The 'La La Land In Concert' show at DFP on May 10 and 11 features a full orchestra and jazz band performing the soundtrack, along with the movie. Photo: Handout
Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP) and the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) have unveiled their 2025 season, featuring a line-up of international classical stars alongside celebrated local artistes. Audiences can look forward to timeless masterpieces, diverse musical genres, and a celebration of artistic heritage.
In tune with MPO's new theme, "Where Every Beat Tells A Story," the new season promises crowd-pleasing programming.
On stage, the MPO has also announced Tokyo-born Junichi Hirokami as its new music director. The 66-year-old will lead the MPO in three concerts this upcoming season, including a collaboration with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra in September.
Classical highlights for devoted fans include the MPO performing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in March, Mozart’s Horn Concerto No. 4 in May, Bizet's 150th celebration in May, the Chopin Festival in August and October, and Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 in November.
This new season at DFP, the MPO will also welcome classical artistes making their debut in KL, including conductors Andrea Marcon, Katharina Wincor, and Rune Bergmann; violinists Bomsori Kim, Karen Gomyo, and Charles Yang; guitarist Milos Karadaglic; and cellist Santiago Canon Valencia.
Season 2025 offers a cinematic treat for movie lovers, as the MPO presents Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets In Concert in January and La La Land In Concert in May. Fans can relive the magic on the big screen while the symphonic orchestra brings the iconic scores to life.
Movie soundtrack fans won’t want to miss John Williams vs Hans Zimmer in August, as the MPO, led by resident conductor Gerard Salonga, celebrates the epic works of these two legendary composers.
In July, under the baton of Richard Balcombe, the MPO will celebrate Hollywood’s Golden Age with The Music Of Frank Sinatra & Judy Garland. Audiences can look forward to timeless tunes from classics like The Wizard of Oz, Meet Me In St Louis, and High Society.
If you’re a fan of rock and orchestra, don’t miss The Music Of Pink Floyd show in April. Joined by vocalist Randy Jackson (from the rock band Zebra) and conducted by Brent Havens, this MPO concert celebrates the British prog rock band's legendary legacy. The MPO last played a Pink Floyd symphonic salute in 2016.
Locally, the MPO will collaborate with 1990s pop rock band Slam for a night of retro hits in February, followed by indie singer Noh Salleh performing French pop-influenced songs in November. Both concerts will be conducted by Ahmad Muriz Che Rose.
Comedian Harith Iskander will bring his signature humour and wit to the DFP stage in January, continuing the success of the DFP Punchline series in 2024. The show also coincides with his 35-year career in showbiz.
In April, the MPO will collaborate with beloved soprano Syafinaz Selamat for Classical Treasures, followed by a jazz concert featuring the WVC Malaysian Jazz Ensemble and The Shang Sisters.
Adding to the season’s diversity, DFP will host Indonesian band Parade Hujan, previously known as Payung Teduh, in June, blending folk, jazz, and traditional Indonesian sounds.
In September, the Temple of Fine Arts will offer a big stage performance rooted in Indian classical music. The season concludes in December with the MPO’s fourth Ballet Festival, featuring The Nutcracker and Swan Lake in a grand collaboration with the Ballet Stars of Moscow.
Tickets for MPO's season 2025 are available now.
More info here.
