MPO Open Rehearsal with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia - 2 July 2010

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP) recently hosted over 150 children and adults from eight homes to a fun-filled afternoon of musical delights celebrating famous heroic tales at the ‘Heroes and Heroines’ Open Rehearsal by the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) conducted by Matthew Coorey and presented by Kevin Hathway.

The ‘Heroes and Heroines’Open Rehearsal was held especially for underprivileged children and wheelchair-bound individuals giving them the chance to enjoy a concert experience in a world-class hall. The experience also provided an exclusive look into the working sessions of an orchestra.

The children from the San Pedro Shelter Home, Rumah KIDS, Angel’s Home, Persatuan Kanak-Kanak Istimewa Ampang, Taman Megah’s Handicapped & Disabled, Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti and Bangsa Ria as well as the residents under Yayasan Salam (ILTC Group) were abuzz with excitement as they waited in anticipation for the rehearsal to begin. For many, it was the first time they experienced the beauty of classical music by a live orchestra.

They were in awe as they took in the scene of the concert hall with its 83-member orchestra performing. From the moment the first note was played, the entire atmosphere in the hall turned festive. They were thrilled and enchanted as they marched with soldiers into Rome, balanced an apple like William Tell, entered the magical world of Harry Potter, danced with Orpheus, saddled-up for a cowboy rodeo and became an accomplice to Mickey Mouse in The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

Adding to the excitement, the conductor and presenter also interacted with the audience, explaining to them the various sections of the orchestra and gave some of them the opportunity to be part of the orchestral experience.