MENTION "super singer", and chances are almost every Malaysian will say Jaclyn Victor.
The country's first 'Malaysian Idol' has become one of our biggest names in music since her win in Genting Highlands in 2004.
While the vocal powerhouse and "hot mama" from Kepong is no stranger to the prestigious Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) in Kuala Lumpur, she has yet to hold a solo concert there.
Having performed in most major venues at home and in neighbouring countries, Jaclyn will finally see her DFP dream come true at 8pm on Oct 17.
She is set to serenade fans with more than 20 songs in a spectacular partnership with the world-class Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO).
GRAND CELEBRATION
Ahmad Muriz Che Rose, the MPO conductor for the evening, said Jaclyn's voice will be lifted to new heights by his team of outstanding musicians.
"Together, we promise music lovers, especially fans of Jaclyn, a rich, moving experience that will resonate with everyone present in the concert hall," he says in an interview alongside Jaclyn.
Jaclyn is "very excited" to finally grace the DFP stage solo, describing it as a grand celebration of her two-decade musical journey.
"I can't wait for the big day. This is my first solo show with the MPO, and a timely one as Ahmad Muriz is my old friend," she says
"As far as music is concerned, I always love taking challenges and getting out of my comfort zone to reach for the stars, and this concert is one such opportunity."
She adds: "It is a very exciting concert and I'm really happy to be in it. I have always wanted to sing in DFP with the MPO."
Jaclyn describes orchestras as amazing teams that display perfectionism of the highest standard.
"From my years of getting to know orchestral musicians, I have found that they expect the highest standards amongst all musicians, and this means they are always passionate and hardworking."
Jaclyn promises fans that she will keep fit, eat right and stay healthy in the run-up to the show.
CLASSICAL AND HITS
On her setlist, Jaclyn reveals there will be some interesting and challenging classical Italian tunes.
"There will be 20 songs in the 90-minute show, including medleys. Classical Italian tunes are among them, and they are really a challenge which I'm practising hard for," she says, adding that some of her best-known hits will also be given fresh arrangements.
"Changes are inevitable if you work with an orchestra of 65 musicians. However, the original essence of the songs has to remain intact, and I'm so happy that the MPO will do just that."
Praising her dedication, Ahmad Muriz says Jaclyn prepares hard for every show and always does her homework.
"She always asks the musicians she works with if she is singing it right. She is a person who is never complacent and always keeps learning to better herself as an entertainer."
He also mentions how much he loves her renditions of 'The Prayer' and 'Time to Say Goodbye' (originally by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman).
"I've been following her amazing career from day one, and I loved her performances in 'Aubrey Suwito and Friends' (2017), 'Judika and the MPO' (2019), and 'The Magnificent Seven' (2022). "In this concert, she is singing 'Gemilang', 'Ikut Rentakku', 'Di Bawah Pohon Asmara', 'Tiada Lagi Indah' and 'Beribu Sesalan', as well as her versions of 'Tunggu Sekejap', 'When I Fall in Love', 'Superwoman', 'Diamonds Are Forever', 'Chong Bai', 'O Mio Babbino Caro' and 'Defying Gravity'."
The tracks are arranged by Suwito, Ahmad Muriz, Gerard Salonga, Leonard Yeap, Teuku Umar Ilany, Shahhakam Mokhtar, and Luqman Aziz.
Ahmad Muriz adds: "We've got the best arrangers and composers working with us, so expect the evening to be explosive and entertaining from the word go!"
To complete the experience, Jaclyn will step on stage in stunning new outfits designed by her long-time collaborators, fashion duo Rizman Ruzaini.
"They are the best men to dress me. I can always count on them to weave their fashion magic!"
GLORIOUS JOURNEY
Jaclyn will also perform tracks from her latest album, 'Glorious', which features an English version of 'Gemilang' — the signature anthem that brought her nationwide fame in 2004.
Jaclyn recorded 'Glorious' in New York City, where two of her friends, Gerald Sellan and Adrian Puan, are based.
"It took me three trips to record the nine songs," she shares, adding that the album contains seven Malay and two English tracks.
" 'Glorious' has new lyrics, not the original ones written 20 years ago. The album is a compilation of songs that reflect themes of love lost and love regained, self-empowerment, and resilience in the face of challenges."
Her debut album, 'Gemilang', sold more than 20,000 copies and won multiple accolades, including Best Pop Album and Album of the Year at Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) 2005.
In 2006, her follow-up album 'Inilah Jac' earned her Best Female Vocal Performance at AIM 2006.
Her other albums include 'Jaclyn Victor 3', '3 Suara', 'Ikut Rentakku' and 'Unleashed'.
Jaclyn also starred in 'Talentime' (2009) and 'Appalam' (2010), winning Most Promising Actress at the Malaysian Film Festival 2009 for the former.
Having started her musical journey at the age of 18 in clubs and hotel lounges to support her family after her father's death, Jaclyn has built a career grounded in sheer discipline and passion.
LOOKING AHEAD TO CHINA
In July, the singer added yet another dazzling jewel to her crown by winning the inaugural season of 'Singer Malaysia', securing her golden ticket to represent the country on the international stage at 'Singer China'.
"This concert is truly my training ground for 'Singer' in China next year," she says.
"I have been learning to sing Mandarin songs throughout the year. I was supposed to participate in 'Singer' this year but could not do so due to unforeseen circumstances.
"Nevertheless, I watched the show in China this year, and I was very impressed with the venue in Changsha, which has a state-of-the-art sound system."
Jaclyn is delighted that many Malaysian artists are breaking into the Chinese music market, noting that her close friend Shila Amzah was the trailblazer.
To prepare for her international stint, Jaclyn sought advice from Shila, who previously competed on the show and built a massive fanbase in China.
"Going to 'Singer' next year opens the door wide for me to learn Mandarin and perform for a whole new audience," says Jaclyn.
"I am fortunate to have her (Shila) to refer to regarding the entertainment scene over there, as I would not know how else to understand their industry."
The MPO concert tickers, priced between RM249 and RM499, can be purchased at dfp.com.my.
dchua@nst.com.my
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