KL’s orchestra festival explores the emotional power and harmony of oboe, trumpet and French horn

KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 — Long before audiences notice the sweeping violins or dramatic piano passages in an orchestra, instruments such as the oboe and French horn are already shaping the emotional atmosphere behind the music.

Whether in a classical symphony or a Hollywood film soundtrack, these often-overlooked instruments add depth, warmth and balance to orchestral performances, bringing life to scenes of romance, suspense, heartbreak and triumph.

Damrih Banawityakit, head of the Creative Music Department at Silpakorn University, Thailand, said the oboe is regarded as one of the orchestra’s most expressive voices because of its penetrating yet sweet tone.

Often entrusted with emotional melodies, the instrument naturally stands out despite being smaller and less familiar to the general public.

“It often plays beautiful and expressive melodies, which is why we sometimes describe the oboe as the ‘main actress’ of the orchestra because its sound naturally draws attention,” he told Bernama after the Instrument Workshop: Oboe, French Horn and Trumpet held in conjunction with the Kuala Lumpur Orchestra Festival (FOKL) 2026 here yesterday.

Having played the oboe for more than 40 years, Damrih said it is among the most difficult instruments to master, especially because players must make and adjust their own reeds, a delicate component that heavily influences tone quality.

“If you make a very good reed, then you already have 50 per cent of the advantage,” he said, adding that mastering the instrument requires years of discipline, breath control and technical training.

Commenting on the instrument workshop, he said it introduced young musicians to reed maintenance, breathing support and sound production techniques to help them better understand the oboe’s unique character.

Meanwhile, Silpakorn University Faculty of Music lecturer Supreeti Ansvananda said the French horn carries a completely different personality within the orchestra.

From the music of Mozart and Beethoven to modern Hollywood soundtracks, the French horn is often used to evoke feelings of heroism, romance and tension, even if audiences may not immediately recognise the instrument itself.

“People hear the French horn all the time in movies, especially in Hollywood films, but many may not realise it is actually the horn they are listening to. From soft emotional scenes to battles and heroic moments, the French horn is always there. It is like the soul of the orchestra,” he said.

Supreeti described the instrument as a “bridge” within the orchestra because of its ability to blend both woodwind and brass sections while carrying harmony and melody at the same time.

Flute instructor Worapon Kanweerayothin said the flute offers yet another colour to orchestral music, capable of sounding bright and lively or soft and emotional depending on the musical setting.

Although often perceived as easier to learn than other wind instruments, he said producing a proper tone remains one of the biggest challenges for beginners.

“Without a good tone, so many notes you play mean nothing. The tone is the music,” he said, adding that the flute is also commonly associated with romantic melodies and wedding performances because of its light and soothing sound.

FOKL, organised by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), runs from May 28 to June 28 and offers the public the opportunity to enjoy orchestral music performances free of charge. Among those performing at the festival are orchestras from Thailand, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore and China. — Bernama