Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP) and the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) embark into their 28th concert season with dazzling line-up of international artists from the classical music world and renowned local artists, with presentations of timeless masterpieces, various music genres and arts heritage.
This innovative programming is in-line with the efforts to make the DFP and MPO brands accessible and close to the hearts of Malaysians presenting music for all walks of life. With the recurring theme Where Every Beat Tells A Story, Season 2026 will present music offerings that will captivate, inspire, educate and resonate to the hearts of many.
Music Director, Junichi Hirokami, will continue to bring the MPO to another level of impeccable artistry through his guidance and vision in nine thematic concerts including A Chorale Spectacular, Memoirs of a Floral Fantasy, An Evening of Verdi, Arctic Winds And Summer Sun and Jazz, Classical & Beyond With The MPO.
The season commences with a bang where MPO proudly presents the spectacular Cirque de la Symphonie in January, recreating a breathtaking fusion of circus and music complete with cirque acts such as aerial flyers, acrobats and jugglers. To be led by Tengku Irfan, this concert will be the fifth time the MPO presents a musical offering of this scale with energy and vigour, elevating cirque artistry to a fine arts level.
As its popular trademark offering, the MPO presents four movie screenings; Amadeus and P Ramlee’s Madu Tiga (both in January), Harry Potter And The Prisoner of Azkaban (April) and Star Wars – A New Hope (May). Relive the magic on the big screen while the MPO’s performs the exceptional film scores ‘live’!
Other themed concerts that will hold you spellbound this season include Glazunov: The Seasons In Symphony, Metropolitan Rhythms: The Émigré And The American, and Mozart’s 270th Birthday celebrating the composer’s beloved masterpieces. Classical-crossover themed concerts will witness the MPO performing with violinist-vocalist Charles Yang, and pianists Peter Dugan and Frank Dupree.
Showcasing its versatility, the MPO will present a concert themed The Music of Queen in October, bridging the classical music reign with rock genres via hits by the renowned group. Conductor Brent Havens returns to the podium with a guest vocalist who will bring back Freddie Mercury’s distinctive persona and celebrate the band’s iconic music.
The MPO, under the leadership of Ahmad Muriz Che Rose, will pay tribute to two of the country’s cultural icons; the late Biduanita Negara Datuk Sharifah Aini (June) and the late Alfonso Soliano (September). Witness the MPO elevating the timeless legacy of the legendary artists in concerts which will also feature guest singers.
Artists from the classical music fraternity making gracious debuts with the MPO this season are conductor Aziz Shokhakimov, pianist Yukine Kuroki, cellist Santiago Canon-Valencia, violinist Elias David Moncado and local multi-instrumentalist Belle Sisoski, all will captivate new audience with their exceptional virtuosities.
This season, MPO welcomes back the return of conductors Francis Kan, Michal Nesterowicz and Maurice Steger, renowned pianists Stephen Hough and Makoto Ozone, sape player Alena Murang and vocalist Chen Jia (in a second MPO tribute concert for the late Teresa Teng).
For the first time at DFP, MPO Resident Conductor Gerard Salonga will lead a programme of Broadway and Disney’s hits in September featuring his renowned vocalist sister, Lea Salonga, a celebration of two siblings in their steadfast devotion to music.
Fans of anime music will be delighted when the MPO presents the Symphonic Ghibli concert in July. A perennial crowd favourite, this concert is dedicated to fans who have seen the animations on the screen; now is the time to relive the memories with anime melodies live on stage.
This season will witness the MPO collaborating with vocal powerhouse Jaclyn Victor to celebrate her two-decade journey in music with fresh orchestral interpretations of her hits in October while, in November, the MPO will collaborate with Indonesian singer Kunto Aji in a concert themed Simfoni Mantra.
DFP stays true to its commitment to provide a platform for the arts heritage alive by presenting a unique showcase in July themed Mak Yong Shakespeare: The Comedy of Errors – An Adaptation where Kelantan’s centuries-old dance theatre is reimagined under the helm of Norzizi Zulkifli.
Do not miss a contemporary dance showcase themed Yin & Yang: A Dance Kaleidoscope in September where local groups ASK Dance Company and Dua Space Dance Theatre come together in a powerful double bill of Malaysia’s diverse heritage.
Popular homegrown talent, Shila Amzah will celebrate her 25-year in the music industry in May presenting a multilingual repertoire through her genre-spanning artistry. Backed by her own band, this is a concert that will showcase her true reflection of her artistic evolution.
Attractive concert packages for Season 2026 were launched for the DFP/MPO subscription programme called ‘Friends of DFP’ on 4 October 2025 while tickets for the general public are on sale from 13 October 2025. Please visit mpo.com.my and dfp.com.my to download the Season 2026 digital brochure or call Box Office at 03-23317007 or boxoffice@dfp.com.my.
This season is made possible with the unwavering support by the MPO Patron, YABhg. Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Haji Mohd Ali. DFP/MPO’s main benefactor is PETRONAS.