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T
he 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 new 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. It has since established a pattern of music camps held 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), Sabah and Sarawak (December 2008) and Penang and Kuantan (December 2010), as well as giving a sold-out concert at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music at the National University of Singapore in 2009.

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.

The MPYO's repertoire ranges from the core symphonic repertoire to specially-commissioned works by Malaysian composers. In an innovative project – "Jazzaar" – during June 2010, the members of the orchestra collaborated with six leading jazz musicians from the USA, led by Fritz Renold (who wrote his "Suite Nusantara" specially for the project) in order to enrich and widen their musical experience.

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

The MPYO aims to
  1. nurture and encourage young musicians in their passion and appreciation of all genres of symphonic music and integrate into them the ensemble experience that will become a life-long skill;

  2. support Malaysia in the provision of well-trained professional and amateur musicians, inspiring and experienced teachers and well-informed audiences;

  3. nurture aspiring Malaysian composers and conductors and provide valuable work experience for individuals interested in all aspects of arts and events management.