INTRODUCTION

Sounds of Boreno. Presented a week before Malaysia Day (16 September), this concert is a manifestation of the power of music and the role of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) in nation-building. As a medium to forge better appreciation and love for local music (including folksongs), this unique performance harnesses local talents – composers, singers and conductor – a testament that our beloved country has nurtured an abundance of talents who are able to entertain a wide range of audiences. It also exemplifies the MPO’s versatility in staging a variety of genres, from classical Western music to traditional Eastern compositions.

This time around, the sounds of the lush island of Borneo reverberates in Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS. Three local performers, Alea Murang , Marsha Milan and Velvet Aduk have been given the trust to bring the music of their home states of Sarawak and Sabah, alive on stage. Luqman Aziz, a music director and arranger with Orkestra RTM, leads the MPO in this exciting offering.

An accomplished sape songstress, Alena Murang typically performs in the endangered Kenyah and Kelabit languages and is the first woman to professionally play this lute instrument, used by the highland tribes of Borneo. She has performed in over 20 countries, from Iceland and Australia to Thailand and the USA.

Marsha Milan possesses extraordinary talent and versatility while remaining grounded and dedicated to her roots in Sabah. She is known to be deeply committed to her fans and community in the land below the wind. Velvet Aduk is celebrated for her unique blend of contemporary music with traditional Bornean sounds; her hits included ‘Sumandak Sabah’ and ‘Oi Gaman’.

Petronas Twin Towers

I’m in attendance.