Ahmad Muriz (right) leads 'A Night Of Jazz With The MPO' at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS in KL on Oct 4, joined by jazz veterans Chan (left) and Michael. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
THE hallowed halls of Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) are set to pulse with a different kind of energy next month.
The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) is joining forces with the nation’s jazz royalty for “A Night of Jazz with the MPO”, which is poised to be a landmark event in the local music calendar.
On Oct 4, the worlds of symphonic grandeur and big band bravado will collide under the baton of conductor Ahmad Muriz Che Ros.
The concert is the latest jewel in the MPO’s popular jazz series, an initiative that aims to broaden the orchestra’s repertoire and provide a prestigious platform for diverse genres.
For Ahmad Muriz, this particular collaboration is the realisation of a long-held ambition.
“The Big Band genre deserves the platform here in DFP,” he enthused, acknowledging the “gargantuan task” of assembling such an ensemble.
He has entrusted this to Julian Chan Jazz Orchestra (JCJO), a group whose calibre he deeply respects.
The challenge, and the magic, lay in the synthesis.
“We have a big band and MPO, and that is where I do my ‘cooking’,” Ahmad Muriz said.
His role, as he sees it, is to strike a delicate balance between the disciplined power of the MPO strings and the irrepressible rhythm of a full jazz orchestra.
The programme promises a thrilling ride, featuring jazz standards like Summertime and Route 66, alongside a powerful rendition of Caravan, made famous by the film Whiplash.
A highlight will undoubtedly be the medley of P. Ramlee classics including Dendang Perantau and Madu Tiga, reimagined for this unique ensemble.
“In big band symphony style, all of us are looking forward to it,” said Ahmad Muriz.
At the heart of this collaboration is legendary pianist Michael Veerapen, who Ahmad Muriz said “has elevated the entire industry”.
Michael, alumnus of Berklee College of Music, Boston, and driving force in Malaysian jazz for five decades, approaches the performance with a blend of reverence and spontaneity.
While acknowledging the structured nature of playing with a big orchestra, he insists on flexibility.
“I don’t like my part to be too scripted,” he said, acknowledging that in jazz, improvisation is key.
He is also excited to feature vocal group Pop n’ Bop.
“We are used to individual stars, but it is very rare to have three singers at a go,” he noted, championing a format he feels is “undeserved in terms of notice”.
For saxophonist Julian Chan, the concert is a dream come true.
“Big band music is rare in Malaysia,” he said. “I jumped at the opportunity.”
Leading JCJO alongside the MPO in the acoustically pristine DFP is an adventure he eagerly awaits.
“This combination of big band – sax, trombone, trumpets with a rhythm section – but with strings and percussion, this is new in Malaysia,” Chan explained.
“It will be an adventure.”
The stage will also feature the immense vocal talents of seasoned actor Tony Eusoff and Malaysia’s “First Lady of Jazz” Junji Delfino, ensuring a night of captivating performances.
Audiences can expect a spectacular two-hour show featuring nearly 20 songs, each carefully selected to showcase the powerful synergy between these two musical worlds.
“A Night of Jazz with the MPO” is set for Oct 4 at 8pm. Tickets are priced at RM179 to RM449.
A special saxophone workshop with Chan will also be held on Oct 3, at 5.30pm (tickets are RM25).
For bookings, visit www.mpo.com.my or call the DFP Box Office at 03-23317007.
