#SHOWBIZ: Benett, Zi Yang set to magnetise Beethoven fans with 'Triple Concerto'

THREE of the region's most promising classical talents will join forces for the first time on the stage of Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) this Saturday.

Australian cellist Benett Tsai, Canadian pianist Tony Yike Yang and Malaysian violinist Low Zi Yang will perform Beethoven's celebrated 'Triple Concerto' alongside the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO).

Conducted by Polish maestro Michał Nesterowicz, the 90-minute evening concert opens with Romain Gary's 'Overture for the Roots of Heaven', composed in 1958 for the feature film of the same name.

The piece offers a vivid orchestral description of a thundering herd of elephants across the African plains, echoing the story of an environmentalist fighting to save the species from extinction.

The spotlight then turns to Beethoven's 'Triple Concerto'. The work is renowned for its lively back-and-forth interactions, weaving solo passages, intimate duets and rich trio harmonies against a full orchestral backdrop.

The performance concludes with Ralph Vaughan Williams' serene yet powerful 'Symphony No 5'. First performed in London in 1943 during the darkest days of the World War 2 with the composer himself at the baton, the work is widely admired for its quiet radiance and peaceful atmosphere.

A DREAM REALISED ON HOME GROUND

For 22-year-old Low, returning to the DFP stage as a soloist brings his journey full circle.

The violinist made his orchestral debut with the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra at the age of 13, followed by a performance at The Esplanade in Singapore.

"Becoming a musician was always my childhood dream. I became more passionate about music around the age of 8. I come from a music-loving family, and my parents gave me all the encouragement to pursue it."

Low's first major performance was with the Selangor Philharmonic Orchestra at the age of 8.

"I remember feeling so excited just going for rehearsals with other musicians."

Though he began his musical journey on the piano, he soon switched instruments.

"I stayed with the violin simply because I was much better at it," he laughs.

"There's nothing complex about it — it just makes me happy!"

Low credits his teachers, friends and early experiences of watching the MPO as his greatest inspirations.

"The MPO has been a huge influence on me ever since I was a child. To share the stage with them, alongside Benett and Tony for Beethoven's 'Triple Concerto' is going to be a truly special moment."

Beyond the classical repertoire, Low enjoys listening to jazz, mainstream radio hits and party music.

Looking ahead, Low will continue his residency at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in Belgium in 2027, alongside competing internationally and returning to the Ravinia Festival in the United States next summer.

"What excites me most about this weekend is the combination of a fantastic programme, brilliant musicians and DFP's extraordinary acoustics. Beethoven's 'Triple Concerto' is unique — it is dense, vibrant and packed with energy."

FROM THE TENNIS COURT TO CARNEGIE HALL

For Tsai, his classical music journey took an unconventional path.

"Growing up, I wanted to be a professional tennis player. I started playing the cello at 5, so music was always present, but as I grew older, I realised it was something I wanted to pursue professionally. It felt less like a sudden decision and more like a natural progression."

Raised in a musical household — his father is a pianist and his uncle a cellist and conductor — Tsai was exposed to grand classical works early on.

"I remember watching videos of Herbert von Karajan conducting Beethoven symphonies on television, completely mesmerised. I also grew up listening to my father play the piano at home."

Tsai made his professional debut at 14, performing a recital with his father at the Shanghai Oriental Art Centre.

Today, he performs on major international stages and cites legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma and his mentor Steven Isserlis as among his key influences.

"The cello has such a wide range of tonal colours. It is so close to the human voice. It can be incredibly delicate one moment and remarkably powerful the next. Even after all these years, I am still discovering new sounds within it."

Outside of music, Tsai remains an avid tennis player, art lover and history enthusiast.

Following his Kuala Lumpur performance, he will travel to Germany to premiere 'Rock Star', a new cello concerto composed by Australia's Matthew Hindson, before heading to New York for a chamber performance at Carnegie Hall.

On Saturday's concert, Tsai highlights the chamber spirit of Beethoven's masterwork.

"The 'Triple Concerto' isn't just three soloists playing next to an orchestra. It requires constant listening, quick responses and teamwork between the three of us.

"There is so much humanity, hope and wit in this music. I hope the audience leaves feeling that connection."

Tickets to the concert this Saturday at 8pm range from RM249 to RM499. For details and booking, visit www.mpo.com.my.