Front Row

Brand New Day: A Symphonic Broadway Celebration Oct 9, 2026 1764 Some of musical theatre’s biggest hits, an all-star cast, eight dancers and a 73-piece orchestra. Brand New Day: A Symphonic Broadway Celebration brings the magic of Broadway to KL in a spectacular concert featuring songs from Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Dreamgirls and more. We speak to Sean Ghazi, director of the show and director of SWG Symphonic Concerts; Aaron Teoh, perfo

Rocking for a Cause 2026 Oct 2, 2026 1065 The Falcons, Sons of Adam, Freedom, The Strollers, Alleycats and Heavy Machine are just some of the names that feature in the history of Malaysian music. This October, their music and contribution to the local scene will be celebrated at a special night bringing together musicians from different generations. Rocking for a Cause is the fourth annual benefit concert organised by Musicians for Musici

The Relationsh*t Chronicles Oct 2, 2026 1021 Ghosting, situationships, terrible first dates and the things we do for love. They’re all fair game in The Relationsh*t Chronicles, a comedy made up of nine stories inspired by real relationships. After it’s Penang run, the show is coming to KL for four performances, and we're joined by director and co-writer Karam Tabba, and cast member Andi Zephyr, to talk about turning relationship chaos into c

The Bouquet and the Wreath (Rebirth) Sep 25, 2026 1438 Contemporary Thai artist Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook has spent more than four decades exploring some very big questions through very ordinary things: flowers, beds, words, the human body, and everyday encounters. Her work can be playful, strange, intimate, and sometimes quite confronting, as she considers subjects like desire, mortality and what it means to be human. Now, for the first time, a solo ex

Lisa Macuja Elizalde's Snow White Sep 25, 2026 1209 Lisa Macuja-Elizalde has spent decades on stage and behind the scenes, from an internationally celebrated ballet career to founding and leading Ballet Manila. We last spoke in 2024, when the company brought Greatest Hits to Malaysia. Now, Lisa, the Founder and Artistic Director of Ballet Manila, joins us to talk about her adaptation of Snow White, and how she is bringing the familiar fairy tale to

Socrates in D# Minor Sep 18, 2026 1501 What do the Big Bang, evolution, alien life, death and the possibility of nothingness have to do with the human experience? Presented by EJKLS Seni, Socrates in D# Minor explores these questions through four experimental theatre pieces, using science as a way into some very human questions about existence, identity and meaning. We speak to writer-director Asyraf Syahir Mohd Najib and actor Nandago

Kaleidoscope VIII: Infinite Beats Sep 18, 2026 1424 For its eighth edition, HANDS International Drumming Festival returns with Kaleidoscope VIII: Infinite Beats, bringing percussion artists from five countries together for a celebration of rhythm, culture and collaboration. We speak to Bernard Goh, founder and artistic director of HANDS Percussion Malaysia, about this year's festival, the international artists and collaborations on stage, and why p

Vivaldi to Borneo: The MPO’s 2026 Season Ahead Sep 11, 2026 2194 Classical music can take you just about anywhere, from the sounds of frogs and crickets in the Baroque era, to the mystery of Vivaldi, the drama of Shakespearean ballet, and even the music of Borneo. The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra has a packed programme for the months ahead, with concerts for seasoned classical music lovers, families and anyone curious to hear what an orchestra can do. Joini

3 Days In Chow Kit Road Sep 11, 2026 1201 What was Chow Kit Road like in the late 1970s? 3 Days in Chow Kit Road takes us into the bustling markets, colourful streets and neon-lit nightlife of one of Kuala Lumpur’s most iconic neighbourhoods. This new Malaysian dance theatre production weaves together a story of love, family, prejudice and belonging, brought to life through 31 dancers, live music and an original score. Presented by Kenny

The Whale Sep 4, 2026 1569 What would you do if you had one last chance to make things right? That’s the question at the heart of The Whale, Samuel D. Hunter’s play about isolation, forgiveness and the complicated ways we try to reconnect with the people we’ve hurt. The play that inspired the Oscar-winning Brendan Fraser film is finally coming to the Malaysian stage, and we find out all about it from director and production

Brahms, Schumanns & Wolf Sep 4, 2026 1418 Four composers, a tangled web of friendship, admiration and influence, and some truly beautiful music. Brahms, Schumanns & Wolf, a new concert presented by The Poetics Collective under the VerSes Music Ensembles, which explores the music and relationships connecting Robert and Clara Schumann, Johannes Brahms and Hugo Wolf, will bring these connections to life through piano, four-hand piano and

Saffron Crossings Aug 28, 2026 1629 For three generations, the same ship carried members of one Malaysian family between South Asia and Malaysia. That ship was the SS Rajula, and for artist Rajinder Singh, it’s not just a vessel from his family history, but also a way of thinking about migration, memory, identity and all the worlds that people carry with them when they cross an ocean. In his new exhibition, Saffron Crossings, Rajind

Susan Aug 28, 2026 1359 Two dead husbands. A woman on trial. A question that refuses to go away: who exactly is Susan? A one-woman play that began as a 10-minute piece has now become a full-length production, taking us from the courtroom to the boardroom, and asking who gets to control a woman’s story once everyone else has decided who she is. Presented by FSKi Works, SUSAN makes its world premiere after winning Best Scr

The Secret Drawer Aug 21, 2026 1571 “When history happens, no-one is spared.” In The Secret Drawer, two women uncover the hidden histories of their fathers, men whose lives were shaped by theatre, social activism and the political upheavals of 1960s Malaysia. One father leaves behind a drawer his daughter is forbidden to open. The other leaves an archive of almost 60 documents tracing years of detention, rejection and separation. Th

Todak◉Gundik Aug 21, 2026 1210 You may know the famous story of the swordfish that attacked Singapura. But in Todak◉Gundik, writer Kee Thuan Chye brings that legend together with the story of a Sultan’s favoured concubine, weaving them into a tale of power, jealousy, desire and war. It’s a contemporary Malay-language production packed with puppetry, masks, animation, live gamelan music and even Ulek Mayang. Presented by Pentas

A Tribute to Alfonso Soliano Aug 14, 2026 1392 Music has always been at the heart of the Soliano family. Across generations, they've helped shape Malaysia's musical landscape, but at the centre of that story is Alfonso Soliano, a composer, conductor, arranger and educator whose influence earned him the title of the Father of Modern Malay Music. This September, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra is honouring his legacy through A Tribute to Al

Lungs Aug 13, 2026 1254 A couple sits down to talk about having a child. But what starts as a conversation about parenthood quickly opens up much bigger questions: climate anxiety, personal responsibility, love, fear, and what it means to build a life together when the future feels uncertain. That’s the premise of Lungs, Duncan Macmillan’s acclaimed two-person play. There’s no elaborate set, no props, and no time markers

Beyond Words Aug 7, 2026 1573 Some of the most memorable musical moments happen when different traditions come together to create something entirely new. That's the idea behind Beyond Words, a one-night-only concert that brings Grammy-winning musician L. Shankar together with an ensemble of leading Malaysian artists for an evening that blends Indian classical music, jazz, rock, pop and traditional local sounds. Joining us to s

Caliban Aug 6, 2026 1379 For centuries, audiences have seen Shakespeare's The Tempest as a tale of magic, revenge and forgiveness. But what if the story looks very different when it's told from the perspective of the island's original inhabitant? That's exactly what Masakini Theatre Company is exploring in Caliban, a bold new adaptation that reimagines Shakespeare's classic through a Nusantara lens, weaving together local

Bebenang: An Almost Malaysian Story Jul 31, 2026 1377 What does it really mean to be Malaysian? Is it the stories we're told, the languages we speak, the histories we inherit, or the memories we carry? Bebenang: An Almost Malaysian Story is an original theatre production that explores those questions through the real-life experiences of everyday Malaysians. Developed using verbatim theatre, it brings together personal stories that reveal the many dif

Once Upon a Malaysian Dream Jul 30, 2026 1255 As Merdeka approaches each year, we're often encouraged to reflect on how far Malaysia has come. But it's also a chance to ask some difficult questions: have we lived up to the ideals that independence promised, and what does the "Malaysian Dream" actually mean today? Those are the questions at the heart of Once Upon a Malaysian Dream, a new play that's equal parts history, satire, music and heart

Unbound Jul 24, 2026 1619 For centuries, baroque music has endured because of its beauty, emotional depth and technical brilliance. But can it also become the foundation for an immersive, multidisciplinary performance that resonates with audiences today? That's the challenge Wicked Music People has set itself with Unbound, a new production that brings together period instrument performance, contemporary dance, digital scen

Pravaham - The Pulse Of Creation Jul 23, 2026 1697 Our rivers have always sustained us, but today many are under increasing pressure from pollution, development and climate change. Rather than presenting those challenges through facts and figures alone, Pravaham – The Pulse of Creation invites audiences to experience them through dance, music and storytelling. It's an original production that celebrates water's role as the pulse of creation while

Robert Rauschenberg and Asia Jul 17, 2026 1750 Some artists travel to exhibit their work. Others travel because they're endlessly curious about the people, places and cultures around them. Robert Rauschenberg was very much the latter. Widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century, he believed that creativity flourished through collaboration, conversation and seeing the world firsthand. Those ideas are at the h

Poets for Peace & Humanity Jul 16, 2026 1087 Poetry has often been called the language of the heart, but can it also become a language of resistance, dialogue and peace? Poet, author and cultural activist Raja Ahmad Aminullah certainly believes so, and has spent decades using literature to spark conversations about humanity, justice and the world we live in. This month, he's bringing together voices from Malaysia and beyond for "Poets for Pe

Being Carried Jul 10, 2026 1622 Being Carried is a new theatre production that puts disabled, Deaf and neurodivergent artists at the heart of the creative process, exploring themes of care, connection and survival through lived experience. Created as a collaboration between Malaysia and the UK, the production also asks audiences to rethink how disability is represented, both on stage and in society. Joining us are two of the art

Shakespeare Meets Noh: Desdemona Jul 9, 2026 1626 Cross-cultural collaborations often produce some of the most exciting work in theatre, especially when they bring together traditions that, at first glance, seem worlds apart. Shakespeare Meets Noh: Desdemona does exactly that, combining Shakespeare's Othello with the centuries-old performance traditions of Japanese Noh theatre to create an entirely new theatrical experience. Following a successfu

TITANS & Temptations Jul 3, 2026 1577 The klpac Orchestra is celebrating its 20th anniversary with its biggest production yet, bringing together more than 100 musicians for TITANS & Temptations. We speak to Music Director and Resident Conductor Lee Kok Leong, and First Violinist Zeth Yuen about the orchestra's journey, the challenge of bringing more than 100 musicians together on one stage, and why TITANS & Temptations promise

Mak Yong Shakespeare: The Comedy of Errors - an adaptation Jul 2, 2026 1795 What do Shakespeare and Mak Yong have in common? More than you might think! Mak Yong Shakespeare: The Comedy of Errors brings together one of the world's best-known comedies with Kelantan's centuries-old dance theatre tradition, creating a fresh take on a timeless tale of mistaken identities, family reunions and comic confusion. We speak to director Norzizi Zulkifli about the inspiration behind th

WVC Malaysian Jazz Ensemble's 20th Anniversary Celebration Jun 26, 2026 1387 This year, WVC Malaysian Jazz Ensemble celebrates its 20th anniversary, marking twenty years of original music, collaborations, recordings and performances that have helped shape Malaysia's jazz landscape. Founded and led by pianist and composer Tay Cher Siang, the group has built a reputation for blending jazz with distinctly Malaysian influences, literary themes and fearless experimentation. The

Across Galaxies & Kingdoms Jun 25, 2026 1067 Great stories need great music. Often, it's the score that nudges us when to feel hope, fear, triumph, or heartbreak, turning unforgettable moments on screen into experiences that stay with us for years. Tutan Entertainment's upcoming concert, Across Galaxies & Kingdoms, shines a spotlight on the music behind some of science fiction and fantasy's most iconic worlds, from The Lord of the Rings

The Merry Widow Jun 19, 2026 1489 What happens when an entire country's financial future depends on who one wealthy widow decides to marry? That's the delightfully improbable premise at the heart of The Merry Widow, Franz Lehár's much-loved operetta filled with romance, intrigue, and plenty of laughs. KL City Opera is bringing the classic work to the stage this July, reimagined in English and set against the elegance and glamour o

Shades of Handel Jun 18, 2026 1011 When most people think of George Frideric Handel, it's often the Messiah and the soaring "Hallelujah" Chorus that come to mind. But Handel's musical legacy extends far beyond his most famous work. A special concert titled Shades of Handel, presented by VerSeS Music Ensembles and performed by the KL Madrigal Singers & Players, aims to reveal the many colours of the Baroque master's music, throu

Hungry Jun 12, 2026 1396 When we talk about the Hungry Ghost Festival, it's easy to focus on the spirits. But perhaps the people who are truly hungry are the living, hungry for understanding, hungry for connection, hungry to be loved. That's the idea behind Hungry, a new play making its premiere at klpac this month, written by award-winning Singaporean playwright Desmond Sim. Set against the backdrop of the Hungry Ghost F

The ASEAN Youth Orchestra Festival Kuala Lumpur 2026 Jun 11, 2026 1088 The ASEAN Youth Orchestra Festival 2026 Kuala Lumpur gathers young musicians from across Southeast Asia for a week of training, exchange and performance, culminating in a free community concert and a Gala Concert. To tell us more about the festival and its aims, we’re joined by Ahmad Muriz Che Rose, Conductor and Head of Music Talent Development at the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.See omnystud

Redefining Artistry Jun 5, 2026 1387 If you think choir concerts are just about standing and singing, think again. Redefining Artistry is an upcoming immersive production that combines choral music with astrophotography, digital visuals and scent design for a completely multi-sensory experience at RexKL. To tell us more, we’re joined by Lee Shiak Yao from the Klang Chamber Choir.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tokyo x Seoul: Icons & Idols Jun 4, 2026 1243 Choral music may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about K-pop and J-pop, genres known for their slick choreography, fashion, and larger-than-life performances. But the Young KL Singers are bringing all of those worlds together in Tokyo x Seoul: Icons & Idols, a concert experience that blends choir, dance, design, multimedia, and some of the most beloved songs from Japan

The Long Journey May 29, 2026 1883 A major new multidisciplinary performance is making its premiere this June, bringing together contemporary music, Butoh and dance theatre, visual storytelling, and the rich musical traditions of the Orang Ulu community of Sarawak. The Long Journey follows a woman’s spiritual and emotional journey of healing and self-discovery, inspired by the transformative sound of the sape. To understand more ab

Structural Voids May 28, 2026 1758 For artist Yau Bee Ling, painting has never simply been about creating images, it has been a way of living, processing, questioning, and making sense of the world. For thirty-five years, she has painted through different chapters of life, exploring themes of family, femininity, motherhood, emotional tension, and personal transformation through richly textured canvases that feel both intimate and u

Disney's The Lion King Live in Concert May 22, 2026 1132 It’s been more than three decades since Disney’s The Lion King first captured audiences around the world, and its music remains just as powerful today. Now, in what will be Malaysia’s first ever Disney The Lion King Live in Concert, audiences can experience the beloved film with a full live orchestra performing every note in sync with the movie. To tell us more about the preparation, the challenge

Berapa Sekilo? May 21, 2026 817 There is something deeply Malaysian about the wet market. The sound of bargaining, the smell of the sea, the sight of ice melting beneath fresh seafood. It is busy, noisy, messy, and full of life. But for visual artist Ryzalman Misran, it is also a place of beauty, memory, sacrifice, and human connection. His new solo exhibition, Berapa Sekilo? transforms these familiar scenes into striking photo

Bardo May 15, 2026 1392 Death is something many cultures struggle to talk about openly, yet it’s also one of the few experiences every human being shares. A new multidisciplinary arts production Bardo invites audiences to reflect on that mysterious space between life and death through theatre, music, and visual art. Bringing together symbolic installations, live performance, and an original soundtrack performed live, the

Seni Mekar: Art in Bloom May 14, 2026 1034 Art can be many things. A form of expression, a source of comfort, even a way of connecting with the world when words are hard to find. That idea sits at the heart of Seni Mekar: Art in Bloom, a new exhibition by FriendenArt featuring the works of 18 young artists, many of whom are living with disabilities and rare conditions. FriendenArt itself was inspired by the artistic journey of co-founder Y

Teater Normcore: Odisi Romansa May 8, 2026 1486 What does it mean to be human, especially in a world where humans no longer exist? That is the question at the heart of Teater Normcore: Odisi Romansa, a new science fiction theatre production that blends live performance with digital technology, striking visual elements and even puppetry. Set in a distant future, the story follows two androids trying to make sense of memory, love, and longing. It

Cluedo May 7, 2026 1093 There’s something timeless about a good murder mystery. Add in a cast of eccentric suspects, plenty of physical comedy, and the unpredictability of live theatre, and you’ve got the ingredients for what sounds like a wildly entertaining night out. Limelight Theatre’s latest production is Cluedo, a stage adaptation of the beloved board game that transforms the familiar mystery into a laugh out loud

Much Ado About Nothing Apr 24, 2026 1483 A story of love, misunderstandings, and razor-sharp wit, Much Ado About Nothing remains one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies. This year, KL Shakespeare Players brings it to life in a brand new way, setting the action in 1930s Penang as part of the group's 15th anniversary celebration. We find out how this classic is being reimagined with director Johnny Gillett, and cast member Lim Sheng Hui

Islands Apr 23, 2026 1715 A chance encounter, a shared curiosity, and a journey across cultures have come together in Islands, a striking dance duet by Taiwanese choreographer Wang Yeu-kwn and Indonesian performer Danang Pamungkas. Featuring a mask, a massive shifting airbag, and a dialogue between two bodies shaped by different traditions, the work explores identity, balance, and what it means to connect beyond our own bo

KL Festival 2026 Apr 17, 2026 1924 KL Festival 2026 lights up the city this May, bringing a mix of performances, installations, walks, and site-specific works across the city. From large-scale public events at Dataran to intimate shows in heritage spaces and creative hubs, the programme is designed to get audiences experiencing KL in new ways, under the theme “Memory and Tomorrow.” This year also marks a new chapter for the festiva

Ballet Illuminations 2026 Apr 16, 2026 724 A triple bill by Singapore Ballet is offering audiences a mix of classical and contemporary ballet, with works that range from technically demanding to more emotional and reflective. The programme for Ballet Illuminations 2026 includes Paquita, Evening Voices, and Shadow’s Edge, each bringing a very different style and mood to the stage. We catch up with Singapore Ballet’s Artistic Director Janek

Schütz & Bach Apr 10, 2026 1472 If you have ever wondered what Baroque sacred music actually sounds like, or why it still resonates today, the upcoming concert Schütz & Bach might just be the thing for you. Featuring the KL Madrigal Singers & Players, the concert brings together the works of Heinrich Schütz and Johann Sebastian Bach, tracing a journey from quiet devotion to something much more uplifting and assured. We f

KL Jazz Day 2026 Apr 9, 2026 1174 From back-to-back live performances in the afternoon, to swing dancing in the evening and a full jazz orchestra at night, KL Jazz Day 2026 promises a full spectrum of what jazz can be. Taking place at Yap Ah Shak House, it’s as much about the music as it is about bringing people together. We find out what's in store from singer-songwriter and musician Reza Salleh, who’s organising this year’s even

Dua Darah Apr 3, 2026 1318 A funeral becomes the starting point for a deeply personal reckoning in Dua Darah, a new theatre production by ZXC Theatre Troupe, that brings us into the mind of a man caught between cultures, faiths, and expectations. As he carries out the rites for his late aunt, memories begin to surface, revealing the complexities of being a Malay-Chinese Muslim in Malaysia today. Blending language, movement,

Lady M Apr 2, 2026 1355 Ambition, power, and the unraveling of the human mind - Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s most enduring tragedies. But what happens when we step inside the psyche of Lady Macbeth alone? Masakini Theatre Company’s latest production, Lady M, reimagines The Scottish Play as a gripping solo performance. We speak to actor, producer and Artistic Director Sabera Shaik, and lighting designer Normah Nordin,

Shakespeare Demystified: The Merchant of Venice Mar 27, 2026 1690 Justice, mercy, revenge, forgiveness. These are big themes, and they sit right at the heart of Shakespeare Demystified: The Merchant of Venice, now brought back by KL Shakespeare Players in a way that speaks to today’s audiences. Joining us to talk about how they make Shakespeare feel immediate and relatable to today’s audience are cast members Nurul Sofia, Zul Zamir, and Lim Soon Heng, who is als

Golden Melody: Our Story Mar 26, 2026 1445 From legends like Roman Tam, Anita Mui and Leslie Cheung to more contemporary favourites like Eason Chan and Sammi Cheng, Cantopop has produced some of the most memorable songs in Asian pop music. Over the past six years, the Golden Melody series at klpac has celebrated those iconic songs through live performances that combine music, storytelling and nostalgia. Now the series returns for its sixth

The MPO and Belle Sisoski: Ethnosphere Mar 13, 2026 1696 From performing with traditional instruments to producing electronic music and cinematic soundscapes, Belle Sisoski has built a reputation for blending heritage and modern sound. The Sarawak-born multi-instrumentalist, producer and singer-songwriter plays over 30 traditional instruments, possesses a five-octave vocal range, and has amassed millions of followers across the world. Now, she will be t

Brahms: The Two Sonatas for Cello & Piano Mar 6, 2026 1741 Two monumental works by Johannes Brahms take centre stage in an upcoming chamber music performance, Brahms: The Two Sonatas for Cello & Piano, featuring the composer’s complete sonatas for cello and piano. These pieces showcase the cello’s lyrical voice and the rich partnership between the two instruments. Joining us to share more about the music is cellist and co-headliner of the recital, Iva

Moonlit Melodies Feb 26, 2026 1580 Nighttime means different things to different people. For some, it’s calm and quiet. For others, it’s when emotions feel a little closer to the surface. Presented by the VerSeS Music Ensembles, Moonlit Melodies is a concert built around that idea - music shaped by stillness, shadow, and reflection. It features songs and piano works inspired by the poetry of the night. Joining us to share more are

No Particular Order Feb 20, 2026 1922 What happens to ordinary people when freedoms begin to narrow and uncertainty becomes part of everyday life? That is the question at the heart of No Particular Order, a dystopian play by Singaporean playwright Joel Tan. Told through shifting timelines and fragments of everyday lives, the play explores how people navigate fear, responsibility, and survival in a society that feels uncomfortably clos

Mati-mati (J’aime Ma Mère) Feb 13, 2026 1415 A new theatre production is inviting us into a story about family, loss, and the complicated bonds between siblings. Mati-mati (J’aime Ma Mère) is the second part of a trilogy by Christopher Ling and Arsyad Azrai, following the sold-out Saccharine. To tell us more about the show and how it builds on their earlier work Saccharine, we’re joined by writer Arsyad Azrai and cast member Muhammad Ibrahim

The Ambitious Plan Feb 12, 2026 1393 From playful marches to cinematic finales, wind symphony music has a way of telling vivid and unexpected stories. An upcoming concert titled The Ambitious Plan brings together a wide range of works, including a world premiere by a local composer, while also marking an important milestone for BELIA’n Wind Symphony. Joining us to share more are Ho Chee Kiang, Music Director and Conductor, and Aaron

The Young Blood Experiment by EJKLS Seni: In Conversation with God & Yel! Feb 6, 2026 1877 What happens when young theatre makers are given the freedom to experiment without playing it safe? The Young Blood Experiment under EJKLS Seni does exactly that, spotlighting bold new voices and ideas on stage. We speak to Yanu, director and writer of In Conversation with God, and Yuthes Umadevi Navarathinam, director and writer of  Yel! or A Compendious Lecture on the Reign of Sultan Paduka

The Young Blood Experiment by EJKLS Seni: Mary/am & Lapar Jan 30, 2026 1880 What does it mean to grow up under pressure, and what happens when systems meant to help us quietly cross a line? Those are some of the questions explored in two new plays coming out of The Young Blood Experiment by EJKLS Seni. We speak to Adelia Khalid, director and writer of Mary/am, and Hanna Lee, director and writer of Lapar, two emerging theatre makers whose works invite us to look closely at

Kami Penipu Tapi Kami Tak Menipu Jan 29, 2026 1288 Malaysia is often described through slogans, policies, or headlines, but rarely through the messy, contradictory voices of everyday people. Kami Penipu Tapi Kami Tak Menipu flips that around, taking candid street interviews and transforming them into a 60-second snippets that form a full length contemporary dance performance, one that blends movement, text, multimedia, and live music. This is not

The MPO in 2026: Music Across Generations and Genres Jan 23, 2026 1491 The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) has kicked off 2026 with its 28th concert season, one that blends classical storytelling with cross-genre collaborations and crowd favourites. With programmes ranging from Verdi and Mozart to anime, film, and Broadway, the season reflects an orchestra constantly rethinking how it connects with audiences. We catch up with Gerard Salonga, the MPO’s Resident

BUKA 2026 Jan 23, 2026 1337 BUKA 2026 is a space for opening up. Through solo works in theatre and dance, it brings forward stories of identity, belonging, and emotional truth, and asks what it really means to be seen without defences. Joining us to talk about the production are producer Hoe Hui Ting, and performer Yon Lynn, who is the solo actor for the piece called “Kenapa Tak Tukar Nama?” - which explores love, faith, ide

God’s Waiting Room Jan 16, 2026 1712 There are some conversations that only come with time, shared history, and a lot of lived experience. God’s Waiting Room feels like one of those conversations. Opening klpac’s 2026 season, this new play looks at old age, companionship, and the strange in-between space of waiting, through characters who are funny, irritable, vulnerable, and deeply human. It is written and directed by Joe Hasham OAM

Encounter: Anime 2.0 Jan 15, 2026 1051 Anime music, a full symphony orchestra, and over 120 musicians on one stage - that’s the promise of Encounter: Anime 2.0. Presented by AOrchestra, this community-driven concert brings iconic anime themes to life through brand-new orchestral arrangements, featuring music from Naruto, Jujutsu Kaisen, One Piece, Studio Ghibli, and more. We find out more from producer Alvin Ong, the Founder of AOrches

Tali Tukang Gantung Jan 9, 2026 1383 When we talk about the death penalty, it is often discussed in numbers, laws, and policy debates. But behind every sentence is a human life, and a ripple effect that reaches families, lawyers, prison officers, and entire communities. At a time when Malaysia has repealed the mandatory death penalty but continues to retain capital punishment in law, questions about justice, humanity, and accountabil

Lorong Cermin Jan 8, 2026 887 At its heart, Lorong Cermin is a story about people trying to move forward while carrying the weight of the past. Set in a town recovering from a devastating flood, the musical explores strained family ties, unspoken feelings, and the quiet hope that comes with rebuilding. We discuss how the cast brings these emotions to the stage, the challenges of performing in an original musical, and what this

Body For Nobody Dec 19, 2025 1191 What happens when identity slips, and the body moves between showing and hiding? Body For Nobody sits in that quiet, in-between space, using movement, sound, and ritual to invite us to slow down and pay attention. Joining me to talk about this new full-length dance work is its creator, choreographer and dancer Ethel Deidre, developed through the REFLEKT Residency by Goethe-Institut Malaysia.See om

Classical For Kids: The Magic Flute with The klpac Orchestra Dec 18, 2025 1195 Opera doesn’t have to be intimidating, and klpac’s Classical For Kids concerts prove it. With floor seating for children, interactive storytelling, and an orchestra up close, families can enjoy Mozart’s The Magic Flute in a fun, relaxed way. Joining us are YiLing Chaing, the Music Director and Founder of Fiamma Opera Studio, and Lee Hai Lin, the concertmaster, to talk about what children and famil

Into Still Life Dec 12, 2025 1390 Into Still Life is a performance that invites us to slow our pace and notice the quiet relationships between stillness and movement. It looks at how tension, balance, and presence shape our experience of the world. We hear more from the artists behind it, Aiwei Foo and Kent Lee, from the Shaman Tearoom.Image Credit: Shaman TearoomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TEKKA - Audiovisual Festival Dec 11, 2025 1334 Audiovisual art can sound a little mysterious if you’ve never encountered it, but TEKKA wants to change that. The festival is making its first appearance in Kuala Lumpur with performances, workshops, and conversations that invite everyone to explore how sound and visuals can interact. Here to guide us through what TEKKA is trying to spark are its Founder and Creative Director, Wee Jia Foong, and V

Jalinan x Little River Festival 2025 Dec 5, 2025 1345 Taman Melawati is about to come alive with a very special community festival, one that brings together arts, environment, youth, and neighbourhood spirit. It’s called the Jalinan x Little River Festival 2025, and it’s the first time two grassroots movements are joining forces: Jalinan, a monthly arts and community programme centred on Jalan Negara Kita; and the Little River Festival, a project roo

Exchange for Peace 2025 Dec 4, 2025 1300 There’s a big music exchange happening, one that brings together orchestras, choirs, young musicians, dancers, and composers from both Malaysia and Australia. It’s called Exchange for Peace, and it blends world premieres, children’s choirs, and Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man in a celebration of collaboration and hope. Here to share the story behind it, and to give us a peek into what it’s been like b

Shantanand Festival of Arts 2025 Nov 28, 2025 1523 The Shantanand Festival of Arts returns this year with a joyful celebration of music, dance, theatre and storytelling, all brought together under one roof by the Temple of Fine Arts Kuala Lumpur. Now in its 8th edition, the festival has grown into a beloved cultural highlight, drawing audiences from all walks of life. Joining us are Festival Director Dhanya Thurairajah and Co-Music Arranger Harira

Kapitan – The Musical Nov 27, 2025 1177 We often hear Yap Ah Loy’s name in our history books, but a new production presented by Opus Harmonia Association and co-organised by the PJ Philharmonic Orchestra Academy is giving his story fresh life, through theatre and symphonic music. It’s Kapitan – The Musical, and we're joined by the creative team behind it - director and book and lyrics writer Chin San Sooi, and composer and music directo

The Swimming Instructor Nov 21, 2025 1347 Back in 2009, The Swimming Instructor had its Malaysian debut under the direction of Christopher Ling, and it left a strong mark on audiences here. Sixteen years later, he’s revisiting the play with a brand new cast and an original soundtrack by composer Marco George. It’s a chance to see how this funny and quietly moving story evolves when placed in the world we live in today, where "no amount of

Entourage - Murder Amongst Friends Nov 20, 2025 1245 Every now and then, something remarkable resurfaces, in this case, a ‘lost play’ from the archives of Jit Murad. Entourage – Murder Amongst Friends was written back in 2000 but never staged, until now. As part of JitFest 2025, Dramalab is giving it the spotlight, premiering with an ensemble cast exploring friendship, ambition, secrets, and a murder that changes everything. We speak to cast members

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