'Malaysian orchestras are better than Indonesia's' - Ahmad Dhani

KUALA LUMPUR – Dewa 19 composer and band leader Ahmad Dhani Prasetyo, better known as Ahmad Dhani, has praised the Malaysian orchestra team, elaborating that it is better than the orchestra team in Indonesia.

Ahmad Dhani viewed Malaysia as having an edge due to the government's support for its orchestra teams, in contrast to Indonesia, where this music was still considered relatively new cultural phenomenon.

"I've had the opportunity to listen to their rehearsals, and it appears that the Malaysian orchestra is superior to the ones in Indonesia.

“This perspective comes from my deep expertise in music," he said.

He further said that in Indonesia, orchestra members were exclusively of Indonesian origin; however, he noticed that Malaysia's orchestra team comprises individuals from various countries.

“On top of that, the orchestra isn't inherently part of our culture. So, when Westerners perform it, the results are better," he told media members at the Dewa 19: A Night at the Orchestra Chapter 5’ live in Malaysia press conference at Axiata Arena today.

A total of 54 members of the Malaysian orchestra will be playing at the show, scheduled for tomorrow (Sept 29) at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.

Dhani also pointed out that the concert would unveil a distinct aspect of Dewa 19, a band renowned for their relaxed rock performances over the years.

"This concert indirectly showcases another dimension of Dewa 19, where some of our songs can be enjoyed in a more serious manner rather than just for entertainment purposes.

"One could describe it as the orchestra enhancing Dewa 19's music during the concert," he explained.

The renowned band is set to perform 24 songs during tomorrow night's concert.

Dewa 19's previous concert in Malaysia was the 30 Years of Dewa 19 Concert held on Sept 9 and 10 last year.