At just 27, Tengku Irfan has already lived several musical lifetimes.
Composer. Pianist. Conductor. These aren’t titles he wears for show—they are integral threads in the rich musical tapestry of a young man whose name has become synonymous with Malaysia’s classical music scene. And this October, Irfan returns to the podium to lead the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (MPYO) at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, in a performance that promises intensity, brilliance, and a passing of the torch.
A Young Maestro With A Global Vision
From his debut with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) at just 11 years old to international accolades such as three ASCAP Morton Gould Awards, Irfan’s journey has been nothing short of meteoric. Yet, beneath the sheen of prodigious talent lies an artist deeply committed to musical growth—not only his own but that of the generation rising behind him.
Now based abroad and conducting orchestras across the globe, Irfan’s return to work with the MPYO isn’t merely a professional engagement but rather a heartfelt homecoming.
“What excites me about this performance with the MPYO,” he shares, “is that all the music suits the temperament of the musicians. Young musicians relate very well to high-end emotions, whether it’s intense, joyous, or sentimental. All the works on the programme have these elements in their own ways.”
The concert, slated for Wednesday, 8 October 2025, is more than a showcase—it’s a dialogue between experience and potential, past and future.
From Wunderkind To Mentor
To many, Irfan will always be the piano prodigy whose fingers once danced across international stages under the baton of the world’s most eminent conductors. But in recent years, his role has evolved into something more profound: that of mentor and guide.
“As someone who has worked with the MPO and MPYO in the past, I feel a greater responsibility to show the younger generation why music is not only fun but relevant to us as a society,” he explains.
His method of mentoring is both imaginative and empathetic. “Instead of simply asking them to ‘play more relaxed’, I like to say, ‘it has to sound relaxed as if you’re chilling on your sofa’. Young players respond to metaphors, they make the music personal.”
This sense of relatability underscores his approach to conducting. He’s not a distant authority figure waving a baton, rather he’s a collaborator, inviting musicians into the emotional landscape of a piece.
Nurturing Youth
Irfan is candid about the importance of platforms like the MPYO. “They are not just a display of young talents. They are the future of classical music in Malaysia,” he says. “They represent that classical music is not only for older and experienced people, but that everyone of all ages can experience and enjoy it.”
His hope? That more audiences show up to experience their performances and to support the hard work of these young musicians. “We need more people to be aware of their dedication, and to celebrate the amazing Malaysian talents we have.”
Conductor At Heart
While Irfan’s career began at the piano, and his compositions have been performed by orchestras from New York to Singapore, his heart now beats to the rhythm of the baton.
“I may return to piano and composition in the future, but I’ve decided that conducting is my main focus—and I’d like it to remain so for the rest of my life.”
Why? Because for Irfan, conducting encapsulates everything he loves about music. “It’s physical, but it’s also emotional and intellectual. You get into the brain, heart, and soul of the composers. It’s an all-rounded experience.”
A Call For Support
When asked about the future of classical music in Malaysia, Irfan doesn’t shy away from the challenges. “The quality of musicians in Malaysia is rising, but we need more committed teachers and mentors to keep the momentum going.”
He believes the future lies in more than just rigorous training—it lies in creativity and cross-pollination. “We don’t live in a vacuum,” he says. “I see creative people combining classical music with entrepreneurship, with technology, with new platforms. It’s refreshing, and it gives classical music new life.”
And what advice would he give to the young musicians of today?
“Open up to more interests and explore outside of music. Yes, practise your instrument—but also live a full, curious life. That’s what gives your music depth.”
Tengku Irfan’s upcoming performance with the MPYO isn’t just another date on the classical calendar. It’s a moment of generational synergy—where legacy meets fresh passion, and where Malaysian talent shines at its brightest.
Catch Tengku Irfan and the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, 8.00pm at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, KLCC.
