The third edition of the Johor Baru Classical Music Festival is
happening from July 27 to 29, hosted at hotel Amari Johor Baru with the finale
held at Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios.
The
festival theme, “In Sync” explores the relevance of classical music today and
how it acts a connecting bridge between diverse communities and generations. In
line with its theme, the fest will showcase the synchronization of influences,
styles and ideas to illustrate music at its most universal.
Fans
of classical music can look forward to four main concerts and six masterclasses
and workshops conducted by top-class local and international orchestras and
performers.
The
concerts that will feature 123 performers, present unique perspective and
flavour from Malaysia alongside international talents from Spain, France, Japan
and Thailand.
“This year’s festival aims to excite musical
interest and emphasize the relevance of classical music – that it isn’t just
for the learned or the generations before us but it is an avenue for
storytelling for all,” said festival curator, Jonathan Oh.
“The
festival is also a precious learning and networking opportunity for aspiring
musicians to exchange views with high-caliber musicians and develop a deeper
passion and understanding of classical music and how relevant it is to the
stories of our times,” he added.
The
programme is designed with something for everyone – aspiring musicians, music
enthusiasts and those who are seeking something exciting and different to do
during the weekend.
 |
| The National Symphony Orchestra Wind Ensemble |
The
festival will start with Sans Frontieres,
a multi-cultural collaboration of top-notch musicians from Spain, France and
Japan featuring violinist Sayaka Ohira (Japan), Benjamin Fabre (France) on
viola, pianist Mereia Frutos Fernandez (Spain) and cellist Ivan Torres (Spain).
The title of this performance paints the transcendental nature of music into a
picture of collaboration across time, culture and borders.
 |
| The Philharmonic Winds of Malaysia |
Jazz Up – Rhapsody in Blue will
feature the National Symphony Orchestra Wind Ensemble teaming up with Misa
Yamamoto and Julian Chan to explore the music of one of the most popular jazz
composers of all-time, George Gershwin.
Jazz fans can look forward to enjoying
Gershwin classics as well as Scaramouche by Darius Milhaud and a beautiful French
classic, Le Temps des Cerises (The Time of Cherries).
 |
| Bastian Baumet |
Journey to the West Side will feature
the Philharmonic Winds of Malaysia, an ensemble that will present an
eclectically charming programme alongside Euphonium talent, Bastian Baumet.
Go
on an escapade in realizing the human condition through love and heartache from
the youthful strides of Marquez Danzon to the ‘symphonic dances’ of two gangs in
New York from Bernstein’s critically acclaimed, West Side Story.
On
the final night, Thailand’s acclaimed symphony orchestra, Siam Sinfonietta,
will present A Thai Odyssey.
Conducted
by co-founder and Thai-American composer, Somtow Sucharitkul, this celebrated
orchestra will present an explosive programme that includes love songs from the
late Thai king Rama IX and Bela Bartok’s The Miraculous Mandarin. The conductor’s
own composition, The Suriyothai Suite, will bring this year’s festival to an
exciting close.
 |
| The Siam Sinfonietta |
Fans
of the Star Wars saga cannot miss, The
Empire Strikes a Chord: The Music of Star Wars through the Lens of Classical Music,
one of the highlights of this year’s programme. Join musicologist Dr Andrew
Filmer on a journey through sound and stars to explore the music of Star Wars.
On
Day 2 of the festival, masterclasses, special events and workshops are planned
throughout the day. They include a Violin Masterclass with Sayaka Ohira and Benjamin
Fabre, ABRSM and Trinity College London in Interview, The Piano Accompanist: Partner
in Success or Failure and Violin Anatomy 101: Understanding String Instruments
from the Inside Out.
The JB
Classical Musical Festival is presented by Johor Baru: International Festival
City (JB:IFC) with more than 20 supporting partners under the royal patronage
of Her Highness Tunku Tun Aminah binti Sultan Ibrahim.
Tickets and
Festival Passes may be bought through TicketPro and enquiries for bulk
purchases can be made by calling Tel: +6017 – 7430755 and +6019 – 7139900 or
email to hello@jbifc.co
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