Rondo Production presents Closing Concert of MEP 2021-22 

THE Rondo Production presents its first live concert after a two-year hiatus on February 26 with the Closing Concert of its inaugural Musical Exchange Programme (MEP) – Malaysia’s first international orchestra fellowship programme. 

Eight Malaysian composers and six Malaysian instrumentalists, aged between 18 and 28 years old, will perform the world premieres of eight new compositions in the concert.

These compositions are based on the theme of reimagining local folk tales and tunes, such as Chan Mali Chan, Wau Bulan, Lagenda Mahsuri, Puteri Lindungan Bulan, Huminodum and more. 

The concert is the result of a partnership between The Rondo Production (Rondo) and Orchestra of the Swan (The Swan) to provide a platform for new works and opportunities to young musicians in Malaysia.

By curating a creative and modern take on centuries-old stories, MEP promotes cultural exchange through music and other art forms.

This thrilling experience for the young musicians, who come from a broad range of backgrounds in Malaysia, is part of Rondo's inaugural MEP fellowship, a pioneering programme in partnership with strategic partner The Swan and creative partner Epikinono Studio.

Through a series of workshops, consultations and lessons with members of The Swan, these selected fellows are challenged and inspired, giving them valuable insights into the deep connection between Malaysian culture and western Classical music. 

The concert will be accompanied by visuals, specially curated by Epikinono Studio. Each composition is matched with a set of visuals, to lead the audience through the journey of watching and listening to the performances.

Through a creative and contemporary lens, the concert aims to deliver an enjoyable and engaging storyboard with centuries-old stories in an immersive audiovisual concert. 

The inaugural Musical Exchange Programme is a four-month professional training programme, offered by The Rondo Production and supported by the British Council through its Connections Through Culture grant.

Concert details:

Saturday, February 26, 8pm - 9.30pm

Grand Hall, Dominus Arts Venue, 

Fairview International School, Kuala Lumpur

RSVP at bit.ly/mep2122concert 

Programme:

1. Lagenda Mahsuri by Jayson Ng
2. Huminodun by Jellal Koay
3. Tanaki by Lawrence Chiu
4. Hide and Seek! by Yu-Yao Lim
5. Puteri Lindungan Bulan by Wei Chern Ooi
6. Quartet Lyrique No. 1 by Sean Woo
7. Untuk Gunung Ledang by ZhiYong Tan
8. 4 Folk Songs by Melody Yeo

Composers:

1. Chiu Peng Chong from Sabah 
2. Jayson Ng from Selangor 
3. Koay Loong Chuen from Selangor 
4. Lim Yu-Yao from Kuala Lumpur 
5. Ooi Wei Chern from Perak 
6. Sean Woo from Kuala Lumpur 
7. Tan Zhiyong from Johor 
8. Yeo Wan Lin from Selangor 

Instrumentalists:

1. Chong Tao Xin, clarinettist from Perak 
2. Inez Tajol Asanan, violinist from Selangor 
3. Low Kim Ven, trombonist from Selangor 
4. Ong Aun Guan, trombonist from Penang 
5. Tan Juen Loon, euphoniumist from Perak

For more information on the Closing Concert, visit: https://therondoproduction.com.my/musical-exchange-programme/closing-concert/  – The Vibes, January 29, 2022