Spectrum: Four nights of elegant and refined classical music

No matter the type of music you’re into, it’s tough to not have an appreciation for the grace and elegance of the classics. Authentic beats, ornate rhythms — it’s an alluring sound we can’t help but crave.

Taking place from the 6th to 9th of September, at the Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC), is Spectrum, a series of musical performances meant to showcase an interpretation of Western and oriental classical music. It will feature several different styles of music, all in an attempt to provide an exquisite auditory experience for music enthusiasts of all genres.

Spectrum will take place over four nights, each featuring pieces of specific themes by acclaimed local musicians considered among the best in the scene.

So if you’re in the mood for both a musical and classy night out, read on and pick a night you want to have.

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First Night: An Evening of Jazz

The first night of Spectrum will feature the debut of the Julian Chan Jazz Orchestra, a newly-formed community jazz orchestra. The group is an effort by local saxophonist Julian Chan who aims to provide a platform for jazz musicians in the Klang Valley to play in a large ensemble.

Their debut will feature some of Malaysia’s most established jazz musicians along with newcomers to the scene. Together, they will be performing pieces ranging from the swinging classics of Duke Ellington Orchestra to the modern latin jazz arrangements of Michael Mossman.

Also performing the first night is the Julian Chan Quartet, who will present small group jazz works from the most prominent eras of jazz in the classic two-horns and rhythm section format. The night will also witness the addition of two special guests in the quartet — Michael Veerapen; widely considered to be among the driving forces of the local jazz scene, and Junji Delfino; often dubbed Malaysia’s First Lady of Jazz.

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Second Night: Layang-Layang

The sound of musician Yuan Leow Yunn is often likened to the swaying of kites — elegant, free, and full of colour. Praised for her flexibility as a musician, she is a trained composer, arranger and producer known for her contributions in works such as The Story of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and Tales of 4 Dialects.

As a blue sky witnesses an array of several different kites, Yuan’s performance will feature an array of several different instruments and genres. Audiences will get to feel the crisp sounds of the gamelan, the temperament of the Zongruan and Guqin, the charm of the Erhu, along with the blissful tunes of the piano and cello. Her performance will include pieces of Malaysian folk, Chinese and Western music.

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Third Night: Getaran Alam

Internationally renowned flute player Muhardiman Ismail (also known as Mohar), will be gracing the third night of Spectrum with the sounds of Getaran Alam (nature vibration), a series of pieces he has worked on for 10 years. .

Playing with a seruling he made himself, Mohar will perform sounds considered to be a form of ‘healing music’. He will perform alongside musician Ramli Rebana (Ramli Hamid) who will play the rebana.

With both instruments considered to be the core of Malay music, the night will echo the pure and authentic sounds of the Malay Archipelago.

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Fourth Night: Xún

With a history that spans over 2,500 years, the Guzheng is an ancient Chinese string instrument known for its enticing and intoxicating sounds.

But the Guzheng’s sounds are diverse. Depending on the style and artistry of its player, it can exhibit melodies both bright and melancholic.

The fourth night will see Sara Heng, a graduate from the prestigious Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, on the Guzheng. Having played since she was just twelve-years-old, she is considered to be among the best in the new generation of Guzheng players.

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Spectrum will take place from the 6th to 9th of September, at the Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC). Tickets are priced at RM55 per night and can be purchased on their website.

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Featured Image Source: Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC)