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STAYING true to its theme of Keeping Music Alive despite the pandemic, the Malaysian Jazz Marathon is inviting audiences to its 12-hour live stream concert featuring 20 diverse musical acts happening on Sunday, November 15.
The virtual jazz-athon aims to not only provide a platform for local musicians to flaunt their talents and grace the stages once again, but also raise funds for the annual Malaysian Jazz Piano Festival’s (MJPF) latest cause – the Malaysian Real Book (MRB) Project.
“The project is a collection of 250 shortlisted music sheets written by Malaysian composers. It is scheduled to be published and available for purchase on our website and hopefully selected bookstores in March next year,” shared MJPF Chairman Tay Cher Siang.
“The book can be used by any musicians and can be played wherever they go.”
Music education has always been close to MJPF’s heart, and the initiative is seen as another extension to support music professionals for the long haul.
Songs ranging from classics such as ‘Getaran Jiwa’ by P. Ramle, 'Hijau' by Mukhlis Nor and made popular by Zainal Abidin as well as other works of Malaysia’s foremost musicians, performers and composers drawn from the various genres of music that form the local musical landscape.
According to Tay, the live stream event is the outcome of having the pandemic altering MJPF event plans, which was initially postponed and eventually cancelled.
“Many industries are being impacted and the creative industry is one of the worst hit.
“Through this event, I hope we are able to show the world our community's solidarity despite the challenges the pandemic brings. We want to give back by lifting our viewers’ spirits through the good music presented.”
Speaking about embracing the virtual norm, Tay shared: “We had the experience of hosting a musical performance from home a while back, it took a bit of getting used to, but it has definitely given us the motivation that we needed to become more versatile in the current climate.”
The Malaysian Jazz Marathon will be the first of its kind in Malaysian history, where not only will the international jazz community have direct access to live local music from the comforts and safety of their own home, it also helps contribute to the preservation and continuity of our cultural legacy for future generations.
Bringing popular tunes and folk songs from the Royal Selangor Pewter, catch the Malaysian Jazz Marathon – Keeping Music Alive online concert on November 15, between 1pm and 12am, via FB Live: https://www.facebook.com/events/3389340324434672/. – The Vibes, November 8, 2020
