Front Row (BFM Media)

We're invited to journey into the enchanting realm of nature's melodies with "Echoes of Seasons," a concert featuring cello soloist Elizabeth Tan's captivating rendition of Haydn's sublime Cello Concerto in D major, and subsequently, under the guidance of Artistic Director Ergys Koni, the stage transforms into a vibrant canvas, as Vivaldi's timeless masterpiece, "The Four Seasons," unfolds. Presented by Kamerata KL in collaboration with the UCSI Institute of Music, we're set to experience the expressive richness of the cello with Haydn's signature wit and charm, and then Vivaldi's lively rebirth of "Spring" to the poignant chill of "Winter,". Elizabeth and Ergys join us to share more.

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Hijauan is a performance that transports audiences to a realm where nature’s grandeur meets cultural diversity. Presented by contemporary dance company Dua Space Dance Theatre, the founder of the company, Anthony Meh, personally choreographed "Hijauan" as a heartfelt ode to Malaysia, and celebrates the rich diversity of Malaysia through a blend of traditional elements into contemporary dance styles. Celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, we chat with Lim Hong Jie, a senior dancer and an Assistant Artistic Director with Dua Space, to find out more about this show.

Image Credit: Dua Space Theatre

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The Exposure+ Photo 2023 festival will feature a multi-venue set of exhibitions, happening all across the city centre of Kuala Lumpur. The series of events planned aims to expand the depth and exposure of Malaysia-based photographers, along with bringing a varied and fresh international program of project-based photography to local audiences. The second edition of the festival is themed "A Different Light" and we find out more about this independent and grassroots initiative from Steven Lee and Nadirah Zakariya, the co-founders of Exposure+ Photo.

Image Credit: Exposure+ Photo/Fion Hung

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Kuala Lumpur City Opera (KLCO) is set to present one of the most beloved of all operas by Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti, The Elixir of Love. The comic opera in two acts will feature an orchestra ensemble of over 25 players, led by conductor Kevin Field, and stage directed by Christopher Ling. We catch up with both Kevin and Christopher to discuss the upcoming production.

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The Sisters Soong is a new production by The Actors Studio Seni Teater Rakyat, weaving a dramatic tale that spans the personal and political spheres of three of the most influential women in 20th-century China. Written by Joe Hasham OAM and directed by Dato’ Dr. Faridah Merican, this play blends history and fiction to explore the lives of the Soong sisters—Ai-ling, Ching-ling, and Mei-ling—who each played pivotal roles in shaping modern China. Set against a backdrop of political upheaval and familial loyalty, the play promises an engaging theatrical experience, enhanced by live music, intricate choreography, and stunning period costumes. We find out what's in store from two of the production's actors, Season Chee who is playing the character Charlie Soong, and Jane Tee, who is portraying Soong Mei-ling.

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A decade after the iconic Palate Palette (PP) Restaurant and Bar closed its doors, its spirit lives on through the Palate Palette Pop-Up event, a one-day extravaganza that wants to celebrate Palate Palette's enduring legacy of community, creativity, and inclusivity. Featuring a curated mix of food, music, art, and workshops, the event honours the past, revels in the present, and looks forward to a future of shared experiences, making it a must-attend celebration for all. We catch up with Su-Ann Wong, the Founder of Palate Palette, for a walk down memory lane, while discussing highlights from the upcoming event.

Image Credit: Palate Palette Pop, Instagram

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Rexperience: The ‘Otherworld’, the immersive art experience at REXKL, is entering its final two weeks. Part of the show includes 'Annihilation' - the final 17-minute show in the hour-long ‘Otherworld’ experience - which is described as a first in Malaysia to feature dancers using live motion capture technology. A collaboration with Belgian digital artist Colas Fiszman and Berlin based composer Jonas Margraf, we find out more about this performance that combines dance, digital art, lasers and a 360 spatial soundtrack from two of the performing artists involved, Grace Ng and Arifwaran Shaharuddin.

Image Credit: Rexperience (RXP.KL)

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Kalpana Dance Theatre (KDT) will be presenting a weekend of two solo Bharatanatyam recitals - 'Kaivalyam - a journey to liberation' by Danya Rubinee Lim, and 'Tvameva - to You, I Surrender' by Shobita Nagulendran. Accompanied by a live orchestra, the aim of these double bill solo presentations is to pay obeisance to the roots of Bharatanatyam, which initially started as a solo performing art and was only later popularised as group performances. The dancers featured are both senior dancers of Kalpana Dance Theatre, and both performances will feature entirely new and original choreographies of Bharatanatyam exponent, Shri PT Narendran. We find out what's in store from Artistic Director Shangita Namasivayam, Choreographer Shri PT Narendran, and dancers Danya Rubinee Lim and Shobita Nagulendran. 

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The klpac Orchestra are kicking off their 2024 season with a special program showcasing the renowned compositions of Ludwig van Beethoven. More than two centuries ago, Beethoven debuted two of his most significant works during a single concert, a moment that also marked his final public appearance before succumbing to complete deafness in the ensuing years. Among these works, Symphony No. 5 stands as a pinnacle of musical achievement, its iconic four-note opening motif resonating across classical circles and permeating popular culture. In addition to Symphony No. 5, audiences will be treated to the tender melodies of Piano Concerto No. 4, featuring Dr. Poom Prommachart, and rounding out the program is Beethoven's Egmont Overture, a rare gem among his compositions originally crafted for a theatrical production of the same name. We find out all about this upcoming concert titled Beethoven: His Romance and Fire from conductor Lee Kok Leong, and concertmaster, Lee Hai Lin.

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Kalpana Dance Theatre is back with a new Odissi performance, Call Of The Flute, featuring choreographer and concert curator Leena Mohanty, with music by Dr. Dheeraj Kumar Mohapatra. Leena, a leading exponent of Odissi dance, and a disciple of Guru Deba Prasa Das, joins us together with Shobita Nagulendran, a dancer at Kalpana Dance Theatre, to share more about the show that not only delves into the ancient tales of Krishna, but also explores the universal desire for connection and transcendence, and which features a cast of 65 performers ranging in age from 4 - 40!

Image Credit: Kalpana Dance Theatre

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Fault Lines is described as a play that deals with topics of homeland, the freedom to be, family and the never ending pursuit of unconditional love. A project ten years in the making, this is the debut full-length work of Adriana Nordin Manan, and was a semi-finalist in the International Scratchpad Series by The Playwrights Realm, New York City (2021). Adriana, together with Putrina Rafie, a performer in the play, join us to share more.

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Tabula Rasa 2024, Choreography: Reset, Reflect, Reimagine is a mixed-bill production featuring new contemporary works by five artists - Chai Vivan, Raziman Sarbini, Zulkarnain Zuber, Nadhirah Rahmat, and Indian Manipur guest Surjit Nongmeikapam. With Creative Production by Imran Syafiq and presented by ASK Dance Company, Tabula Rasa or “blank slate,” begins with the premise that all humans are born with the ability to realise a multitude of possibilities in creativity. This production aspires to challenge preconceived ideas about dance, and we find out what's in store from the Artistic Director of both the company and the production, Prof. Dr. Joseph Gonzales.

Image Credit: ASK Dance Company (ADC)

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The 39 Steps is a high-energy theatrical adventure combining mystery, espionage, and humour. Adapted from John Buchan’s novel and Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film, it follows the dashing Richard Hannay, whose ordinary life is upended when a mysterious woman claiming to be a spy is murdered in his flat. Now on the run from a shadowy organisation called “The 39 Steps,” Hannay navigates a whirlwind of intrigue across London and the Scottish Highlands. With over 80 characters brought to life by a talented cast, this comedy blends Hitchcockian suspense with Monty Python-esque slapstick. Presented by Limelight Theatre, we find out more from the show's creators and cast members, Joe Wyatt and Nikki Brown. 

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Garam is a semi-devised play described as a metatheatre about the thoughts, memories, and experiences of six artists finding connections with each other, amidst their inner struggles with feelings of disconnection and alienation. A piece by Asyraf Syahir, the Founder and Artistic Director of EJKLS Seni, we find out what's in store from Asyraf, and also from cast member Emily Thomas.

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Bharatha Kalanjalii Malaysia are celebrating their 50th anniversary, kicking off a year-long calendar of events with the Bharatanatyam dance performance, Swarnarekha. The school was co-founded in 1974 by Srimathi Meera Venugopal, a distinguished disciple of the renowned Dhananjayan duo, who has been working hard ever since to promote Indian classical dance here in Malaysia. We catch up with Meera, and also her son Rajdessh Gopal, the Director of the school, to look back at the last school's milestones and challenges, and to discuss their plans for the future, including the performances, workshops, and seminars, in store for their 50th anniversary celebrations.

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Motets - Bach & Poulenc is a performance featuring sacred music compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) and Francis Poulenc (1899-1963), two composers from different periods in classical music history, each with distinct styles and influences. In this concert presented by the VerSeS Music Ensembles, we will be treated to two (of only six) of Bach’s motets composed in the 1700s, namely, Komm, Jesu, komm (BWV 229) and Jesu, meine Freude (BWV 227), and then jumping ahead two centuries, we will hear Poulenc’s Quatre motets le temps pour Noël. We find out more about what's in store by this performance from Scott Woo, the director/ tenor of the performance, and UK-based guest collaborator, Ibrahim Aziz, who specialises in the performance of baroque, renaissance and contemporary music for the viola da gamba.

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Aiwei Foo’s first solo exhibition, “Forever Gone But Always Exists” features six recent works on paper by the artist, as well as a piece of performance art. The exhibition and performance are described as the artist’s avenue in challenging the conventional ideas of time and permanence, and through it she explores the nuances of memory, life, and the eternal imprint that transitory things leave behind on the axis of time. We speak to Aiwei to find out more about her eclectic career as an multidisciplinary artist, and what to expect from this first solo exhibition, which is happening at Suma Orientalis Fine Art.

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The SeaShorts Film Festival returns for its seventh edition, and is an annual celebration of Southeast Asian short films, comprising screenings, forums, workshops, exhibitions, and other creative endeavours from guests across the region. We speak to Elyna Shukri, the Chairperson of the SeaShorts Film Society, to find out what we can expect from this year's festival which is themed, Tanam Padi.

Image Credit: SeaShorts Film Society

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Get On Your Feet is a charity musical featuring renowned choreographer Farah Sulaiman, to raise funds for Cancer Research Malaysia. Showcasing popular songs from 18 different musicals, we're promised music from the likes of Wicked, Mamma Mia, Chicago, South Pacific, and so much more. Paired with Farah Sulaiman's unique performing style, Get On Your Feet promises to be an entertaining song and dance extravaganza for all ages. We find out more from the musical's director, Sabrina Hassan, and Renee Aziz Ahmad, who is performing for this edition, and who is also a cancer survivor. Renee shares her story of living with cancer, and how her outlook on life has changed since her diagnosis.

Image Credit: Get On Your Feet the Musical

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Self-taught artist Syahbandi Samat’s fifth solo exhibition, The Road Less Travelled, is described as a mini-review of the artist’s career that began in 2011, when at the age of 19, he was selected as one of the five winners of the 2011 Malaysia Emerging Artist Awards (MEAA). Thematically, Syahbandi’s artworks selected for this exhibition focus on his more introspective works, surreal renderings filled with metaphors and symbolism, as he comes to terms with past traumas and articulates the insights he’s gained on his continuing journey of self-realisation. Presented by Artemis Art in partnership with  HARTA Space, we find out more from Syahbandi himself, and Ivan Gabriel, a co-curator of the exhibition with Artemis Art.

Image Credit: Artemis Art

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The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) continues its mission to broaden public appreciation for music beyond Western classical traditions, through the upcoming concert, Celestial Serenade. The concert celebrates Chinese classical music, highlighting the suona, a significant woodwind instrument in Chinese culture. Led by Jebat Arjuna Kee, the MPO collaborates with renowned suona performer Liu Wenwen to present Gong Guotai’s Hundred Birds Worshipping the Phoenix and Ode to Kylin by Kong Zhixuan, alongside Tan Dun’s Crouching Tiger Concerto featuring cellist Dylan Lee and other compositions such as Li Minxiong’s Flying Dragon Leaping Tiger and Zhu Jianer’s Sketches in the Mountains of Guizhou. We speak to cello soloist Dylan Lee, to find out more.

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Watercolour artist and educator Lee Wee Xian has made a name for himself in the world of watercolour painting, and is set to present his first solo exhibition titled Overture, that will feature over 25 watercolour paintings that capture the forgotten, vanishing scenes and landmarks of Melaka. Known for his skillful use of light, shadow, water, and pigments, his work captures the beauty of everyday moments and reflects his deep connection to his hometown. He joins us to share more about his blooming visual arts career, and his upcoming solo exhibition.

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The klpac Symphonic Band opens its 2024 season with a tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson in the concert titled, This Is It: Tribute to Michael Jackson. Whether with The Jackson 5 or as a solo artist, Michael Jackson gave us countless chart-topping hits, and in this upcoming concert conducted by Cheryl Mah, we get the chance to relive these very hits such as “Thriller”, “Billie Jean”, “Beat It”, “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You”, “Smooth Criminal” and many more all-time favourites. We find out more about what's in store from Chew Sze Gee, a flautist and the Vice President of The klpac Symphonic Band, and Lydia Ong, the concertmistress of the This Is It: Tribute to Michael Jackson show.

Image credit: This Is It: Tribute to Michael Jackson

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Following a successful run in 2023, local improv comedy troupe, AIIA Improv, returns with One Word Wonder, described as a performance where long form improv comedy meets live music, for a hilarious night out. In this unique performance, the audience plays a pivotal role by suggesting a single word that the improvisers will use to create an entire show on the spot. The show will feature the talents of AIIA Improv members Tung Jit Yang, Farah Rani, Shamaine Othman, Iedil Dzuhrie Alaudin, and Ashraf Modee Zain, alongside musical guest, Irena Taib of The Impatient Sisters. We catch up with Farah and Shamaine to find out what's in store. 

Image Credit: AIIA Improv

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12tone Ensemble are set to present their second ever concert, “Dream Tryst,” featuring rarely performed choral compositions, right here in Malaysia. Highlights include John Corigliano's "Fern Hill," based on Dylan Thomas' poem, and Benjamin Britten's "Rejoice in the Lamb," set to Christopher Smart's text, among others. Founded in 2023 by Music Director Caeleb Tee, the ensemble comprises experienced choristers from Klang Valley, with Steinway Artist Zhang Chi on piano as a special guest for this concert. Caeleb joins us to discuss what's in store in this exploration of choral literature and poetry.

Image Credit: Dream Tryst

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The Taalam Percussion and Solkattu Academy Malaysia (TAPAS Malaysia) are set to launch this Sunday, and will be the first ghatam school in Malaysia, serving Southeast Asia. The launch includes a morning rhythm workshop, and also free evening performances for the public by leading Malaysian Carnatic music practitioners. We discuss ghatam music, and the upcoming events with Karthik Krishnasamy, the Director of  TAPAS Malaysia. 

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Gerak Bayang: The Art of Storytelling is an exhibition featuring 39 local artists, and showcases various works of art revolving around the theme of wayang kulit. We speak to the curator of Gerak Bayang, Siti Melorinda Khuzaina binti Sakdudin, about what the Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Museum and Art Gallery's biggest post-pandemic exhibition has to offer.

Image Credit: Wayang Kulit Kelantan By Nik Zainal Abidin Nik Salleh, Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery

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After taking the Bobo stage by 'barricade-storm' last August with their musical theatre revue, Sean Ghazi and Friends return for a re-stage of Bobo on Broadway. Once again, Sean shares the Bobo KL stage with guest soprano Lara Maigue, lyric baritone Christopher Morandi, Bobo-favourite Ida Mariana, and vocal electra Izen Kong, performing a program that includes top Broadway hits from Cabaret, Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, and The Phantom of the Opera, led by musical director Nish Tham. We catch up with Sean, who is an actor, singer, and the artistic director of Bobo KL, to find out more. 

Image Credit: Bobo KL

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Gone are the days of princesses waiting helplessly to be rescued by knights in shining armour. Twisted reinvents well-known fairy tale characters, intertwining them into a new plot with a contemporary twist, showcasing strong, independent, and realistic leads that serve as empowering role models for both girls and boys. As times change, our fairy tales must evolve to - and Twisted hopes to reflect this modern perspective. We find out what's in store from Fa Abdul, the director and producer of the show, from Big Nose Productions. 

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Rahmat Bahgia is a visual arts exhibition and series of events by the A.P Art Gallery, that explores, celebrates and reflects upon all the things that make us truly Malaysian. Through a range of events in September - set during and around Malaysia Day celebrations - Rahmat Bahgia wants us to experience everyday life as a Malaysian, and at the exhibition itself, we will be treated to quintessential Malaysian objects, ranging from biscuits to hair oil, and so much more. We speak to gallery owner, Nazura Rahime, and Rahmat Bahgia’s curator, Anderson Ee, to find out how they hope Rahmat Bahgia can be a bridge between different people, cultures and communities, in our country.

Image Credit: A.P Art Gallery

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The Dance Box Series started off as a series of monthly dance events organised by MyDance Alliance and The Actors Studio, to showcase a diversity of dance, but has now evolved into a mixed bill performance presenting works in progress, experimental works by established artists, and new works by emerging artists. This Nov 2023 edition of Dancebox will feature works by Art Room Studio, Asia Ballet Theatre, Dance Space, Geethashankaran Dance, Iqram Company, Wong Shan Tie, WUXU Dance Troupe, Zulkanain Zuber, and we find out more from Kenny Shim, a dancer/choreographer who is the producer of this edition of Dancebox.

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It's been 20 years since the Dataran Merdeka floods wiped out The Actors Studio’s Plaza Putra underground complex. The Life Sdn Bhd series was born a year after those devastating floods in 2003, with the purpose of sharing true experiences and tales of living the Malaysian life, openly and without judgement. Now in 2023, the series is going back full circle to the theme “What It Means To Be Malaysian?” - the first ever theme explored - under the direction of Dato’ Dr. Faridah Merican. We speak to Faridah, who is also the Executive Producer of the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac), about the mix storytellers who will be offering differing viewpoints and personal stories on this heartfelt issue, in this new edition of the series.

Image Credit: klpac

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Malaysian audiences are set to get a taste of Adele, as British singer Natalie Black brings the renowned "Adele Tribute Hometown Glory" show to Kuala Lumpur. Promising hits like 'Hello,' 'A Million Years Ago,' and 'When We Were Young,' the show is not only a treat for the senses, but will also raise funds for SportExcel, the foundation for Malaysian sporting excellence which has been instrumental in nurturing the talents of athletes who have achieved global recognition, including our very own squash champion, Datuk Dr. Nicol Ann David. We speak to Y.A.M Tunku Imran ibni Tuanku Ja'afar, the Chairman of Yayasan Kecemerlangan Sukan Malaysia (SPORTEXCEL), and Dato' Nicholas Pinder, the Director of Homme Productions and the producer/ promoter of the show, to find out more.

Image Credit: Homme Productions

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Oliver! The Musical is an adaptation of the story of young orphan Oliver Twist, the highs and lows he experiences, and the colourful characters he meets along the way, including the Artful Dodger and the eccentric Fagin. Adapted for the Kuala Lumpur Children's Choir, we speak to Music Director Darrel Chan to find out what they've cooked up for us, in this production which also commemorates the Kuala Lumpur Children's Choir’s 20th anniversary.

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“Bapaku Pulang: Growing Up with Art - Selected works from the collections of Nazura Rahime & Sharmin Parameswaran” is an exhibition that features artworks by 39 Malaysian modern and contemporary artists. Curated by Sarah Abu Bakar, the show brings together selected artworks collected by Nazura and Sharmin’s late fathers - Rahime Harun (1954–2008) and Dato’ N. Parameswaran (1948–2022). Both art curators themselves now, we catch up with Nazura and Sharmin to hear their stories of growing up surrounded by art, the influence their parents had on their own subsequent journeys into the world of visual arts, and why they are collaborating to show the world pieces from their late fathers’ private collections.

Image Credits:

Tan Choon Ghee, Nagore Durgha Sheriff, Leboh Chulia Penang

Ismail Mat Husin, Untitled

Yap Chin Hoe, Untitled I

From the collections of Nazura Rahime and Sharmin Parameswaran

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It's time for our yearly fix of all things French, as this year's instalment of the Le French Festival kicks off from the 29th of May until the 14th of July 2024. Back for its 22nd edition, the festival promises a mix of French-themed movie screenings, visual arts exhibitions, theatre performances, family and kids activities, workshops, gastronomy discoveries and so much more. Co-organised by the Alliances Françaises de Malaisie and the Embassy of France in Malaysia, we find out what's in store from Emmanuelle Marchand, the Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs, from the Embassy of France in Malaysia.

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Classical Kung Fu! is described as a cross cultural celebration of music and martial arts. This fundraising concert promises an exciting dive into the mix of classical music and martial arts movie music, and features performances by the Philomusica String Orchestra, and the Philomusica Youth String Orchestra, led by Dr Goh Chia-Chien, the Artistic Director of the Musicians Linkage group of ensembles. We speak to Chien to find out more about this upcoming performance, and also to chat about his own global musical journey, and why he came back to Malaysia to help aspiring musicians address and overcome the common barriers faced by musicians in the classical music industry through Musicians Linkage. 

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"Jungle Jungle" is an exhibition by Taiwanese artist Zhang Xu Zhan, which delves into the shared and diverse cultural narratives across regions, highlighting how music's meaning and folk tales evolve locally. Inspired by the folktale "Sang Kancil and the Crocodiles" encountered during an artist residency in Indonesia, Zhang interweaves similar stories like Taiwan's "The Mouse and the Buffalo" and China's "The Rabbit and the Crab." Through the lens of a fly's compound eye, the exhibition portrays these interchanging animal tales, using metaphors like mirrors and shadows to reflect cultural flows and human-animal connections. We speak to Rahel Joseph, the Gallery Director of Ilham Gallery who are hosting this exhibition, to discover more about the artist, his works and his unique approach to storytelling.

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Unquiet Thoughts is an art song recital that focuses on poetry that explores the myriad of emotions entangled in the realm of love - matters that keep us awake at night, so to speak. This art song recital showcases a rich selection of poetry spanning millennia and continents, exploring the complexities of human connection and desire. The program includes art songs in English, Mandarin, German, Italian, and French, each carefully curated to offer a diverse and immersive experience. We find out more about this upcoming  art song recital by The Poetics Collective from Scott Woo (Director, Tenor, VerSeS Music Ensembles) and YS Tang (classical guitarist).

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The klpac String Orchestra, led by Resident Conductor and Music Director Andrea Sim, are set to present a vibrant program showcasing the Romantic period, in the concert titled The Age of Romance, with works by renowned composers from Europe, Russia, and South America. Be transported to Shakespeare's magical world with Felix Mendelssohn’s Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Tchaikovsky’s Themes from Romeo and Juliet. The concert also features Dvorak’s Carnival Overture, selections from Bizet’s Carmen, and rising viola soloist Glaris Tan performing Max Bruch’s Romance for Viola and String Orchestra. We find out what's in store from both Andrea and Glaris.

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Noted With Thanks is a new stand up show that captures the unexpected twists of life during and after the global lockdown. While many experienced love, loss, self-discovery, and even new pets, Malaysian comedian Kuah Jenhan took a different path by landing his first "real" job at 34, after a 15-year career in stand-up comedy. Adapting to office life, Jenhan finds himself trading the lively atmosphere of performance workshops for the more mundane corporate brainstorming sessions. "Noted With Thanks"  humorously explores how to pursue your dreams by seemingly giving them up, presenting a fish-out-of-water, printer-out-of-paper tale that promises to entertain in a completely safe-for-work manner. We speak to Jenhan to find out more.

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Under the direction of Cheryl Mah and guest conductor Damrih Banawitayakit from Thailand's Silpakorn University, An Uncommon Journey III is both a concert and outreach project, spearheaded by The klpac Symphonic Band. At the concert, we’re promised Malaysia’s brightest young wind, brass, and percussion musicians perform with the Outreach Band and saxophone soloist Mohd Shahrizal Kamal, the 2023 Malaysian Wind Music Prize winner. The concert features 61 musicians aged 16 to 22 from across Malaysia, and will feature new compositions as well. We speak to  Cheryl Mah, the Music Director & Resident Conductor of the klpac Symphonic Band, and Dr. Low Chee Meng, the Project Manager of the show, to discuss what's in store.

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When the conservative Ethan relocates to a dilapidated apartment in a rough part of London, he meets its quirky and captivating residents—Ms. Wong, the straightforward landlady; Afternoon, the eccentric hippy; Cat, the moody graduate student; and Lord Vallen, the peculiar thespian. These new acquaintances ensure that Ethan's flat is always bustling with activity and drama. However, he quickly realises that his greatest challenge is dealing with Horace, his talkative, philosophical, and homicidal couch. This is the premise of Pop Up Theatre's latest production, Horace The Killer Couch, written and directed by Scott McQuaid. We speak to cast members Firdaus Sufiyan and Alexandria Kay, to find out more.

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Forged by Time: Ono Kang's Visual Diary is an exhibition of 15 art pieces, crafted from a variety of materials, including scrap metal, recycled and upcycled items, and found objects sourced from Georgetown. Each piece narrates its own unique story, offering viewers a glimpse into the artist Ono Kang's life and experiences, and celebrating the beauty of objects often overlooked or dismissed as junk. This solo exhibition is a partnership between Ono Kang and ArtisFair, an initiative spearheaded by renowned Malaysian designer, Dato' Sri Bernard Chandran. Both Ono and Bernard join us to share more about this partnership and solo exhibition.

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After their recorder studies at the Utrecht Conservatory with Heiko ter Schegget, Teun Wisse and Thomas Triesschijn conceived the idea of inviting their former teacher to form a trio, and thus the Holborne Consort was born. They specialise in performing Renaissance music on replicas of recorders from that period and together, they have performed concerts throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States. They have collaborated with numerous ensembles and conductors, and will be performing across several states in Malaysia, and here in the Klang Valley, they will be performing together with renaissance-baroque period ensemble the Wicked Music People in The Bassanos of London, a concert that showcases instrumental music from the court of the English King Henry VIII. We find out what's in store at this international R&B (Renaissance & Baroque!) crossover from Thomas Triesschijn (Holborne Consort) and U-En Ng (Wicked Music People).

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lowercase laboratories are set to present its debut text adaptation production of Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus, which hopes to offer a fresh, innovative take on the classic play, focusing on the psychological depth of the characters and the brutal consequences of their choices. Known for its extreme violence and themes of revenge, this adaptation uses real, dead, and dried flowers to symbolise violence and decay, creating a hauntingly beautiful visual experience. We speak to director Low Yee Choy, and actor Farah Rani, to discuss this staging of Shakespeare's early work, and how this production differs from traditional interpretations.

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The Malaysian Craft Council (MCC) are organising the Kuala Lumpur Exchange 2023, which is described as a one-of-a-kind event that champions local artisans, with an emphasis on the preservation of Malaysia’s dying heritage crafts. Themed "The Silver Lining Experience" we find out all about it from Nik Faiz Nik Amin (Founding President, Malaysian Craft Council) and Arja Lee (Vice-President, Malaysian Craft Council).

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The Barehands Residency (BR) was established by Malaysian artist Juhari Said in 2010, and is a dedicated space for artists to collaborate and exchange ideas. Located in Hulu Langat on a four-acre property called Akal di Ulu, the residency has welcomed artists from around the world, creating an environment that encourages creativity and cultural dialogue. Following a successful 2023 residency in partnership with AP Art Gallery, BR continues to grow, and the upcoming residency aims to further strengthen these connections and contribute to the broader art community. We find out more from Nazura Rahime, the Project Manager of the Barehands Residency, and Kazutaka Shioi, the resident artist for this year's residency.

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Nothing Gentle in the Shadows is a film that addresses the stigma and silence surrounding sexual violence against men, exploring how their masculinity is questioned by authorities and society when they come forward. The documentary features three male sexual assault survivors from diverse backgrounds who share their experiences, underscoring that sexual violence can affect anyone, regardless of race, gender, or age. A film co-directed by Joshua Inberaj & Laura Low, Nothing Gentle in the Shadows will premiere at 20th Freedom Film Festival, and we discuss what the documentary film is trying to tackle with its co-directors, Joshua and Laura.

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We're promised back-to-back jazz music by 17 performers across four stages, at the Royal Selangor Jazz Festival, which will feature local legends such as Junji Delfino, David Gomes, Janet Lee, The Frankie Sixes, FAZZ, WVC Malaysian Jazz Ensemble, just to mention a few. Aside from music, there will be an array of other activities including jazz jam sessions, jazz film screenings, food, fun and so much more. One of the festival's headliners, jazz pianist, composer, arranger and producer Tay Cher Siang, who is also the festival's curator, joins us to share more about what's in store.

Image Credit: Royal Selangor Jazz Festival

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Ballet Manila's Greatest Hits in Malaysia, presented by DanceLink, is a dance production featuring Ballet Manila, one of Southeast Asia’s premier ballet companies. Led by Artistic Director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, the first non-Russian artist in the prestigious Kirov Ballet, the show opens with Lisa’s rendition of the opera-ballet "La Traviata" and continues with a diverse program of classical, modern, neoclassical, and contemporary pieces. Featuring soprano Anna Migallos, baritone Roby Malubay, and tenor Nohmer Nival, the event also celebrates cultural ties by showcasing Malaysian artists, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Malaysia. Artistic Director Lisa joins us to share what's in store. 

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Immerse yourself in a Tony-award winning masterpiece Once On This Island, a captivating saga of gods, lovers, and societal clash. Presented by the Monday Show Entertainment team, this locally reimagined musical will showcase over 50 homegrown talents and promises an unforgettable musical experience that explores themes of love, class, and the power of storytelling. We find out more from the production’s director, Dominic Lucien Luk, and cast member Bihzhu.

Image Credit: Monday Show School

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We're invited to step into the world of passion, betrayal, and tragedy with the KL Shakespeare Players (KLSP), who are proudly presenting William Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece, Othello. Presented in their one-of-a-kind Shakespeare Demystified format, and renowned for their dedication to bringing classical works to life with a contemporary twist, the KLSP team promise us an unforgettable journey through the intricate webs of love and deceit woven within this gripping tale. We find out what's in store from Nurul Sofia (Performing Artist), Lim Kien Lee (Co-Founder & Artistic Director, KL Shakespeare Players) and Lim Soon Heng (Performer, Producer and Executive Director, KL Shakespeare Players).

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My Video Making Practice is a unique mashup event by Gan Siong King, one of Malaysia’s most original contemporary artists. This event combines an artist talk, a screening, and a dialogue with invited guests. Through My Video Making Practice, Gan seeks to expand his distinctive, research-driven approach by remixing seven selected videos of Malaysian artists at work, created over the past decade. In doing so, he turns the lens and editing machine onto his own video-making process, blending personal materials and memories with his previous works. This approach allows him to critically and humorously reflect on the pleasures and pressures of making art in Malaysia and growing up in the 1990s. The event is a collaboration with Five Arts Centre, who are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year, and we find out all about it from Gan, and also Five Art Centre’s Mark Teh, who is the producer of the event.

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Sisyphus No. 9 draws inspiration from two tales: the eternal struggle of Sisyphus, condemned to endlessly push a boulder uphill, and Beethoven's triumphant composition and conducting of his 9th Symphony, despite near-total deafness in Vienna, Austria. The play is said to explore the absurdity/meaning of life through repetitions and visceral movements, accompanied by live ambient music. We find out more about this performance art production - which is the closing performance from Theatresauce’s 2023 season - from the show's director, Tung Jit Yang, and performer Liew Chee Heai.

Image Credit: Theatresauce

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Symbiocene is described as an “ecopunk” tale of love, grief, and a wild re-imagination of a world where humans, plants, and animals live together symbiotically. We speak to Lim Sheng Hui (Writer, Director, Co-Producer) and Emma Martin (Production Manager and Stage Manager) to discover the inspiration behind this original work, and what we can expect in this three-act devised play.

Image Credit: Symbiocene

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For the first time in its 25-year history, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) has launched two exhibitions simultaneously - “A Journey through Islamic Art” and “Alif Lam Ra: Contemporary Muslim Calligraphy.” In "A Journey," the astonishing breadth of art from the Islamic world is explored, covering more than a thousand years of cultures that stretch from East Asia to West Africa. The art of calligraphy has long been central to Islamic art, and "Alif Lam Ra" presents some of the best contemporary works of calligraphy in the IAMM collection, inviting visitors to witness the evolution of calligraphy as the supreme medium of expression within Islam. Featuring objects from IAMM’s own collection, both exhibitions highlight the museum’s role as a custodian, preserver and knowledge provider of Islamic art, and we speak to Hariz Ahmad Kamal, a curator with the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, to find out more.

Image Credit: IAMM

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The MJPF Music Festival has been uniting music enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds for over a decade now. The aim of the festival is to curate an unforgettable musical experience for the audience, while also showcasing rising music talents in Malaysia, and to provide them with the support and encouragement of music industry professionals. We speak to Michael Veerapen, renowned jazz pianist, composer, producer, record studio head, educator and also the Principal Founder of the Malaysian Jazz Piano Festival, to find out what's in store at this year's festival - MJPF 11 - the eleventh in the series.

Image Credit: Malaysian Jazz Piano Festival, Instagram

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"If There is An Afterlife, I Hope It’s Your Version Instead of Mine” is a semi-devised play by Asyraf Syahir Najib that delves into themes of death, faith, and emotional struggle. The story follows Sofia, as she is forced to reexamine her beliefs and confront her nihilistic views while caring for her religious, cancer-stricken mother. The story unfolds three years after her mother's death, as Sofia processes her experience and supports her childhood friends, facing a similar situation with their own mother. Presented by EJKLS Seni, we find out what's in store from writer Asyraf, who is also the Founder and Artistic Director of EJKLS Seni, and cast member Myrra Baity, who plays the lead character Sofia. 

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Merdu Puisi is a performance by The Poetics Collective within the VerSeS Music Ensembles, that focuses on Malaysian poetry in the Malay language, set to music by Malaysian composers. The performance will feature the work of local poets, including that of the late Sasterawan Negara Usman Awang, and other living Malaysian poets. Aiming to promote the ‘art song’ genre among Malaysians, while also fostering the art of poetry-writing and appreciation of the Malay language, the concert will also feature a selection of 'lagu rakyat' or folk songs arranged in the classical music style. We speak to Scott Woo (Project Director) and Khairunnisa Diyana Md Noor (Soprano) from The Poetics Collective to find out more. 

Image credit: VerSeS Music Ensembles

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Venunadham, A Carnatic Flute-Nadhaswaram Jugalbandhi is a one-night only performance, featuring Carnatic flautist Dr B. Vijaygopal, M. Karthikeyan on the nadhaswaram, mridangist Vijay Natesan and ghatam artiste Krishnaswamy Sankararaman, who are all visiting from India. We speak to Dr Sivabalan Shanmuga Sundram, the co-organiser of the concert from Thrive Talent Tank, to find out more about Carnatic music, what to expect at this concert, and how the show will also be incorporating Malaysian segments into the repertoire.

Image Credit: Thrive Talent Tank

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From their humble but delicious beginnings as BuburChaCha to what they are now known as, SIX2EIGHT, the acapella gang is back for their 30th anniversary show - 30 Years of Rockapella - featuring both the older and newer active members of the group. Promising hits like Only You, Blue Moon, It’s Now or Never and Stupid Cupid just to name a few, the concert will feature 30 songs in a two-hour acapella concert, and we catch up with Nicole Ann Thomas and James Wong, both members and vocalists from SIX2EIGHT, to find out more.

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Forkbeard: A Viking Musical Odyssey is the first Viking musical set to be staged in Kuala Lumpur, and is based on the massive naval ambush, “The Battle of Svolder”, a culmination of rivalry between Denmark’s infamous Viking leader Svend Tveskaeg (Forkbeard) and Olav Tryggvasson of Norway in late summer of 1000 AD. Presented by MYTH Productions and first staged in Penang, we find out what's in store for this KL staging from the production's director, Karam Tabba, and the show's writer, producer and composer, Nancy Jenster.

Image Credit: MYTH Productions

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The film Living Bach by German filmmaker Anna Schmidt embarks on a journey across six continents, delving into the lives of musicians and singers, who are in one or many ways, profoundly connected to Johann Sebastian Bach's music. All across the globe, individuals of diverse cultures, religions, and backgrounds unite under the spell of Bach's compositions. Through striking visuals and the enchanting sounds of Bach's music, the film reveals the extraordinary relationships these enthusiasts have with his timeless work, showcasing how Bach's music brings joy, comfort, hope, and understanding to people worldwide. This tapestry of diverse voices in the film also celebrates the strength of diversity and the enduring magic of Bach's music that resonates across the globe. The film recently won Best Documentary at the Madrid Film Festival, and is set to be screened right here in Kuala Lumpur, at the end of this month. We find out more about the film from Anna, and also two Malaysian musicians and Bach enthusiasts Lee Hai Lin (Violinist, Founding Member, Wicked Music People) and Dr. David Chin (Founder and Artistic Director of Bachfest Malaysia, Director of the Bach Collegium and Music Professor at Augustana University in Sioux (SOO) Falls, South Dakota, Senior Fellow of the Bach Archive in Leipzig, Germany) who were also featured in the film.

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Titik Garis Bentuk: Drawing as Practice is an exhibition featuring works by 27 contemporary Malaysian artists, who use drawing as a centre in their practice. While traditionally, drawing was seen as part of an artist’s preparatory work for a painting or sculpture, it is now regarded as a medium in its own right. The exhibition examines how artists are redefining the medium by blurring the boundaries between drawing and other art forms including installation, animation, and performance. We speak to Rahel Joseph, the Gallery Director of Ilham Gallery, and co-curator of the Titik Garis Bentuk exhibition, to find out more about how the wide range of works in the exhibition are being used by artists to expand conventional definitions of drawing as mark-making, on a two-dimensional surface.

Image credits courtesy of Ilham Gallery: (Right) CCKua, To Wear Or Not To Wear. (Left) Jalaini Abu Hassan, Bomoh Hujan

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The "velvet-voiced duo" Sean Ghazi and Ida Mariana are back, this time for a show full of music from the movies. Together with their Terrer-Menerrer Retro Glam Malaysian Big Band led by musical director Nish Tham, Cinema Tarakucha! promises a romantic, thrilling, magical and totally immersive experience. We catch up with Sean and Ida to find out more.

Image Credit: Tarakucha Band

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Past Lives and Distant Voices is a photography exhibition that explores the concept of anemoia —longing for a time one has never experienced firsthand. Through the lens of photographer Nirmala Karuppiah, one journeys through moments that blur the lines between past and present, reality and memory. We speak to Nirmala, to find out more.

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The Philharmonic Winds of Malaysia (PWM) are embarking on their next project, a concert titled ‘Expedition’. This music journey is set to take us from Antarctica, to the legendary realm of Chingis Khan, through a program that includes “Expedition” by Oscar Navarro, “Land of a Great Promise Chingis Khan” by Eiji Suzuki, and “Pink Trumpet Tree” by Yeo Chow Shern. We find out more from Philharmonic Winds of Malaysia committee members, Alwin Wong  and Ainul Aznan.

Image Credit: Philharmonic Winds Malaysia

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Wayang TEK-tek is a workshop series by Sekolah Main Wayang, which focuses on Orang Asli (OA) youths, and the program brings together Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and lo tech or DIY tech (tek) into a wayang-like performance. Following successful pilot programmes with Orang Asli youths in Gombak, Kuala Lumpur and Bota, Perak, Wayang TEKTek comes to Ilham Gallery with Wayang Apa? Wayang TEK-tek, promising pop-ups, a sharing session on the findings and outcomes of the programme, a panel discussion with members of Sekolah Main Wayang, and workshops conducted by youths from the Bota programme. We speak to Fairuz Sulaiman (Facilitator, Sekolah Main Wayang) and Wendi Sia (Project Manager of Wayang TekTek & Co-Founder, Gerimis Art Project) to find out more.

Image Credit: Sekolah Main Wayang

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Cultural organisation, PUSAKA have a delightful December planned for us, with two performances coming up. Firstly on the 3rd of December, they are presenting the Kompang Jawa Showcase in Kuala Lumpur, which is part of a larger project that aims to revitalise and enhance the sustainability of the authentic Kompang Jawa (Teruntung and Hadaro) traditions, which are older forms of Kompang that are becoming increasingly rare in Malaysia. Then on the 15th of December, they are bringing us Tinariwen, poet-guitarists and soul rebels from the Southern Sahara desert, for a one-night only performance called Tinariwen Returns to Malaysia. All Tinariwen's songs are sung in their native Tamashek language, and expresses the aspirations of their people - the Kel Tamashek or 'Touareg' of the southern Sahara desert - specifically about the need for reconciliation and dialogue in Mali, where political tensions and threats of war are still high. Pauline Fan, the Creative Director of Pusaka, joins us to discuss both the upcoming performances.

Image Credit: Seni Pusaka

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After five years, The klpac Orchestra are back with its unique East meets West concert, Tunes from the East II. This upcoming concert will feature a 70-strong orchestra under the direction of Maestro Lee Kok Leong, showcasing some of Malaysia's most talented Chinese instrumentalists. Featuring a mix of renowned pieces  and also the premiere of local compositions we find out what's in store from the conductor Kok Leong, and composer Yong Tan, whose piece "Dots" will be performed at the show.

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Figures of History and the Grounds of Intelligence begins by questioning what happens when an image transitions from a state archive, into the feedback loops of an artificial neural network. This lecture performance explores the intertwined histories of state planning, global networks, and cybernetics, tracing back to the Cold War, and leading to the current surge in generative artificial intelligence. A new work by artist and writer Ho Rui An, he joins us to share more about this work  which is making its debut right here in Kuala Lumpur, including how he will be employing generative AI live during the lecture performance. This project was co-commissioned by the Centre Pompidou, Paris, and Kadist, San Francisco and Paris and supported by Five Arts Centre and The Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur.

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A multi-sensory work based on the Greek classic by Homer, Soul of Odyssey devises and reimagines the hero’s journey and his attempts to rise from the ashes of war, chaos, and battles with deities. It questions and explores how human beings react to forces perceived to be out of  their control. Or as in the proverbial question: “What happens to ants when elephants fight?” This is the second chapter of a four part international project titled The Bird of Fire, and is a collaboration between the KL Shakespeare Players and the Hiroshi Koike Bridge Project of Japan. Santosh Logandran (composer and performer), Nurul Sofia (performer), and Lim Soon Heng (performer, producer and Executive Director, KL Shakespeare Players) join us to discuss what’s in store.

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Traitor, or hero? Set in a post-apocalyptic Malaysia where constant war and strife abound, the upcoming production Jebat follows the life and tragic death of Hang Jebat. While there are many stories on Hang Tuah, this is likely the first English language stage production in recent history focusing on Hang Jebat. Described as The Actors Studio’s biggest production for 2023, the show boasts almost 40 performers on stage performing to specially composed live music, with a mix of silat and mixed martial arts battle scenes, amazing sets and costumes, multimedia design, and more. We speak to Joe Hasham OAM, the play's Director, Artistic Director & Dramaturg, and actor Zul Zamir, who plays the role of the titular character. 

Image Credit: Dev Lee/ klpac

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Perhiasan Kaca is a Malay adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ beloved classic The Glass Menagerie. With translation into Bahasa Malaysia by Marlenny Deenerwan, the play, which is a semi-autobiographical piece centred on the dynamics of a family of three, is set to be presented as part of the Kembali Ke Pangkuan series, curated and helmed by The Actors Studio’s new Associate Artistic Director Christopher Ling. Christopher, who is directing the piece, fills us in on what to expect from this production.

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Solace of Papan is Malaysia’s first opera in English, which takes its inspiration from Sybil Kathigasu's novel No Dram of Mercy. With a libretto by Chin San Sooi and music composed by Lam Siu Chong, the opera is set against the backdrop of World War II-era Malaya, and tells the story of Sybil Kathigasu's courage in defying her Japanese interrogators during the Japanese Occupation. San Sooi and Siu Chong join us to discuss this monumental undertaking, and the challenges and triumphs of bringing Sybil Kathigasu's story to life.

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Cinderella, A Musical Comedy is not the Cinderella everyone knows; it is packed with live music, topical jokes, audience interaction, and just a touch of K-Pop flavour too. Telling the story of the supremacy of love, empathy and kindness over cunningness, selfishness, bullying and greed; the musical is loaded with humour and a touch of magic. We find out what's in store from director Joanna Bessey, and cast member Amsalan Doraisingam.

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In June, Malaysia's Bach Festival Singers and Orchestra are set to be the first ensemble from Southeast Asia to be invited to perform in the most prestigious and important Bach landmarks in Germany: St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, Bach Church in Arnstadt, as well as St. George's Church in Eisenach. The grand concert tour commences with two fundraising concerts right here in Kuala Lumpur. We catch up with Dr David Chin, the Founder and Artistic Director of Bachfest Malaysia, who is also the Director of the Bach Collegium and Music Professor at Augustana University in Sioux (SOO) Falls, South Dakota, and a Senior Fellow of the Bach Archive in Leipzig, Germany, to find out more about the programme in these fundraising concerts.

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Beauty in Elements is the first joint collaboration between the Fugee School and Satu: Creative Collective, and is an attempt to expose potential creative works done by students of the Fugee School, alongside more established artists in a curated exhibition. This charity exhibition hopes to spread awareness about the struggles of refugees among the general public, and to cultivate an interest in the visual arts among students. We find out more from Dr. Elias Yamani Ismail, the Founder of Satu: Creative Collective.

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AweGallery's first curated community-based art event, “Paramount Art A-fair" is a showcase of art pieces that cost less than RM5000 each - an effort to make art more affordable to the masses. Featuring works by eight Malaysian artists aged between 30-50, we'll see a mix of artworks made from oil, watercolour, mixed media and pottery at this group exhibition. We speak to sisters Dora Ong and Diane Ong, the co-founders of AweGallery, to find out more about what they are trying to achieve beyond a traditional art exhibition through Paramount Art A-Fair, and how they want to nurture emerging talents through their gallery. 

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Dama Asia is back, this time featuring the return of famed soprano Tan Soo Suan, in a charity concert titled, "Delicate Dreams and Desires." The concert is raising funds for the Medical Awareness Camp Outreach (MACO), who have been working on collecting, fixing, and giving repurposed computers to school children in need. We speak to Pun Kai Loon (Artistic Director, Dama Asia Productions), Ian Ng (show narrator, co-scriptwriter) and Datin Susan Lai (concert co-organiser) to find out more about MACO and what's in store at the concert. 

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Panggung PUSAKA: Senandung Kota is a cultural festival celebrating Malaysia's living traditions, featuring masters of traditional arts from diverse communities across Malaysia including Main Puteri of Kelantan, Kuda Kepang of Johor, Dondang Sayang of Melaka, Mah Meri indigenous performers, Sumazau dancers of Sabah, Urumee Melum drummers, and Silat Jawi practitioners. Performances aside, there will also be a talk, a photography exhibition, and so much more, and we find out all about it from Pauline Fan, the Creative Director of cultural organisation, PUSAKA.

Image Credit: PUSAKA

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The idea behind the "Can She Do It?" art exhibition was to challenge gender stereotypes and celebrate women's empowerment. Featuring a collection of artworks from various women artists, the exhibition promises to showcase an array of thought-provoking artworks that explore themes of resilience, courage, and determination. We speak to Nazura Rahime, the co-curator of the show and Gallery Owner of A.P. Art Gallery, and Nurul Fatma, also a co-curator of the show, to find out more. 

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For the first time, Hands Percussion's professional percussionists will be performing with current students from the Little Yellow Flower Foundation and the Hands Percussion Academy (HPA),  as well as former students who are now professional performers, DeafBeat. We're promised a showcase of the 24 Festive Drum in this year-end production called RhapsoD, which will explore the fluidity of rhythms on the gamelan, to reworkings of a classical Beethoven piece using the Japanese Taiko drums as a centrepiece, and more. We catch up with Bernard Goh, the Founder & Artistic Director of Hands Percussion to find out what's in store.

Image Credit: Hands Percussion

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 A Reason for Falling is a contemporary dance performance by Malaysian artist Hwa Wei-An that invites the audience to reconsider the concept of falling as more than just a loss of balance, but as a moment filled with possibility. Inspired by the thrill of freeriding, Wei-An began developing this work in 2018 during a choreographic residency with Dance Nucleus, aiming to translate the experience of navigating uncharted mountain paths into the flat, open space of a dance floor. Over seven years, the piece evolved through various iterations, including a 2021 video installation and a 2022 live work-in-progress presentation, culminating in this thought-provoking exploration of gravity, surrender, and movement. Wei-An joins us to share more.

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The mf Music Fest: Identity Crisis! invites both music enthusiasts and curious souls to embark on a musical journey that reflects the diversity of Malaysia's music scene. Supported by ThinkCity, this music festival encourages open dialogue across genres through an array of programmes which includes two concerts, that brings together Western classical, local traditional and contemporary music and sounds. We find out more from the festival's co-founders, See Yun Chuan & Howard Ng.

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In the exhibition "Endless Buffet," we're invited to step into the world of Chadwick Moore's recent artworks, where myth, nature, and the excesses of consumer culture converge in thought-provoking ways. Curated by Ivan Gabriel, the exhibition at The Godown Arts Centre is a showcase of Chad's sculptures and paintings, and the title is a satirical reference to modern consumerism, while reflecting on the absurdity of excessive consumption, and our compulsion to consume without consideration of consequences. We speak to Chad to find out more.

Image Credit: The Godown Arts Centre

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ABBA fans, you're in for a treat - Abborn, an award-winning ABBA tribute act are here in Malaysia, and will be performing in Kuching and Kuala Lumpur. Known for their stunning vocals, costumes, and meticulously crafted performances, ABBORN has captivated audiences worldwide, from Russia to Singapore. We find more about these two concerts - Abba Aborn at Zepp KL and also Dancing Queen Concert – A Tribute to Queen and ABBA in Kuching - from Dato' Nicholas Pinder, the Director of Homme Productions, and Zaid Zaini, the Organising Chairman of Front Row Entertainment, who are producing the show in Kuching. Both are charity concerts, with a portion of proceeds from the KL concert being channelled towards Yayasan Tunku Naquiyuddin (YTN), and a portion of proceeds from the Kuching concert being donated to the Sarawak Heart Foundation.

Image Credit: Megatix

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Spectrum of Sentiment is described as a unique musical experience that invites us to dive deep into our inner psyche, and connect as humans. This thoughtful work combines contemporary classical flute music, movement, and images, and is produced and curated by composer/flutist Lawrence Chiu, and features six flautists, a dancer and an image maker collaborating for the first time on his original compositions. We speak to Lawrence and image maker Syahmi Hashim to discover more about this collaborative interdisciplinary production.

Image Credit: Spectrum of Sentiment ticket page

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The Choir of the Philharmonic Society of Selangor (or The Phil as they are affectionately known) caps off its 65th Anniversary celebration with a Christmas concert called Songs for the Season. The theme for this year’s production is ‘A Gift of Music’ and true to form, the programme will showcase traditional and other seasonal favourites. The Phil’s volunteer-powered community choir will be accompanied on stage by live music from a string ensemble and keyboardist, and we find out more from Brenda James, the Chairperson of the Philharmonic Society of Selangor.

Image Credit: Philharmonic Society of Selangor

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Love is in the air as the MPO celebrates Valentine’s Day with a romance-themed concert, titled "A Valentine’s Serenade." Led by Resident Conductor Gerard Salonga, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra will be joined by vocalists Sean Ghazi, Ida Mariana, Nikki Palikat and Izen Kong, who are set to perform a host of romantic favourites and Broadway hit numbers like Love Changes Everything, If We Were In Love, Cinema Paradiso, Love Me Tender, and so much more. Sean, Nikki and Izen join us to share what's in store. 

Image credit: Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra

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From the Cordillera Mountain Range, to hilly Chiang Mai, The Young KL Singers invites us on a mysterious journey, with a selection of choral songs on folklore and folktales from South East Asia. We find out what's in store in this upcoming music concert titled Spice, Magic & Mystique from Mak Chi Hoe (Music Director / Co-Director), and Kathleen Roshene (Vocalist and Section Leader).

Image Credit: The Young KL Singers and klpac

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The Poetics Collective, under the banner of VerSeS Music Ensembles, will be performing the romantic and expressive works of Johannes Brahms, Robert Schumann and Clara Schumann. Featuring Robert Schumann's  Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood), Clara Schumann's Three Romances for Violin and Piano, Opus 22, and Johannes Brahms's Liebeslieder Waltzes, Opus 52, this program delves into the richness of German Romantic music, featuring both instrumental works and a variety of lieder (songs). These lieders will demonstrate the composers’ skill in setting text to music for solo voice or instrument. We speak to pianists Darrel Chan and Iau Jo Yee from The Poetics Collective, to find out what's in store.

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Hanyut, A Journey of Discovery is an exhibition that features artworks by Habsah Abang Saufi, Drewfunk and Joanne Loo. Through the exhibition, we're invited to explore the diverse worlds each artist has crafted, through their own unique narratives and perspectives. We catch up with all three to find out about the evolution of their respective artistic journeys, as they share their own "Hanyut" moments, and how that shaped the artistic direction taken for the works produced for this exhibition.

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Arising from last year's award-winning Anggota – Anggota 2: Re-Member is a new dance performance  in which dancer/ choreographer Lee Ren Xin works with 'voice' as a significant element – voice from the voice box, as well as the voice of the body - so what the body feels, needs, desires, its agencies and capacities to decide. Presented by Five Arts Centre, we discuss this new piece with Ren Xin (director, choreographer and performer) and video artist Chloe Yap, who is collaborating on the piece. 

Image Credit: Anggota 2: Re-Member

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In the group exhibition “Mendongeng”, artists Amir Shahlan, Mati, and RB take on the role of storytellers, weaving narratives through repurposed objects. Their exhibits are said to be rooted in folklore, tales, and myth, offering comfort, inspiration, and a profound sense of meaning, while exploring the reason for our own being and existence. We find out more about the exhibition at AP Art Gallery from artist Amir, and the two artists behind the collective Mati, Amat and Binti.

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Joseph Haydn's oratorio "The Creation," depicts the biblical creation story from the Book of Genesis, and is set to be performed in Malaysia for the first time since 2013. The one-night-only event, conducted by Prof. Dr. William Weinert from the Eastman School of Music, will feature the Malaysia Bach Festival Singers and Orchestra, and three soloists. We discuss what's in store with Prof. Dr. David Chin, the Founder and Artistic Director of Bachfest Malaysia, the Director of the Bach Collegium and Music Professor at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and a Senior Fellow of the Bach Archive in Leipzig, Germany.

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Bharatha Kalanjalii Malaysia are celebrating their 50th anniversary, kicking off a year-long calendar of events with the Bharatanatyam dance performance, Swarnarekha. The school was co-founded in 1974 by Srimathi Meera Venugopal, a distinguished disciple of the renowned Dhananjayan duo, who has been working hard ever since to promote Indian classical dance here in Malaysia. We catch up with Meera, and also her son Rajdessh Gopal, the Director of the school, to look back at the last school's milestones and challenges, and to discuss their plans for the future, including the performances, workshops, and seminars, in store for their 50th anniversary celebrations.

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In the upcoming performance "Late Love" renowned dancer Aman Yap, who is also the Founder & Artistic Director of  Dua Space Dance Theatre, explores his relationship with this passion - dance - after being in the business for 36 years. In the four pieces that make up Late Love, Aman reflects deeply on the profound changes in the dance scene through the years, expressing both awe for the evolving cultural scene, but also concern for the financial challenges faced by artists. He joins us to share how he has translated some of his innermost emotions into the dance pieces we'll be seeing on stage.

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The good people from Musicians Linkage return, this time promising a night of beautiful music from movies and upcoming musicals in the performance titled: Cinematic Souls. Featuring singers Nixon Tan and Insyirah Azlan, the show will also mark the premiere of Artistic Director Dr Goh Chia-Chien's first original piece for string orchestra, performed by the Philomusica String Orchestra (PCO). Dr Goh joins us to share what's in store in this fundraising initiative by the Philomusica Society.

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