The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) continues to stretch its versatility through its season theme for 2025 as it celebrates the music of two of the biggest names of mid-20th century American music: Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland.

A household name in the 1940s and 1950s, Frank Sinatra (1915–1998) was an American cultural icon, known for both his baritone voice and stage charisma. On top of music, he also had a successful acting career with an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in From Here to Eternity (1953). On the other hand, Judy Garland (1922-1969) was an American singer and actress renowned for her powerful contralto voice and emotional vocal depth.

Signature Hits

Listen to Sinatra’s evergreen classics by the MPO such as Luck Be a Lady from the movie Guys And Dolls (1955), Three Coins in the Fountain from the 1954 movie of the same title (which won an Academy Award for Best Original Song) and How About You? taken from the film Babes on Broadway (1941). Also included in the programme are gems such as I Could Write a Book (from Pal Joey, 1957), You’re Sensational (from High Society, 1956) and You’re Awful (from On The Town, 1949).

Be spellbound with the MPO’s interpretation of Garland’s most iconic classic Somewhere Over The Rainbow taken from the movie that catapulted her to fame, The Wizard of Oz (1939); the song won the Oscar for Best Original Song.

From the 1954 film A Star Is Born, the MPO will present The Man That Got Away, a song that showcases her vocal prowess. Her other memorable songs in this concert repertoire include the romantic ballad, The Boy Next Door taken from Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), I Got Rhythm (from Girl Crazy, 1943) and Be a Clown (from The Pirate, 1948).

The MPO will be helmed by Richard Balcombe who has firmly established himself as one of the most versatile conductors of his generation, with an impressive operatic and orchestral credits besides actively involved in West End presentations. Vocalists Graham Bickley and Katie Birtill return to the DFP stage after enthralling audiences with their collaboration with the MPO in The Music of The Bee Gees concert last year.

MPO presents the music of Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland takes place on Saturday, 12 July 2025 at 8.00 pm at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP), KLCC. Ticket details here.