Front Row

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 promises an unforgettable evening of Romantic masterworks by Mendelssohn, Mahler and Suppé.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 this ambitious production, the creative challenges of blending two distinct theatrical traditions, and why reimagining Shakespeare through the language of Mak Yong offers audiences a new way to experience both classics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 celebrations include a performance at the Royal Selangor Jazz Festival 2026, as well as a special anniversary concert, WVC 20, that brings together past and present collaborators for an evening reflecting on the band's remarkable journey. We speak to Cher Siang to reflect on the band’s journey thus far, while discussing the big anniversary celebrations, and also the road ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 and Game of Thrones to Battlestar Galactica and beyond. Leading the performance is conductor Kevin Field, Conductor Laureate of the Tutan Festival Orchestra (appearing courtesy of Bentley Music Academy) to tell us more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 of 1920s Paris. Joining us to talk about the production are cast members Janet Lee and Gui Foo Chen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, through a programme of vocal and instrumental works performed on period instruments. We find out more from Scott Woo, tenor and Director of the KL Madrigal Singers & Players.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Festival, the play explores family relationships, memory, grief, and the things we carry with us across a lifetime. To tell us more about it, we speak to the play's director Christopher Ling, and actor Gabriel Tham.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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 and South Korea into one spectacular tribute. Joining us to share more about the production are director Ian Chow, and singer Lai Suk Yin, from the Young KL Singers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 about this collaboration, we speak to director and vocalist Lai Chee Bungan Yeow, and producer Foo Chiwei.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 universal. Her latest solo exhibition, Structural Voids, presented at Wei-Ling Gallery, explores emotional disconnection, fragmentation, and the quiet struggles of holding onto human connection in an increasingly fractured world. Alongside the exhibition is the launch of The Weaving of Life: Art through Trials and Triumphs, the first monograph dedicated to her work. She joins us to reflect on the stories behind the paintings, the evolution of her practice, and the experiences that continue to shape her art.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 challenges, and the excitement behind this major production, we're joined by Eric Lee, Resident Conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra Malaysia.Image Credit: Milestone Entertainment FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 realistic watercolour paintings that invite us to slow down and look again. We speak to Ryzalman about the stories, memories, and emotions behind the exhibition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 work explores transformation, memory, and the unknown in a deeply immersive way. Joining us to share more about this production are producer and director Chin Wai Kong, and artist and music director Samm Koh.Image Credit: The Razors Experimental Theatre FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Yap Sook Yee’s son, Branden, who lives with Spinal Muscular Atrophy or SMA. What began as a way to support and showcase his creativity has since grown into a wider platform celebrating the talents of other artists with disabilities and rare conditions. We catch up with Sook Yee, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 is poetic, a little mysterious, and very much rooted in emotion. Presented by Moka Mocha Ink and written and directed by Ridhwan Saidi, we find out what's in store from two of the performers bringing this story to life, Lee Qi and Aliya Marissa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 theatrical experience full of twists, misunderstandings, and theatrical chaos. We find out what's in store in this murderously funny show from Limelight Theatre's Creative Directors Joe Wyatt and Nikki Brown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 borders. With its Southeast Asian premiere happening right here in Kuala Lumpur, we speak to both artists about the story behind Islands, their collaboration, and what audiences can expect.Photo Credit: The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts CentreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 festival, with June Tan stepping in as Artistic Director for the first time, shaping the overall vision and direction of the programme. June joins us to share how she’s thinking about the festival as it unfolds across downtown Kuala Lumpur, and to walk us through what we can expect from the more than 80 multidisciplinary events and activations happening in the city over 26 days. The festival is organised by Think City, working with strategic partner Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Schergen, to find out more. Image Credit: Photo by Bernie Ng, courtesy of Singapore Ballet & KLPACSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 find out what's in store from tenor and director, Scott Woo, and Dr Yi Li Chang, a multi-instrumentalist who will be performing on the viola de gamba.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, and music, the production tells a story that feels both intimate and universal. We explore this moving and thought-provoking production with director Chee Sek Thim, and playwright Johan Othman.Image Credit: ZXC Theatre TroupeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, about bringing this bold vision to life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 also the Executive Director, KL Shakespeare Players.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 and final edition, Golden Melody: Our Story and joining us to share more about it are the show’s directors, Ian Chow and Alesia Dhana.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 taking her special brand of fusion music to a new level in a special collaboration with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra in the upcoming concert called The MPO and Belle Sisoski: Ethnosphere. She joins us to talk about her musical journey, her influences, and what to look forward to at the upcoming multi-genre concert featuring her signature ethnic-cinematic-EDM sound.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, Ivan Torres.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Scott Woo, Director and Tenor with The Poetics Collective, and collaborative pianist Dr Andre Ng.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 close to our own. The Malaysian premiere, presented by Theatresauce, places audiences inside an immersive world where the boundaries between observer and participant begin to blur. Joining us are two of the performers bringing this story to life, cast members Anne James and Kamini Senthilathiban.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Foo, Vice President of BELIA’n Wind Symphony.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Seri Mahadewa Rahmatullah Al-Bara’ III (1784-1834), about their work, their questions, and what it means to create theatre right now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 faith, morality, and the cost of conformity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 a neat or polished portrait of the country, it’s cracked, chaotic, noisy, and defiantly alive. Joining us to unpack how this production came together, and what it’s trying to hold up to us as a mirror, are choreographers and collaborators Mohd Nur Faillul Adam and Mohd Nuriqram Azhar, who are also performing in the production.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Conductor, to talk about the music, the musicians, and what makes this season such an exciting one to experience live.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, identity, and the pressures that come with navigating bureaucracy as a Muslim convert. We also hear more about the other two pieces, the dance performance Me Nari, and the theatre piece Denganmu Ibu (DEBU).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, with Dato' Dr. Faridah Merican returning to the stage in a role that feels especially close to home. We spend some time with both of them to talk about the play, their journey, and what it means to keep telling stories at this stage of life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 AOrchestra, and violinist Justin Lai, one of the show's conductors, and a member of AOrchestra.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 accountability remain deeply unresolved. Tali Tukang Gantung is a new theatre project presented by the Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (MCCHR), the Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network (ADPAN) and Amnesty International Malaysia, that draws directly from real interviews with people connected to Malaysia’s death penalty system, bringing their lived experiences to the stage. Joining us to talk about this powerful work are performer Deena Dakshini, who carries these stories in a solo performance, and Janice Ananthan, the show's producer and a Project Officer at the Anti Death Penalty Asia Network (ADPAN). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 story might stir in audiences, with cast members Elysa Lee and Ong Xiao Wen.Image Credit: klpacSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 families can expect from this experience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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 Visual Designer and Artist, Syed Muhammad.Image Credit: klpac/ TEKKASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 rooted in nearly eight years of weekly river restoration work along the Klang River. This year’s theme, “From the River to the Streets,” connects Melawati’s recent flooding with the way our everyday behaviour — from waste to development — shapes the health of our rivers and our neighbourhoods. The festival, which is the first Gombak Hulu Langat Geopark Community event organised and led by the community, aims to bring that story to life through workshops, exhibitions, and youth-led activities all across the community. Joining us to share more are Nazura Rahime, who is the co-founder of Jalan Negara Kita, and Kennedy Michael, the founder of Community Action Nexus and Alliance of River Three.Photo Credit: Nazure RahimeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 building such a large, joyful project, are conductor Kevin Field and co-producer and soprano Nicole Thomson.Image Credit: Bentley Music Academy/ klpacSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Hariraam Tingyuan Lam, who are part of the team bringing this year’s festival to life. They share what’s new, what’s exciting, and why you’ll want to mark your calendars for this festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.