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Jaap van Zweden Leads Evergreen Symphony Orchestra on Three-Concert Tour to Kuala Lumpur (July 18-20)

  • 2025-07-20
Jaap van Zweden Leads Evergreen Symphony Orchestra on Three-Concert Tour to Kuala Lumpur (July 18-20)

The Evergreen Symphony Orchestra (ESO), led by Artist-in-Residence Jaap van Zweden, embarked on a journey to Malaysia to present three 'Destiny Symphony – Jaap van Zweden and the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra' concerts. The first night's VIP performance and the second evening's charity concert have both concluded successfully, with a final performance scheduled for tonight, July 20th, featuring public ticket sales allowing local music enthusiasts to experience the artistry of Maestro van Zweden and the ESO.

ESO performed three consecutive nights (July 18-20) at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS in Kuala Lumpur.
ESO performed three consecutive nights (July 18-20) at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS in Kuala Lumpur.

The Evergreen Symphony Orchestra announced that all three concerts are held at the Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP) in Kuala Lumpur. Demonstrating the orchestra's remarkable capabilities, this marks the first international tour led by the orchestra's artist-in-residence, internationally renowned conductor Jaap van Zweden, since his appointment in early 2025. The orchestra particularly expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic response from Malaysian audiences, especially during yesterday's (July 19th) second charity performance, which embodied the power of unbounded charity and music without borders.

Artist-in-Residence Jaap van Zweden received flowers from children at the July 19 charity concert.
Artist-in-Residence Jaap van Zweden received flowers from children at the July 19 charity concert.

For the July 19th concert, through arrangements by Evergreen Marine and EVA Air, approximately 300 members from over ten disadvantaged community organizations were invited to attend, including the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM), National Council For The Blind, Malaysia, and the Down Syndrome Association of Selangor (PWSDNS). Guests were first treated to a sumptuous buffet lunch at noon, followed by the afternoon concert performance. Upon departure, each attendee received a gift bag containing fresh local fruits, stationery, and other practical items, allowing the social welfare groups to experience genuine warmth and care along with a special musical presentation.

ESO invited 300 social welfare organization members to the concert and hosted a lunch with gifts for participants.
ESO invited 300 social welfare organization members to the concert and hosted a lunch with gifts for participants.

The three concerts featured a diverse repertoire spanning classic masterpieces from German-Austrian Romantic and Classical periods. The first half opened with German composer Mendelssohn's 'Fingal's Cave' Overture, leading audiences into vast and profound oceanic imagery. For the Mozart Concerto for Flute, Harp and Orchestra in C major, the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra specially invited the collaboration of Malaysian flutist Yew-Kia Koh and Taiwanese harpist Menglu Chiu as dual soloists, symbolizing the artistic achievements of international cooperation. The second half's highlight was Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C minor, widely known as the 'Symphony of Fate'. The entire work, from its initial passionate intensity to its final triumphant victory, displayed Beethoven's indomitable spirit of perseverance. Finally, the orchestra presented two additional encore pieces: 'Dvořák: Slavonic Dance Op. 46, No. 8' and the Malaysian classic song 'Getaran Jiwa.'

Flutist Yew-kia Koh and harpist Menglu Chiu performed Mozart during ESO's Malaysia tour.
Flutist Yew-kia Koh and harpist Menglu Chiu performed Mozart during ESO's Malaysia tour.

The Evergreen Symphony Orchestra's Malaysian tour not only successfully promoted Taiwanese musical culture but also deepened the friendship between Taiwanese and Malaysian people through professional performances and artistic exchange. Currently, intensive planning is underway for 2026 and beyond, anticipating tours for the ESO and Maestro van Zweden to major cities across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, enhancing visibility of Taiwan's musical artistry first at home and ultimately worldwide.