Led by Ahmad Muriz (right), the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra joined forces with Julian Chan Jazz Orchestra, with Michael on the grand piano. — Courtesy photos
Anticipation filled the hall as conductor Ahmad Muriz Che Ros stepped onto the stage of Dewan Filharmonik Petronas in a sleek black suit.
The audience was about to witness a rare musical encounter – the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) joining forces with the nation’s jazz royalty for “A Night of Jazz with the MPO”.
“This is a rare collaboration between a big band and a symphony orchestra,” Ahmad Muriz announced, while introducing the Julian Chan Jazz Orchestra (JCJO) and a man who needed no introduction – pianist and jazz maestro Michael Veerapen, who was seated by his grand piano.
The evening opened with Basie Straight Ahead, composed by Sammy Nestico, the first full collaboration between the famed arranger and Count Basie in 1968.
Under Ahmad Muriz’s deft baton, the orchestra’s lush sound intertwined with JCJO’s brassy swing while Michael’s smooth piano runs brought sparkle and warmth to the number.
Delfino delivering her rendition of ‘That Old Black Magic’.
Kuala Lumpur-based jazz vocal trio Pop N’ Bop – one of Michael’s musical creations – then took the stage.
Dressed elegantly in bright red, singers Jessica Teh, Calista Lim and Joshua Gui enchanted the audience with their velvety take on George Gershwin’s Summertime, arranged by the MPO resident conductor Gerard Salonga.
The hall’s notable acoustics amplified their harmonies, filling the space with a sultry, dreamlike rhythm.
The mood shifted as actor-singer Tony Eusoff brought theatrical flair to Cole Porter’s I’ve Got You Under My Skin.
With his strong stage presence and expressive phrasing, Tony’s rendition gave the classic tune a Broadway-style lift.
Alto saxophonist Julian Chan then showcased his prowess, leading JCJO in a moving rendition of Michael’s 1986 fusion ballad One Last Look, also arranged by Salonga.
The performance carried a nostalgic air; sophisticated yet sentimental, evoking the late-night ambience of love stories and smoky lounges.
Pop N’ Bop trio taking the stage dressed elegantly in bright red for their performance.
Tony returned to the stage for a heartfelt interpretation of P. Ramlee’s Hujan di Tengah Hari, a gem from the 1954 film Perjodohan.
Malaysia’s First Lady of Jazz Junji Delfino came on stage, shimmering in a glittery gold gown.
“I hope my dress isn’t blinding you,” she quipped, drawing laughter from the crowd before she launched into Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer’s That Old Black Magic.
The set continued with Heart of Stone, a melancholic piece by the late Greg Lyons, highlighting Eddie Wan’s expressive mastery on trumpet and flugelhorn.
Just before intermission, the orchestra burst into a scintillating Caravan by Juan Tizol and Duke Ellington, powered by Eugene Seow’s thunderous drumming.
The second half opened with Ellington’s Cottontail, followed by Pop N’ Bop’s upbeat take on Route 66, sending the audience on a toe-tapping journey.
As the night drew to a close, Ahmad Muriz, Salonga and Michael’s arrangements gave timeless Western standards a fresh, orchestral glow.
Meanwhile, Chan, Luqman Aziz, Vivian Chua, Leonard Yeap and Jenny Chin reimagined Malaysian classics with contemporary flair, including the beloved Chendering by the late Jimmy Boyle, delivered with poignant beauty.
