Far more than just a singer, the late Datuk Sharifah Aini’s voice defined the lives of generations of Malaysians.
It is therefore fitting that Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) celebrates her legacy through “A Tribute to Sharifah Aini” at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) on June 6.
Regarded as a legend, the singer’s passing in 2014 did not diminish her importance; instead she remains a benchmark for vocal finesse.
Known as record label EMI’s “golden child”, Sharifah Aini achieved remarkable success having more than 100 albums throughout her career with sales reaching gold and platinum status.
The tribute concert will be led by music director and conductor Ahmad Muriz Che Rose, who described the production as a significant responsibility in preserving the original spirit of the artiste’s work.
He said the repertoire had been carefully curated to reflect the breadth of Sharifah Aini’s musical range, encompassing pop, ballads, traditional pieces, and film soundtracks as well as the songs she sang in English.
“By Western standards, it would not be an exaggeration to describe Sharifah Aini as a prodigy in the music world.
“From the time she started her career as a singer, she made a powerful impact on the industry, captivating all who heard her voice and leaving an enduring legacy that is difficult to rival.
“Over more than three decades, she recorded around 700 songs, cementing her position as one of the most influential figures in the history of local music.
“Now is the time to elevate her masterpieces to a higher level, in line with the greatness of the legacy she left behind,” Ahmad Muriz said at a press conference, as reported by Bernama.
The concert will bring together performers from two generations, namely legendary singers Datuk Khadijah Ibrahim and Salamiah Hassan, alongside newer voices Asmidar and Shiha Zikir.
The songs will be rejuvenated through special arrangements by distinguished composers, including Azhad Sulaiman, Shahhakam Mokhtar, Jenny Chin, Ilham Subri, Luqman Aziz as well as Ahmad Muriz himself.
Khadijah described being part of the tribute concert as deeply personal, given her close relationship with Sharifah Aini whom she regarded as family.
“When the invitation came to perform in this concert, I accepted without hesitation,” said Khadijah, recalling her and Sharifah Aini’s long-held plan to perform together in a concert but it never came to fruition.
For Shiha, participating in the concert holds profound meaning, as her relationship with the late singer went beyond the professional realm.
She said Sharifah Aini, whom she fondly called “Umi”, played a significant role in shaping her work ethic.
“Whatever I am today, a part of it comes from Umi’s guidance and advice,” Shiha said, emphasising that the late singer remained a guiding force in her life.
Tickets for the concert are priced from RM249 to RM499 and available via the MPO website at www.mpo.com.my or by calling 03-2331 7007.
