By Dian Pasquinal Kaur
The song Gemilang holds a very special place in Jaclyn Victor’s musical journey. Composed by Aubrey Suwito, with lyrics by Asmin Mudin, it was specifically written for the two finalists of the inaugural Malaysian Idol competition. Jaclyn’s stirring rendition secured her the title that night and the song was featured on her debut album of the same name. Gemilang went on to become a defining anthem in Jaclyn’s career.
More than two decades later, the song now lends its name to her very own concert with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), set to take place on Saturday, October 17, at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS. Gemilang Bersama MPO brings her signature songs to life in a symphonic setting, marking a new chapter in her longstanding association with the orchestra.
The vocal powerhouse has previously appeared with the MPO as a guest vocalist in Aubrey Suwito & Friends in 2017, Judika & the MPO (2019), and The Magnificent Seven (2022), the latter helmed by conductor Gerard Salonga and featuring popular Hollywood film scores.
Taking To The Stage
“When I first started singing, the MPO always conjured an image of something rather daunting. It represented the pinnacle of musical sophistication and an extraordinary standard of performance. To now stand on this very stage and headline my own concert is an immense honour and a dream come true,” she says.
Born Jaclyn Joshua Thanaraj Victor, she was just nine years old when her father passed away. Her mother took on multiple jobs to provide for Jaclyn and her three younger brothers. Musically inclined from a young age, Jaclyn began performing at clubs and hotel lounges at 18, honing her craft and developing the commanding stage presence that would later become her trademark. Her mother spotted an audition announcement for Malaysian Idol and encouraged her to take part. It would be a decision that changed the course of her life.
“Singing Gemilang always takes me back to the finals. I can still feel the emotions, the exhaustion and the pressure of that night 22 years ago,” she recalls. She also recorded an English version, which was included in her US-produced album Glorious.
As preparations intensify for the concert, Jaclyn is taking extra care of her voice, which has been affected by the recent weather. “I hope to get some rest too. The demanding setlist includes more than 20 songs. I will also be pushing my vocal limits with an Italian aria, O Mio Babbino Caro,” she shares.
Greatest Hits And More
Audiences can expect a 90-minute performance featuring Jaclyn alongside the 65-member MPO, under the baton of conductor Ahmad Muriz Che Rose. The programme will include a rhythm section, an English-language medley and symphonic arrangements of her signature songs, including Gemilang, Ikut Rentakku and Di Bawah Pohon Asmara.
She will also perform Chong Bai, originally recorded by Taiwanese Mandopop singer Fish Leong and previously performed by Jaclyn on Singer 2026 Malaysia, where she won the inaugural championship title. Jaclyn is set to represent Malaysia in China next year. She has been taking Mandarin lessons since the competition began to prepare for the challenge.
Having worked with Jaclyn over the years, Muriz has come to admire not only her vocal ability but also her professionalism and artistic integrity. “She is a consummate professional — mature, diligent and always eager to learn. She remains true to herself, and she consistently delivers,” he observes.
For Muriz, the concert also presents an opportunity to encourage local singers to venture beyond familiar repertoire and embrace more demanding works. “I have always wanted to see a Malaysian take on an Italian aria. It would be a missed opportunity not to challenge our singers to push their boundaries on a stage of this stature.”
While Jaclyn’s impressive vocal range is a defining characteristic of her artistry, it is her versatility and expressive delivery that make her music especially rewarding to reinterpret with a full symphony orchestra. “She has a unique ability to make familiar songs feel fresh and contemporary, creating exciting opportunities for orchestral arrangements that reveal new colours, textures and emotional depth within her repertoire,” Muriz says.
He hopes the concert will leave audiences with a deeper appreciation of the MPO and inspire them to discover more of what the orchestra has to offer.
