1. A disaster zone.
2. A laughing stock.
3 The Malaysian Philharmonic.
Here’s the head count: John Duffy, who assembled the orchestra in 1998, and his successors Kim Sergeant and Frank Dans were dismissed or forced to resign. No public reason has ever been given for their sacking. Steve Smith, who held the job from 2000-2004 resigned of his own accord.
One cause of discontent was the low number of native Malaysians among the orchestra’s 25 nationalities – only five, all Chinese, none Moslem. The recent player sackings may be part of a plan to demolish the ensemble, with the collusion of its chief conductor, Claus Peter Flor.
Marc Rochester, who used to write programme notes for the MPO concerts, adds more background here.
And we’re still awaiting an answer from the MPO to our seven key questions.
I’m a sub with a local paper and this matter was brought to my attention last week. An editor has given me permission to cover this if I can get a statement from both sides. So far, no musicians from the MPO, past or present, has stepped forward to give a statement, although they are less shy at providing details under conditions of anonymity. I understand why present members are reluctant to speak and perhaps former members are not speaking because they are taking legal action but as long as nobody is willing to be quoted, it will be very difficult for mainstream media to highlight this issue to the general public.
Meanwhile, I’ve gotten a reply from DFP saying the recent non-renewal of contracts was in line with procedures and all parties were given due notice. They also gave assurances that performance quality will not suffer. If you have not received a reply so far, I think it is safe to assume they are stonewalling you.
I am sure that if you email the musicians who have posted on this site, some of them ill give you a statement – possibly under guise of anonymity. I will pass on your email to one sacked player who may be able to help.
Please highlight this story in the mainstream media.
Which mainstream media are you refering too, if I may ask? I hope you don’t mean some local newspapers here that our “government-controlled” and “media bias” types.
One thing for sure, the current management of the MPO would not know if the quality suffers.
Those are people who basically never come to the concerts and think that professional players can be replaced with young kids from the youth orchestra.
How can the performance quality of an orchestra NOT suffer if you remove several key players?
How can the performance quality of an orchestra NOT suffer if you have ca 30 vacancies?
Not to mention that many of C.P.Flor’s recent appointments (including promotions) have been aimed at people who he considers loyal and personally useful to him.
They’ve got the job against clear orchestra or section votes and are considered not to be on the artistic level necessary to fill the positions.
I agree!!!!! The Mnagement would not know a single thing about the quality of the MPO because they know nothing about music. They are not music lovers, they are just there to collect their big monthly pay cheques.
Dear Mr Lebrecht
Firstly, I extend greetings from Canada to my friends in Malaysia especially those at the MPO/DFP.
I am C. Stephen (Steve) Smith. I was invited to be General Manager of the MPO in the summer of 2000. I remained in the position until the end of 2004. Although I was strongly urged to accept another 2-year contract, the decision to leave was entirely mine, for personal and family reasons.
Subsequently, I was retained by the MPO as artistic administrator for calendar year 2005, working from my home in Canada, with a work trip to Malaysia mid-term. I know pretty well everyone who has been named in your blog concerning the MPO.
By nature, I am neither a blogger nor blog follower. However your blog was brought to my attention. I have read postings with interest, amazement and ultimately with sadness.
While disinclined to participate, I cannot let gross errors be posted without correction. These are lies. I have direct personal knowledge.
1. I was NOT sacked by MPO. Indeed, I was urged to stay on for another contractual term. The choice to leave the GM’s position was entirely mine.
2. A long posting (Feb.20 – from MPO Holocaust, which alias also offends me) states almost in passing: “Both James Judd and Kim Sargent won their claims against MPO for wrongful dismissal.” You reiterate this as one of your questions in: “Seven questions for Asia’s sinking orchestra”.
The truth: An action by Mr Judd against the MPO was commenced in April 2004. This matter eventually came to trial, and subsequently to the Court of Appeal. On November 29, 2011, the Court of Appeal handed down its unanimous decision, finding in favour of the MPO, and requiring Mr Judd to pay MPO costs in the amount of RM30,000.
During my time at MPO, the music making, especially with Kees Bakels on the podium, was at an extraordinary level, on par or exceeding the level of visiting international orchestras. The challenges of making and keeping the orchestra relevant in the county, where a major professional orchestra had not previously existed, were considerable. There was much frustration. There was also much fulfillment. It was an honour and privilege to be part of it all. As to these present times…
The original vision for the DFP/MPO came from Petronas’ Chairman Tan Sri Azizan (in conjunction with Prime Minister Mahathir’s Vision 2020). It seems to me that the vision began to fade as a direct result of Tan Sri’s untimely passing in July 2004.
Thank you for your comment. I will make the appropriate amendment. Could you please clarify if you were called in as a witness by Petronas in the case they won against James Judd?
I hope things are not as bad as they seem.judging by its recordings and youtube videos,the MSO is a very fine band indeed.
Yes
Technically speaking we’ve had even more General Managers (or at least acting GMs).
After Mr. Duffy there was Sally Rodgers for a short period of time
That did not work out, so they actually asked John Duffy back for a while to sort out the mess.
Then Ian Smallbone (from IMG) took over before Mr. Smith joined.
He had to take the fall for the mistakes made during the re-audition procedure. A very capable manager; the mess was certainly not his fault.
Talking about previous general managers of the MPO…It also would be interesting to get some feedback from the new general manager Timothy Tsukamoto.
It must be uncomfortable at least that the first thing he got to do in the new job is helping this high handed management to fire some of the best musicians in the orchestra, without any reasons given.
I could image that his international reputation is at stake here.
“international” reputation? Hyogo right?
Great point!! I too would like to hear what he has to say on this matter! Please step forward and explain!