Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP) continues its 25th anniversary celebration with a jazz concert themed The Music of Stevie Wonder to be presented by the MPO Jazz Band & Friends on Saturday, 9 September 2023 at 8.30 pm.
Stretching its versatility beyond classical music, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) jazz ensemble has previously presented many jazz-themed concerts over the years such as the All That Jazz concert (2013) and the MPO Happy Hour series, and collaborated with local and international artists including Elvira Arul, Atilia, Ruth Sahanaya, Laura Fygi and Harry Connick Jr. This has further affirmed the MPO’s calibre as a versatile orchestra to be reckoned with.
In this tribute concert for Stevie Wonder, the MPO Jazz Band will delight its audience with timeless hits by the famed American singer/songwriter who is credited as a pioneer and influence by musicians across genres. Wonder’s critical success was at its peak in the 1970s with releases such as Superstition and Songs in the Key of Life. He achieved his highest level of fame in the 1980s with groundbreaking collaborations with Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney. One of the best selling music artists of all time (with sales over 100 million records worldwide), Wonder has garnered 25 Grammy Awards and one Academy Award, and has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
The MPO Jazz Band will perform Wonder’s signature tunes in jazz interpretations such as Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing, Send One Your Love, I Wish, Rocket Love, Part Time Lover, Contusion, Golden Lady and Sir Duke.
This concert will be helmed by Marques Young, the MPO’s Principal Trombone and a composer. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree of Music from The Juilliard School, New York, and has performed with the American Brass Quintet, the Buffalo and New York Philharmonics, the Arkansas and Charleston Symphonies, and Aspen Festival Orchestra. He released his debut album, Duel Citizenship, in 2016, and was involved in Bassment Syndicate’s 25 hrs and Morning albums. Young is a member of the Trombone Faculty at the Yong Siew Toh Music Conservatory in Singapore and the University of Malaysia. He is an artist proudly associated with Thein Brass, Willie’s Custom Mouthpieces and MVQ.
Joining Young on the DFP stage are powerhouse vocalist Aisha Retno and singer/songwriter Syafiq Abdilah. Aisha has released several singles since her foray into the local entertainment scene in 2018 and won third place in the programme Big Stage in 2022. Her debut English single, W.H.U.T. hit 32 million global streams, amassing her a Gold Award.
Syafiq, on the other hand, released his debut single in 2019 which garnered 500,000 views on YouTube. He became a finalist in Big Stage in 2022 and released a single, Kekal, thereafter. Together with the MPO Jazz Band, the two young artists will enthrall audience with their fresh jazz musicianship.
Enjoy a dose of jazz in this unique music offering by the MPO Jazz Band & Friends, only at DFP!
Concert Details
Date
Saturday, 9 September 2023 at 8.30 pm
Venue
Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS
PETRONAS Twin Towers, KLCC
Band / Leader / Vocals
MPO Jazz Band
Marques Young music director/trombone
Aisha Retno vocals
Syafiq Abdilah vocals
Ticket Prices
Premium: RM309, A Reserve: RM269, B Reserve: RM229, C Reserve: RM189
Meet & Greet: RM349. Suite: RM189/RM229
Box Office Hours
Tuesdays to Saturdays: 10.30 am – 6.30 pm, 9.00 pm on performance nights
Sundays: 12.00 noon to performance time
Telephone Bookings: 03-23317007
Email Bookings: boxoffice@dfp.com.my
MPO website: www.mpo.com.my
Facebook & Instagram: @malaysianphilharmonicorchestra
YouTube: MPOTV
Spotify: MPO
TikTok: @malaysianphilharmonic