Description

“Merdu Puisi” is the inaugural song recital of The Poetics Collective within VerSeS, a team that dedicates itself to the promotion and performance of art songs.

Art songs are vocal compositions that set poetry to music and is a tradition well established in various languages. The art song of each language reflects the distinct style, character and cultural heritage of the language. This includes the German Lieder, the French Mélodie, English Songs, Mandarin “Ge'' and many others in the Italian and Spanish languages and the newer compositions in the Indonesian and Malay languages.

“Merdu Puisi” specifically focuses on Malaysian poetry in the Malay language set to music by Malaysian composers. “Merdu Puisi” will feature the work of local poets, including that of “Sasterawan Negara” the late Usman Awang, and other living Malaysian poets, set to music by Malaysian composers including Tajul Tajuddin, Marzelan Salleh, Yusran Yusuff, Alia Farahin and Alwagera. We get to hear some insights from some of the poets and composers too during the recital.

This performance aims to promote the art song genre among Malaysians, while also fostering the art of poetry writing and appreciation in the Malay language. A selection of 'lagu rakyat' or folk songs arranged in the classical music style will be included, offering a contrast (and some nostalgia!) to the audience.

Join Soprano Khairunnisa Diyana and Kawai Artist, Pianist Tengku Mohamad Hadif as they bring us on an evening of exploration into the beauty of Malay art songs in “Merdu Puisi”.