Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra

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

Notable players in the orchestra's alumni include Jae Sern Lim and Nami Baradan, both of whom were concertmasters. Baradan lead the orchestra on its inaugural concert with a repertoire that included the premiere of Malaysian composer Adeline Wong's "Ria!" and Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherezade, with great solo success. Other noteworthy musicians include Duncan Yeow, Li Yen, Tan Shing-Ji, and alumni members Andrew Ng, Isaac Chia, Howard Ng, Angela Lou, Eugenia Lou and Tan Chui Ling.

Biography

The initial steps towards realising the long-cherished dream of the late PETRONAS Chairman, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Azizan Zainul Abidin, to create a youth orchestra as a ‘stage for young talent’, alongside the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, were taken on 13 January 2006. Some 500 aspiring instrumentalists from across Malaysia auditioned and 110 – with an average age of 18 – were selected to form the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (MPYO).

After a period of intensive training under its Principal Conductor, Kevin Field and mentors drawn from the ranks of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, the MPYO gave its first public concert in Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS on 25 August 2007.

Since then, the MPYO has established a pattern of music camps held at least four times a year and culminating in performances in Kuala Lumpur and beyond. So far it has toured various cities in West Malaysia (December 2007) and Sabah and Sarawak (December 2008) with repertoire ranging from specially-commissioned works by Malaysian composers to the core symphonic repertoire.

In November 2008, a second nationwide round of auditions was held to ensure the MPYO continues to fulfil its aim of encouraging young musicians to appreciate orchestral music and to build a pool of well-trained Malaysian instrumentalists, community and professional performers, teachers and inspired amateurs. In 2009, the MPYO toured Singapore in a sold-out concert at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music at the National University of Singapore.

Orchestra membership & activities

Today, MPYO consists of nearly 100 talented members from all over the country. Depending on the repertoire for the season, some or more players may or may not be required, and reserved members will be asked to participate only upon request by the orchestra.

Eligibility

All Malaysians aged between 12 to 28 years old may apply for free. Members need not, but are encouraged to have obtained an ABRSM certificate in Grade 7 (Practical) or equivalent. Once selected, members shall pay a certain amount of membership fees every season.

Wind and brass players should be able OR be willing to learn more than one instrument of their family: oboe & cor anglais, trumpet & cornet etc.

Applications & Auditions

National (external) auditions are usually held once per season (two years), or annually if there is a huge demand of players for the year/season before the March music camp, usually during February. The upcoming national audition would be on the March 2014.

Current members will need to undergo internal auditions once per season for reevaluation of seatings.

Music camps

Orchestra members are required to join (if they are involved) and will receive regular tutorials during music camps. Each section of the orchestra will be coached by members of the MPO in the preparation of individual parts, section and general orchestral playing and thus gain valuable insight into the routines and lives of professional musicians.

Chamber music ensembles

Chamber and ensemble music is an integral part of the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. A variety of ensembles are created so that MPYO members can experience the joy of making music in a small, more intimate chamber music setting. Members who are of suitable standards are allocated to chamber groups and ensembles which include:

• Strings ensembles: Duo, trio, quartet, quintet etc.
• String ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Brass Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble.

The programme focuses on ensemble playing skills and repertoire development. Each chamber ensemble receives regular coaching from experienced MPYO tutors, participate in masterclasses and get involved in performances.

Side-by-side with MPO

Orchestra members also have opportunities to play alongside the professional musicians of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, as they did during the 2013/14 season in chamber music performances and also at a special holiday concert in December 2013.