will be held on Aug 3 at Mega Star Arena in Sungei Wang Plaza, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.
"I'm going all out to make Ajai's concert a memorable one, and it's just around the corner," she said.
AJL25
Sharon, 47, has composed for Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Misha Omar, Ramlah Ram, Jaclyn Victor and Siti Nordiana, among others.
Her compositions include 'Kini Detiknya' (Velvet Aduk), 'Cinta Beralah' (Ramlah Ram), 'Untuk Terakhir Kali' (Marsha Milan Londoh), 'Menggapai Mimpi' (Esther Chin), 'Hati' (Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza), 'Cintamu' (Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza), 'Sebagai Teman' (Krisdayanti and Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza), 'Cinta Terhalang' (Bob Yusof), 'Di Sini Lahirnya Sebuah Cinta' (Bob Yusof), 'Sampai Bila' (Misha Omar), 'Angkara' (Siti Nordiana), 'Gundah' (Ernie Zakri), 'Ku Ingin Mu' (Jaclyn Victor), 'Hanya Restu' (Siti Sairah) and 'Andaikan' (Sarah Suhairi).
'Gundah' won Best Vocals in Anugerah Juara Lagu 25.
Tickets are priced at RM98. For details. visit Animenia's Facebook page.