adminKUALA LUMPUR: Loud-voiced singer Jaclyn Victor’s dream of having a solo concert accompanied by the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) will come true on Oct 17, through a special performance at the Petronas Philharmonic Hall (DFP) here.
The ‘Jaclyn Victor – Gemilang Bersama MPO’ concert will be led by experienced music conductor Ahmad Muriz Che Rose and will feature approximately 20 songs in a 90-minute performance.
Jaclyn, 48, said her solo performance at the prestigious hall would be one of the most meaningful achievements throughout her involvement in the singing field.
“When I first started in the industry, when I heard the name MPO I felt scared and nervous, like I wanted to enter a luxury brand store. When I (finally) was able to stand here and hold my own solo concert with MPO, it was one of my biggest dreams.
“MPO is at a different level, so I feel very grateful when this opportunity finally arrived,” he told reporters after the press conference for the concert at DFP here.
The event puts Jaclyn in line with several famous singers in the country who have been accompanied by MPO, including Tan Sri SM Salim, Datuk Seri Sheila Majid, Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin and Datuk M. Nasir.
The concert’s special feature was Jaclyn’s involvement in the Italian classical opera genre through the songs O Mio Babbino Caro and Time to Say Goodbye , in response to Ahmad Muriz’s challenge.
“Abang Muriz likes to challenge me to do something new. Even though I’m not a classical singer, I like to take this opportunity to challenge the limits of my vocal abilities,” said he, who has appeared as a guest singer with MPO three times.
“Singing with an orchestra leaves no room for mistakes. The audience can hear the emotional lines and breathing patterns clearly, so I have to have a very high level of focus,” said the Gemilang singer .
The concert will feature new symphonic compositions by a line-up of music composers including Aubrey Suwito, Luqman Aziz, Gerard Salonga, Shahhakam Mokhtar, Teuku Umar Ilany, Leonard Yeap and Ahmad Muriz with Jaclyn’s popular songs that will be given a new lease of life including Gemilang, Ikut Rentakku, Di Bawah Pohon Asmara, Tiada Lagi Indah and Beribu Sesalan .
“I won’t lower the original key , even if there are songs that are 20 years old. If we get too comfortable, we won’t challenge our own potential,” he said.
Apart from a collection of local and classic Italian songs, the concert was also diversified with a selection of songs in various languages and genres, including Tunggu Sekejap , When I Fall In Love , Superwoman , Diamonds Are Forever , Chong Bai , and Defying Gravity .
Meanwhile, Ahmad Muriz said he deliberately challenged Jaclyn to step out of her comfort zone to showcase a different side of her vocal abilities that viewers rarely witness.
“When we talk about Jaclyn Victor, everyone is already aware of her greatness and vocal strength. So for this concert at DFP, I want to challenge her to step out of her comfort zone and do something unexpected.”
“Although at the beginning she was a bit reluctant and worried, I am confident that with her technique and vocal control, Jaclyn will be able to deliver it very well and will surprise the audience,” he said.
At the concert, Jaclyn will be wearing exclusive clothing designed by local fashion designer Rizman Ruzaini.
— BERNAMA
