The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) presents a music celebration for renowned composer Frédéric Chopin in a two-part Chopin Festival at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP), KLCC.
The first installment will be led by the MPO Music Director Junichi Hirokami and will kick-off on Saturday, 16 August 2025 at 8.00 pm presenting Chopin’s iconic Piano Concerto No.1 in E minor. This work received a highly successful premiere in Warsaw in 1830 with the then 21-year-old composer. The work is described as a romantic calm and rather melancholic character, with impression on a beloved landscape in one’s beautiful memories.
Collaborating with the MPO to present this work is pianist Melody Quah who will weave a range of emotions with lyrical melodies. Described as ‘a poet with titanium fingers who delivers with dazzling intensity’ by the Vancouver Sun, the Kuala Lumpur-born virtuoso has showcased her artistry in Hungary, Canada, England, Australia, Japan and the USA. She has appeared as soloist with the Richmond Philharmonic and Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and collaborated with cellist Michael Kannen and trumpeter Joe Burgstaller. She has performed at the opening of Bukit Jalil Stadium and the Commonwealth Games in 1998, and the opening of Chopin Society Malaysia in 2002.
After the intermission, the MPO will present Shostakovich’s towering Symphony No.5 in D minor which received its first performance in Leningrad in 1937. It is a big, sturdy symphony cast in the traditional four-movement mold with a shattering climax. It has since become a foundation stone of the entire orchestral repertory.
The Chopin Festival continues with the MPO presenting Chopin’s Piano Concerto No.2 on Saturday, 11 October 2025 at 8.00 pm. This beloved work is renowned for its virtuosic demands to be delivered by pianist Martin Garcia Garcia. The masterpiece reimagined will be complemented with Sibelius’ Symphony No.2 to be performed by the MPO. Rune Bergmann will lead this concert.
Concert Details
Chopin Festival
Dates
Saturday, 16 August 2025 at 8.00 pm (Chopin Festival I)
Saturday, 11 October 2025 at 8.00 pm (Chopin Festival II)
Venue
Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS
PETRONAS Twin Towers
Orchestra / Conductors / Soloists
Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra
Junichi Hirokami conductor (Chopin Festival I)
Melody Quah piano (Chopin Festival I)
Rune Bergmann conductor (Chopin Festival II)
Martin Garcia Garcia piano (Chopin Festival II)
Ticket Prices
Premium: RM379, A Reserve: RM329, B Reserve: RM279, C Reserve: RM229
Suite: RM439/RM499 per seat (inclusive of light refreshments)
MPO website: www.mpo.com.my
Facebook: fb.mpo.com.my
Instagram: @malaysianphilharmonicorchestra
YouTube: MPO TV, Spotify: MPO, TikTok: @malaysianphilharmonic
