THE Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) Forum for Malaysian Composers returns this year for its second concerted effort to nurture Malaysian composers.

Following on from the success of the first MPO Forum in 2003, and last year’s MPO International Composers Awards, six composers were shortlisted from more than 20 applications from Malaysians all over the world.

Teh Tze Siew, Yuzaifullah Yusof, Ng Chong Lim, Mohd Yazid Zakaria, Yii Kah Hoe and Syed Sharir Faisal Syed Husin were selected by a panel of three composers, Malaysia’s Saidah Rastam, Gerard Brophy from Australia and Briton Fraser Trainer.

Teh is a music teacher in China, Yuzaifullah and Ng are both freelance composers, Yazid and Syed Sharir Faisal are musicians with the Petronas Performing Arts Group, and Yii is a music lecturer at MSC International College.

Forum director Kevin Field, who is the MPO’s associated conductor, said in a statement: “The standard of application is exceptionally high this year and with the candidates being selected solely on the content and quality of their music alone, the decision process was a lengthy one.

“In essence, the forum is a vital part of the make-up of our MPO Outreach work and by nurturing Malaysia’s musical voice, we are helping to secure the future of the symphonic tradition and evolving something uniquely Malaysian. I am very excited by the prospects of working with all six Phase One candidates and await their original work with eager anticipation.”

The Forum is divided into two year-long phases. For the first phase the candidates will write a new work for a large ensemble of up to 19 MPO players under the guidance of the panel.

The work will be premiered at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas in March next year, and conducted by Field.

At least three candidates will proceed to the second phase in which they will write a work of longer duration for full orchestra. One of the three will have the chance to be nominated for the next MPOICA slated to take place in 2007.

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