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A
Historical milestone has been made! A young, vibrant orchestra that will further enhance the country’s arts scene for years to come has finally arrived - the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (MPYO).

A youth orchestra associated with the activities of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), the MPYO is the realization of an integral part of the late PETRONAS Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Azizan Zainul Abidin’s vision. After a decade of music making by the MPO, along with a myriad of education projects organized by its Education & Outreach Programme (ENCOUNTER), the MPYO was formed with 110 founding members selected from 500 potential musicians who attended its audition across seven cities including Penang, Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan, Johore, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

Officially launched on 13 January 2006, the MPYO is ‘the stage for young talent’ with musicians from an average age of 18 years old and from all over Malaysia. It aims to encourage young musicians in their passion and appreciation for all genres of symphonic music, to support Malaysia in the provision of well-trained professional and amateur musicians, to inspire well informed audiences and teachers alike, to nurture aspiring Malaysian composers and conductors, and provide valuable experience for individuals interested in all aspects of arts and events management.

Under the guidance of its Principal Conductor, Kevin Field, each section of the MPYO receives professional coaching from the MPO musicians, and each member of the MPYO also has the opportunity to participate in chamber music ensembles and workshops.

Following a year of week-long intensive music camps and rehearsals, the MPYO made a significant impact in its debut performance, mesmerizing capacity audiences at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP) on 25 August 2007. Its astounding performance was part of the MPO’s and DFP’s 10th Anniversary celebration which also coincided with Malaysia’s 50th Merdeka celebration.

This milestone was followed by the MPYO’s successful inaugural tour to five cities in Peninsula Malaysia in December 2007.

Indeed, the MPYO had garnered critical acclaim from the press and public alike through its remarkable performance. The Star commented ‘All the hardwork and dedication certainly paid off on the big night as the young people performed with consummate ease and professional flair.’ further affirming the MPYO’s brilliant musicianship.

With their exuding passion and enthusiasm, the members of the MPYO represent the best this country has to offer, demonstrating the ability to perform the most demanding repertoire. It has acquired such an impressive achievement in such a brief existence.

The Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra ( MPYO ) is a full symphony orchestra composed of talented young musicians in Malaysia. The core programme of MPYO includes weekend rehearsals, tutorials, concerts, residential music camps and tours. There may also be a chance for members to attend workshops, masterclasses and perform chamber music. In addition to the regular director, Kevin Field, members will have the opportunity to work with leading guest artists and conductors.

The MPYO aims to
  1. nurture and encourage young musicians in their passion and appreciation of all genres of symphonic music and integrate into them the ensemble experience that will become a life-long skill;

  2. support Malaysia in the provision of well-trained professional and amateur musicians, inspiring and experienced teachers and well-informed audiences;

  3. nurture aspiring Malaysian composers and conductors and provide valuable work experience for individuals interested in all aspects of arts and events management.