Welcome to The Art of Sound: A Celebration of Sound & Music
An Evening Where Music Becomes Magic
Tonight, we invite you to experience music in its purest and most powerful form. The Art of Sound isn’t just a concert—it’s a journey through soundscapes that ignite the imagination, stir the soul, and reveal the extraordinary beauty of orchestral music.
With the brilliant Kevin Field at the helm and the internationally acclaimed Nancy Zhou as our featured soloist, the Tutan Festival Orchestra will bring each piece to life—capturing the wonder, intensity, and emotion behind every note.
This evening also features a special highlight: the world orchestral premiere of Glorious, a powerful and uplifting song by Malaysian icon Jaclyn Victor, now reimagined in a brand-new orchestral arrangement. It’s a celebration of voice, vision, and the transformative power of music.
Whether you’re here to rediscover old favorites or encounter something entirely new, we hope this evening leaves you inspired, enchanted, and reminded of what makes live music truly unforgettable.
Enjoy the performance.
With Thanks,
The Tutan Entertainment Team
Concert Programme
INTERMISSION
20 minutes
About Tutan Entertainment
Elevating Music, Transforming Experiences
At Tutan Entertainment, we’re driven by a passion for sharing the beauty of orchestral music and creating experiences that resonate long after the final note. Our goal is to inspire and uplift through performances that bring symphonic masterpieces to life, thanks to the dedication and talent of our world-class musicians. We believe in making these moments accessible and meaningful for everyone, which is why we are committed to educational outreach and building genuine connections with our audience. With each performance, we strive to make orchestral music a shared and cherished journey.
Our Principles:
Excellence in Performance:
Prioritising artistic integrity, we showcase performers who epitomises the spirit of orchestral music, delivering experiences that linger in memory.
Innovative Spirit:
We reimagine classical music, merging tradition with innovation, exploring diverse collaborations, and transcending conventional boundaries.
Audience Engagement:
We’re passionate about fostering a love for classical music, offering insightful workshops and talks that deepen our audience’s connection to the compositions.
Immersive Experiences:
Our events are not just concerts but journeys. We combine visuals, technology, and unparalleled venues to craft captivating narratives.
Collaborative Spirit:
We champion teamwork, actively partnering with artists and organisations to propel classical and orchestral music into the future.
With your support, Tutan Entertainment is poised to inspire generations, keeping the timeless beauty of symphonic music alive and thriving in our modern world. Join us in this harmonious journey.
Get in Touch with Tutan Entertainment
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About Kevin Field
Conductor Laureate
Kevin Field, a distinguished conductor, has showcased his talents with esteemed orchestras including the BBC Symphony, Malaysian Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. His collaborations with global artists are vast, spanning from jazz legends Chick Corea and Gary Burton to Chinese opera virtuoso ShuCheen Yu.
A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, Kevin commenced his journey with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, founding Kokoro, its contemporary ensemble. This venture saw him touring Europe and the USA extensively, leaving behind a rich discography. His percussion prowess also led him to engagements with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Bolshoi Theatre, among others.
Kevin’s dedication to music education shone brightly during his tenure as Associate Conductor with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (1999-2014). There, he pioneered the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and received accolades for introducing over 180 contemporary pieces to Malaysia. Today, his commitment to musical education continues as the Director of Academic and Artistic Development at Bentley Music Academy, serving over 750 budding musicians across all genres.
Having founded The Culture Exchange to foster cross-border artistic collaborations, Kevin remains a lifelong learner. In 2022, he achieved a Master’s in Creative Events Management from Falmouth University, solidifying his position as a pillar in the world of classical music.
Kevin Field appears courtesy of Bentley Music Academy
About Nancy Zhou
Guest Violin Soloist
Known for her probing musical voice and searing virtuosity, Nancy Zhou seeks to invigorate appreciation for the art and science of the violin. Her thoughtful musicianship and robust online presence resonate with a global audience in such a way that brings her on stage with leading orchestras around the world.
More than 20 years since her orchestral debut, Nancy has collaborated with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Munich Symphony, Hong Kong Philharmonic, New Jersey Symphony, Naples Philharmonic, San Diego Symphony, Kansas City Symphony, among others. A passionate soloist who cherishes chamber music collaborations and commits to the responsibility of education, Nancy has performed at festivals including the Verbier Festival, Tongyeong Music Festival, and Marvão Festival; she is a regular guest educator at various international summer festivals, holding not only masterclasses but also workshops on fundamental training and wellbeing for musicians.
Over the years, the violinist’s interest in cultural heritage and the humanities manifested in a string of notable collaborations across the US and in China. In collaboration with the New Jersey Symphony and Xian Zhang, she presented Zhao Jiping’s first violin concerto at Alice Tully Hall; gave the US premieres of Unsuk Chin’s “Gran Cadenza” for two solo violins with Anne-Sophie Mutter; performed Chen Qigang’s “La joie de la souffrance” with the Rogue Valley Symphony; and, in partnership with the La Jolla Symphony, gave the West Coast premiere of Vivian Fung’s Violin Concerto no. 1. On the other side of the globe, the past season saw Nancy bringing three cornerstone concerti to China in a five-city tour; her collaborative partners included the Shanghai and Guangzhou Symphony Orchestras, and the China and Hohhot Philharmonics.
In the summer of 2025, Nancy embarks on a research trip with Canadian-born Chinese composer Vivian Fung to Zhexiang, China – the hometown village of the violinist’s mother, a former professional folk dancer. The project culminates with a work for violin and electronics that explores the intersection of music as a cultural force and folk minority culture. In October 2024, Nancy recorded her debut album, Stories (re)Traced, in response to these questions. The album features four seminal and inextricably connected works for solo violin, including Béla Bartók’s Sonata, and releases this summer with Orchid Classics.
The 24/25 season brings returning engagements with the New Jersey Symphony, performances with the Puerto Rico Symphony, Orquestra Vigo 430, San Antonio Philharmonic, Hangzhou Philharmonic, and Guiyang Symphony, as well as recital appearances in Boston, Mexico, Portugal, Taiwan, and China.
Born in Texas to Chinese immigrant parents, Nancy began the violin under the guidance of her father, who hails from a family of traditional musicians. She went on to study with Miriam Fried at the New England Conservatory while pursuing her interest in literature at Harvard University. Since 2019, she is an Associated Artist of the Queen Elisabeth Chapel and was appointed Professor of Violin at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in September 2023. For more information, please visit: nancyzhouviolin.com Management: Earl Blackburn, Kanzen Arts LLC.
For more information, please visit: nancyzhouviolin.com
About Jaclyn Victor
Guest Vocalist
Jaclyn Victor is a celebrated Malaysian singer, actress, and entrepreneur, known for her soaring vocals, emotional depth, and captivating stage presence. She first rose to prominence as the inaugural winner of Malaysian Idol in 2004, a career-defining moment that launched her into the spotlight and earned her a recording deal with Sony BMG Music Entertainment.
Her debut album Gemilang was both a critical and commercial success, winning “Best Pop Album” and “Album of the Year” at the Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) 2005. The title track went on to win the grand prize at Anugerah Juara Lagu, solidifying Jaclyn’s reputation as one of Malaysia’s most powerful and emotive voices.
Over the years, she has continued to break new ground, representing Malaysia in international competitions like Asian Idol and Ikon Asean, and earning an impressive array of accolades, including 10 AIM Awards, 5 Anugerah Juara Lagu wins, 2 Anugerah Bintang Popular, 2 Anugerah Planet Muzik, and an Anugerah Skrin.
In recent years, Jaclyn added two more major victories to her name: Gegar Vaganza Season 9 (2022) and Gegar Vaganza All Stars (2023)—becoming the first contestant to win back-to-back seasons. She also launched her own label, Rag Doll Records, under which she released the single Kembalilah.
To mark the 20th anniversary of her Malaysian Idol win, Jaclyn released her latest album, Glorious, in January 2025. Recorded and produced in the United States, the album features seven Malay tracks and two English songs—including an English rendition of her breakout hit “Gemilang.” The project is a celebration of her journey, artistry, and connection with fans around the world.
Now, with the orchestral world premiere of her original song Glorious, Jaclyn adds another historic moment to her career—bringing together voice and symphony in a powerful fusion of Malaysian talent and international artistry.
About The Orchestra
Established in 2023, the Tutan Festival Orchestra is more than just an orchestra; it’s Malaysia’s beacon for classical and orchestral excellence. In a world where music constantly evolves, our orchestra is committed to shining a spotlight on timeless classical symphonies, ensuring they resonate with the modern Malaysian audience and beyond. We are passionate about presenting the grandeur of orchestral masterpieces to both new listeners and classical aficionados, weaving the age-old with the contemporary in a rich musical narrative.
Our commitment reaches far beyond the concert hall’s grandeur. TFO’s orchestral melodies are crafted to enchant audiences from every corner of the globe. With each note played and every masterpiece performed, we aspire to transport listeners into a realm of profound emotion, kindling a deeper admiration for the timeless beauty of orchestral arts.
Music is our medium, community our canvas. Beyond live performances, the Tutan Festival Orchestra dedicates itself to enriching Malaysian communities. Through educational drives, community outreach, and artist incubation initiatives, we don’t just play music; we nurture the budding talents of tomorrow. Our partnerships with schools, local art groups, and community hubs ensure that classical tunes resonate in every corner, inspiring love for the arts and fortifying societal bonds.
Tutan Festival Orchestra Performers
Violin 1
- Hyungi Kim**
- Philip Jeremy Law Tze Siangn
- Kyvie Tan
- Melanie Ooi Yong Li
- Kylie Tan
- Lee Jin-Yen
- Nur Izwani binti Ismail
- Esther Lee Xian Ni
- Abdul Hadi bin Ahmad Razli
- Carl Tew Huai Hong
- Chiah Jing Yuan
- Delaney Ng Yen Xuan
- Woon Sze Chiann
- Ian Yoon Zhao-Xuan
Violin 2
- Vira Nyezhentseva*
- Gerald Ng Kea Chye
- Ezra Mulyawan
- Tan Yu Tian
- Lim Shau Ming
- Chew Evangeline
- Ng Jing Ying
- Tan Yan Hong
- Jasher Ng Jie Tong
- Yi Yao
- Li Yi En
- Gwyndylynn Mathilda Denis Valentine
Viola
- Angela Lou Chai Hong*
- Choi Shi Wei (Cheryl)
- Lee Kok Leong
- Jared Ng Yen Tze
- Glaris Tan Ying
- Terrance Ong Chin Hooi
- Dylan Lai Jun-Yi
- Wong Kai Jeff
- Andy Zhang XuanRui
Cello
- Ivan Tores*
- Lee JiaLe
- Grace Tan Jia En
- Jack tew Jie Hong
- Hen Lit Ming
- Melany Yoon Ying Hui
- Aidil Khaizir bin Kamarudin
- Tariq Zikri bin Zulkifli
Double Bass
- Oh Beng Yew*
- Yukari Sasada
- Mohd Azizi bin Azman
- Wan Marina binti Mohd Zaini
- Yong Yoon May
- Kok Keng Onn
- Lee Teck Keong
- Desarie Tan Jing
Clarinet
- Yong Song Yeu*
- Alex Tsok Kian Hung
Flute
- Foo Chieh How*
- Jenny Zhao Chu Jian
- Chai Yem Voon
- Alwin Wong Ru Kiet
Oboe
- Wong Cheong Lum*
- Yong How Keen
- Kaylynn Yap
Bassoon
- Midori Suzuki*
- Loh Jun Yang
Horn
- Kim Vyacheslav*
- Chai Kee Hong
- Mohd Faris bin Romzy
- Mohd Adznan bin Mokhtar
- Woon Sze Ting
Trumpet
- Jonathan Baird*
- Woon Sze Sheng
- Wong Sze Yen (Kay)
- Lim Kar Him
Trombone
- Chia Pei Jing
- Lim Jie Ren
- Khoo Min Khai
Tuba
- Pang Hung Yi
Percussion
- Lee Si Yuan
- Cheh Jing Wan
- Ong Li Yang
- Naomi Inoue
Timpani
- Cheng Kok
Piano
- Wong Poh Lee
Harp
- Bryan Lee Kit Meng*
- Wu Chu Yi
- Wong Hou Jing
- Madelyn Tan Rou Yi
Note:
** Concertmaster
* Section Principal
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Programme Notes
John Adams | Short Ride in a Fast Machine (1986)
Brace yourself for a thrilling musical joyride. Short Ride in a Fast Machine is one of John Adams’ most famous and electrifying pieces—an intense, four-minute burst of rhythmic energy that feels exactly like its title suggests. Imagine being strapped into a high-speed sports car, the wind roaring past, your heart racing—and the engine never lets up.
Composed in 1986, this piece is a shining example of post-minimalism, a style Adams helped pioneer. It builds on the repetitive patterns of minimalism but adds bold orchestration and a strong sense of forward motion. From the very first note, a relentless woodblock pulse sets the tempo, while layers of rhythm and harmony pile up around it like a machine accelerating toward the edge of control.
Despite its short length, the piece is packed with drama, tension, and excitement. It’s not just fast—it’s exhilarating.
Fun Fact: Adams once said he regretted the title because “you risk the conductor turning up in a red Ferrari.” Still, the name stuck—and perfectly captures the wild, white-knuckle ride the music delivers.
Maurice Ravel | Pavane pour une infante défunte (1899)
Elegant, delicate, and hauntingly beautiful, Pavane pour une infante défunte (Pavane for a Dead Princess) is one of Maurice Ravel’s most beloved works. Despite the somber-sounding title, this piece isn’t about mourning. Instead, Ravel imagined a slow, graceful dance that a young princess might have performed in the Spanish court—centuries ago, long forgotten, yet forever graceful.
Written in 1899 while Ravel was still a student, the piece was originally composed for solo piano and later orchestrated by the composer himself. Its gentle melody and refined harmonies show his fascination with both Spanish culture and the elegance of bygone eras. The “pavane” was a slow courtly dance from the Renaissance, and Ravel captures that sense of stately poise and quiet nostalgia.
Despite its calm surface, the piece is full of emotional depth—aching with a kind of tender melancholy that lingers long after the final note fades.
Fun Fact: Ravel later admitted he chose the title simply because he liked the way the words sounded together, not because he was trying to evoke a real story of loss!
Max Bruch | Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor (1868)
Featuring Nancy Zhou, Violin
Lush, lyrical, and brimming with romantic passion, Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor has long been a favourite among both violinists and audiences. Written in the mid-19th century, it captures the emotional depth and sweeping melodies that define the Romantic era, all while showcasing the full expressive power of the violin.
Unlike many concertos, this one opens with a Prelude—a quiet, almost improvisatory introduction that sets the stage for what’s to come. The first movement flows directly into the Adagio, often regarded as the emotional heart of the piece. Here, the violin sings with a warm, almost vocal quality—rich, tender, and deeply moving. The concerto finishes with a fiery Finale, filled with dancing rhythms and bold virtuosity, inspired by folk music from Eastern Europe.
Bruch was a meticulous composer, and it took several revisions—and input from violinist Joseph Joachim—before the piece reached its final form. The result is a masterwork of balance: technically demanding for the soloist, yet always melodic and heartfelt.
Fun Fact: Although Bruch composed over 200 works, he was constantly frustrated that this concerto overshadowed the rest of his career. According to various accounts, he was frequently contacted by violinists eager to perform it—so often, in fact, that he reportedly grew tired of its popularity, despite its enduring success.
Camille Saint-Saëns | Bacchanale from Samson et Dalila (1877)
Exotic, hypnotic, and full of wild energy, Bacchanale is one of the most thrilling moments in Saint-Saëns’ opera Samson et Dalila. It appears in Act III, just before the tragic climax, and serves as a seductive and dazzling dance scene that lures Samson into a trap laid by his enemies.
Drawing on Middle Eastern musical colours, Saint-Saëns uses sinuous melodies, off-kilter rhythms, and vibrant orchestration to create a sense of intoxicated revelry. Winding woodwind lines mimic exotic instruments, while pounding percussion and swirling strings build the atmosphere of a frenzied celebration—a “bacchanal” in the truest sense, referencing the wild festivals of Bacchus, the Roman God of wine.
Though it was written as part of a larger opera, Bacchanale has taken on a life of its own in the concert hall. It’s a brilliant example of how Saint-Saëns could combine dramatic storytelling with rich orchestral colour.
Fun Fact: Although Samson et Dalila is a French opera based on a biblical story, Bacchanale reflects Saint-Saëns’ fascination with North African and Middle Eastern music—an interest he developed during his many travels to Algeria and Egypt.
Igor Stravinsky | The Firebird Suite (1919 Version)
Bold, magical, and bursting with colour, The Firebird Suite launched a young Igor Stravinsky to international fame and marked the beginning of his legendary collaboration with Sergei Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes. Based on Russian fairy tales, The Firebird tells the story of a mythical glowing bird, a wicked sorcerer, a captive princess, and a brave prince who breaks the spell.
Originally composed as a full-length ballet in 1910, Stravinsky later created several shorter orchestral suites for concert performance. The 1919 version, the most commonly performed today, captures the highlights of the ballet in a concise and dramatic form, perfect for showcasing the vivid colors and rhythmic flair of Stravinsky’s early style.
From the shimmering mystery of the opening to the ferocious “Infernal Dance” and the soaring beauty of the “Finale,” this suite is a journey through fantasy and folklore, filled with dazzling orchestration, surprising harmonies, and a powerful emotional arc.
Fun Fact: The Firebird was Stravinsky’s first major commission—and he was only 27 when he wrote it. Its wild success paved the way for his later masterpieces, including Petrushka and The Rite of Spring, which would soon shock (and thrill) the music world.
Jaclyn Victor | Glorious (Orchestral World Premiere)
Composed by Aubrey Suwito | Orchestral arrangement by Azhad Sulaiman
Tonight marks a milestone moment as we present the world orchestral premiere of Glorious, an original song by Malaysian vocal powerhouse Jaclyn Victor. Known for her powerhouse vocals and emotional depth, Jaclyn brings her signature artistry to this stirring anthem of resilience, hope, and self-belief.
Originally released as a pop ballad, Glorious has been reimagined in a lush new orchestral arrangement—amplifying its message and revealing new layers of drama and power. With sweeping strings, triumphant brass, and a cinematic scope, the orchestral version transforms the song into an epic musical statement without losing the heart and soul of Jaclyn’s original vision.
This performance is more than just a collaboration between singer and orchestra—it’s a celebration of Malaysian artistry and the limitless possibilities of musical storytelling.
Fun Fact: Jaclyn Victor made history as the first winner of Malaysian Idol in 2004, and Glorious marks her first-ever original song to receive a full orchestral premiere on the concert stage.
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A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Sponsors & Supporters
To all our esteemed sponsors and collaborators, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your generous support and unwavering belief in our mission have been instrumental in bringing this event to life. It is through partnerships like these that we can continue to elevate the arts and create memorable experiences for our audience.
Our journey is enriched by your contributions, and we are proud to have you as part of the Tutan Entertainment family. Your commitment to fostering creativity and promoting cultural exchange is truly commendable.
Istana Budaya
Malaysia National Symphony Orchestra
Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur
