The Malaysian Philharmonic

The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), under the direction of Music Director Kees Bakels, gave its inaugural performance on 17th August 1998 at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS in Kuala Lumpur. Since then, it has consistently impressed and inspired audiences with excellent concerts and has received numerous accolades from visiting artists and guest conductors for its musical quality and energetic vitality.

Almost eight years later, the orchestra, under the leadership of Maestro Bakels, Resident Conductor Datuk Ooi Chean See and Associate Conductor Kevin Field, has built a loyal and appreciative following in Kuala Lumpur and other major cities in Malaysia. Matthias Bamert joins the MPO as its new Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor commencing this season. Its annual schedule of more than 100 concerts includes chamber music, contemporary music and commissioned works. The backbone of each season is a performing roster of major orchestral works drawn from more than three centuries of the western classical music tradition.

The MPO is proudly funded by Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) and is a remarkable example of harmony among cultures and nationalities. The initial search in 1997 for outstanding musicians involved a worldwide audition tour. The result is a 105-member symphony orchestra made up of musicians from 22 nations.

The MPO's mission is to expose, develop and nurture an interest in western classical music in Malaysia. A key component of the mission is the development of home-grown talent. Under the MPO umbrella, the Education and Outreach Programme (Encounter) reaches beyond the concert stage to develop awareness, appreciation and musical skills through activities including instrumental lessons, workshops and school concerts. While many of the Encounter activities are geared for young people, other aspects such as pre-concert events and the Symphony Club are designed for adults. A new, highly specialised programme - the MPO Forum for Malaysian Composers - has been instituted to give opportunities for Malaysian composers to creatively interact with the orchestra.

The MPO has quickly developed into a respected recording orchestra. In its relatively short existence, it has already released nine CDs, seven of them internationally on the Vox and BIS labels, and has several more in production.

Touring in the region has become an important part of the MPO's development. The orchestra regularly performs in major cities of Malaysia and in Singapore. In November 2001, the orchestra undertook a major five-concert tour to Japan and Korea. In October 2004, the MPO embarked on a successful tour to Australia, performing at five venues.

The orchestra's motto "Hear And You Will See" is a reflection of its purpose: to share the depth, power and beauty of great orchestral music.

The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra has earned a reputation as an orchestra of repute and distinction. A relatively young orchestra, this acknowledgement would not have been possible without the artistic direction, broad programming and dedication of three conductors who have become an integral part of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. The orchestra is proud to bring great music to its audiences under the direction of Matthias Bamert, its Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor, Datuk Ooi Chean See, its Resident Conductor and Kevin Field, its Associate Conductor.