05 June 2026, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
RondoFest Festival Orchestra & Choir
Tengku Irfan, conductor
Susanna Saw, chorus master
Joydce Khoo, soprano
Chaing YiLing, alto
MAHLER Symphony No. 2
I. Allegro maestoso
II. Andante moderato
III. In ruhig fließender Bewegung
IV. "Urlicht"
V. Im Tempo des Scherzos
MAHLER SYMPHONY NO. 2 — PENANG PREMIERE
For the first time ever, Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 2 comes to Penang on a scale the island has never witnessed. Over 160 musicians and choristers on a single stage.
From moments of stillness to overwhelming orchestral power, this is music that engulfs the space, and the audience within it.
Led by Tengku Irfan, with Susanna Saw directing the choral ensemble, and featuring all-Malaysian soloists Joyce Khoo and Chiang YiLing, this marks a pivotal moment for Malaysia’s musical scene. The RondoFest Festival Orchestra and Choir, formed by handpicked young musicians from around the world, joins forces with choirs from universities and schools, creating a sound that is both global and deeply rooted in community.
Enhanced by a live sand artist interpretation, the performance unfolds visually in real time — immersive, cinematic, unforgettable.
A historic first for Penang. Not often presented. Not easily repeated.
When it happens — you either witness it, or you miss it.
RondoFest 2026 Music Festival and Tour is a cultural initiative under the Visit Malaysia 2026 Campaign, supported by Tourism Malaysia. The Festival is presented in collaboration with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur; the Embassies of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Portugal; the Flemish Government (Department of Culture, Youth and Media); Camões – Instituto da Cooperação e da Língua; Fundação GDA; and ABRSM.
