KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) kickstarts the new year with two classical concerts that celebrate the majestic Klais Pipe Organ at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) in KLCC.
Simply titled New Year Concert, the first recital will see resident conductor Gerard Salonga leading the MPO on Jan 20.
The repertoire will include favourite evergreen works by Strauss such as Artist's Life, Pizzicato Polka and The Blue Danube, Copland's Rodeo: Dance Episodes Selection and Fanfare for the Common Man, and Grofe's Mississippi Suite: Mardi Gras.
After the intermission, the concert will feature renowned organist Joseph Nolan who returns to DFP after his last performance with the MPO in 2018.
This time around, he will weave magic on the Klais Pipe Organ to present Jongen's Symphonie Concertante.
Hailed as "a remarkable musician" by Limelight magazine of Australia, Nolan has performed with organ legends such as Marie-Claire Alain and Dame Gillian Weir (who has performed with the MPO at DFP in 1999).
Nolan has presented concerts across the globe at prestigious venues such as the Sydney Opera House and on the gargantuan Shantz organ in Melbourne Town Hall.
The MPO's second concert for 2024 is themed The Father, the Queen and the King, set to take place on Jan 27.
Japanese conductor Junichi Hirokami returns to the podium to lead the MPO after a successful collaboration last April.
Nolan will also demonstrate the thunderous sounds of the "King of Instruments" to present Saint-Saëns' roof-raising Symphony No.3 with the MPO, an extraordinary sonic spectacle that builds to a thrilling and memorable performance.
Also included in the programme is Haydn's Symphony No.85, often regarded as the "Father of the Symphony".
This delightful work is characterised by its elegant melodies and graceful style and was a favourite of Queen Marie Antoinette earning its nickname, "La reine".
The MPO will also perform Respighi's Ancient Airs And Dances Suite No.2 which will transport you back to the Italian Renaissance era through its lush orchestration of ancient lute pieces.
Those who want to further support the MPO can make a donation at mpo.com.my/donate. Any contribution given will be channelled to further develop the local talents, to engage audiences with a diverse selection of music and performances that appeal to all, and to continue to inspire hope by bringing the love of music to everyone.
For more details, call 03-2331 7007, email boxoffice@dfp.com.my, visit www.mpo.com.my or follow the MPO's various social media accounts.