Author Description

The MPO Composers Forum is the first established composers' forum in Malaysia, based on funding by Petroliam Nasional Berhad(PETRONAS). By its own account, the MPO Composers Forum has been successful meeting its goals of connecting composers with audience and musicians, and of assisting in career development of local composers within the geographical context of Malaysia. This research sought to provide the historical context for the MPO Composers Forum's establishment and its impact towards the performance of contemporary western classical music, Malaysian composers, performers, and audience of contemporary western classical music in Kuala Lumpur. Although at this point it may be too early to tell the full impact of the MPO Composers Forum on contemporary western classical music by Malaysian composers in Malaysia, by many appearances the forum has positioned itself well to at least have some impact, especially within Kuala Lumpur.