The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) will present an evening of 20th-century orchestral music with Metropolitan Themes: The Emigré and the American on 18 July 2026 at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP), KLCC.

The concert explores the contrasting musical voices of American composer George Gershwin alongside émigré composers Kurt Weill and Igor Stravinsky, whose careers were shaped by their lives beyond their native countries.

Opening the programme is Weill’s Symphonic Nocturne from the Broadway musical Lady in the Dark. Adapted from the celebrated stage production, the orchestral work premiered with the New York Philharmonic in 1949.

The evening continues with Japanese pianist Makoto Ozone performing Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F. Written in 1925, the concerto blends classical form with jazz and blues influences, becoming one of the composer’s best-known orchestral works.

Ozone returns to perform with the MPO after making his Malaysian debut with the orchestra in 2012. Equally recognised in jazz and classical music, he has collaborated with artists including Gary Burton and Chick Corea, released more than 30 albums, and received Japan’s Medal of Honour with Purple Ribbon for his contributions to the arts.

The concert concludes with Stravinsky’s Petrushka, the composer’s colourful ballet score inspired by Russian folk traditions. Premiered in Paris in 1911, the work remains one of the defining orchestral masterpieces of the 20th century and is celebrated for its vivid orchestration and rhythmic energy.

The performance will also mark the Malaysian debut of Uzbek conductor Aziz Shokhakimov, whose career spans both symphonic and operatic repertoire.

The concert takes place on Saturday, 18 July 2026, at 8pm at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, offering audiences the chance to experience three landmark works that helped shape modern classical music.