Syafinaz (right) and Salonga are looking forward to the “Classical Treasures” concert on April 5 at PETRONAS Philharmonic Hall. — AZMAN GHANI/ The Star
EXPERIENCE the power of a full orchestra with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra’s (MPO) “Classical Treasures”, recommended by resident conductor Gerard Salonga.
“There is a misconception that classical music is ‘matataas’ in Tagalog or ‘atas’ in Malay – that it is meant for the elite,” said the Filipino.
“But the composers created them for whoever wanted to listen to their music, not for a specific crowd.
“It’s all about a person’s openness to appreciate classical music, not their social standing or education level,” he said.
Listening to live music in a concert hall is something that should be experienced in person, added Salonga.
Malaysian singer Datuk Syafinaz Selamat also recommended the “Classical Treasures” concert for those new to watching an orchestra in a hall designed with superior acoustics.
“The concert features a lineup of songs that are similar to a full orchestral show.
“It has different movements, such as slow and fast, playful and dramatic.
“Audience members may be familiar with some of the songs as they may have been featured in TV shows or video clips before,” said the soprano singer who is also a vocal coach and lecturer.
The “Classical Treasures” concert will be held on April 5 at 8pm at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP), Kuala Lumpur.
Syafinaz is excited about the show, which marks her first concert at DFP and first live performance with the MPO.
She will be performing two songs – Juliet’s Waltz from Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet opera, and Der Holle Rache, the Queen of the Night’s aria from Mozart’s The Magic Flute opera.
Syafinaz described the two songs as “challenging but fun” to perform.
“One piece is sung by a sweet and young girl; the other a vengeful and angry mother.
“They are also sung in two different languages – French and German,” said Syafinaz, adding that another challenge was having to get into character quickly as she would be singing the songs back to back.
Salonga suggested that audience members look up the two songs prior to the show to understand their lyrics and meaning.
While she practises regularly, Syafinaz shared that she had been intensifying her preparations for the concert, including flying in a vocal coach from overseas.
“I believe that if you want something, you need to invest time, energy and money for it.
“I have been working very hard to ensure things go smoothly at the concert.
“Besides practising, I also have to watch my diet and reduce my intake of oily and spicy food.
“Since the concert is close to Hari Raya Aidilfitri, I will have to put the festivities and heavy eating on hold until the concert is over,” she said with a laugh.
Other pieces that will be featured in the concert, which will be played by a 60 to 65-member orchestra, include Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, Chopin’s Nocturne No. 2 in E Flat Major and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7.
Tickets for the concert are priced between RM229 and RM499.
The concert is open to children aged eight and above.
Discounts are available for MyKad holders and senior citizens, subject to terms and conditions.
For bookings, call 03-2331 7007 or visit www.mpo.com.my
Save 30% for ads-free and full access now!
