The Tokyo Symphony Orchestra (TSO), one of Japan’s most internationally acclaimed orchestras, is set to present a memorable performance in its second joint concert with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP), KLCC on April 18.

Japanese ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata said the MPO & TSO Present: Bruckner’s Fourth And Organ Masterpieces 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 said in a recent interview in Kuala Lumpur.

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

This Saturday’s MPO & TSO Present: Bruckner’s Fourth And Organ Masterpieces, helmed by German conductor Jorg-Peter Weigle, offers a compelling programme for classical music enthusiasts, with the DFP’s majestic Klais pipe organ taking centre stage.

The first half brings the TSO and MPO together with renowned German organist Michael Schonheit, featuring Dupré’s Cortège et Litanie, the premiere of Liszt’s Variations On Bach’s “Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen” (in Pierre Cochereau’s organ arrangement), and Rheinberger’s Organ Concerto No. 1 in F. Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4, renowned for its evocative natural imagery and architectural grandeur, brings the programme to a close.

Mutual exchange 

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.

"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,” said Shikata, who will attend the upcoming concert at DFP this Saturday.

Austrian composer Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4 is a programme highlight, which Shikata described as one of his most celebrated works and a landmark of late 18th-century European Romantic symphonic music, celebrating 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,” said Shikata.

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,” said Hirooka. 

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