Tokyo Symphony, MPO Reunite For Powerful, Memorable Malaysia Concert

By Christine Lim

KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- Tokyo Symphony Orchestra (TSO), one of Japan’s internationally acclaimed orchestras, is set to deliver a powerful and memorable musical experience during its second joint concert with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) on April 18 at the Petronas Philharmonic Hall, here.

Japanese ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata said the concert, TSO’s third performance in Malaysia following two successful appearances last year, comes at a meaningful time as both countries prepare to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.

“Momentum is clearly building to deepen our cooperation across many fields, including culture. The TSO’s performances showcase musical excellence while highlighting how the arts can connect people, build understanding, and inspire mutual respect,” he told Bernama in an interview.

TSO debuted in Malaysia on June 1, 2025, and first collaborated with MPO on Sept 13, 2025.

Shikata said TSO, which is engaged in its Asia Project to promote musical culture across the region, embodies Japan’s cultural diplomacy through engagement and co-creation.

“Japan and Malaysia have nearly seven decades of close ties. Under the Look East Policy, about 28,000 Malaysian students and trainees studied in Japan and returned to contribute to Malaysia’s development.

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“Building on this foundation, our relationship today emphasises mutual exchange and co-creation, a spirit I describe as ‘Look at Each Other’, including in culture and the arts,” he noted.

He emphasised that with TSO’s grant from The Uehiro Foundation on Ethics and Education, a Japanese non-profit educational foundation focused on ethics and social-cultural activities, more people can be reached through concerts and educational outreach.

“These initiatives strengthen ties between Japan and Asian countries, especially Malaysia and ASEAN, by creating opportunities for young musicians, fostering people-to-people connections, and building lasting trust. In short, they turn shared ideals into shared experiences, enriching our region’s cultural life and bringing our communities closer together.

“The Uehiro Foundation on Ethics and Education has made important contributions not only to ethics education and academic research, but also to cultural and artistic initiatives,” Shikata, who will attend the upcoming concert, noted.

On the concert theme featuring 19th-century Austrian music composer Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4, Shikata said the piece is one of his most celebrated works and a hallmark of the late 18th-century European Romantic symphonic music, which advocated the beauty of nature and artistic imagination.

“It is characterised by its grand structure, rich harmonies, and evocative atmosphere, often associated with nature and medieval imagery.

“In Japan as well, this symphony is widely appreciated and frequently performed, particularly among classical music enthusiasts and musicians,” according to Shikata.

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Meanwhile, TSO managing director Yoshitaka Hirooka said the orchestra is also planning community-based educational activities in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia.

“These include coaching a youth orchestra and giving concerts at a Japanese school and local elementary schools,” Hirooka told Bernama.

With support from the Uehiro Foundation on Ethics and Education, he said TSO aimed to improve the quality of music culture in Asian countries.

“At the same time, we also hope to find local individuals and companies who will support these activities,” he added.

-- BERNAMA