Front Row

Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music are timeless art forms – and in the hands of masters like Shangita Namasivayam and Dr OS Arun, they continue to evolve while staying rooted in tradition. As they prepare for Sadhana – A Journey of Self-Discovery, and Rendezvous with OS Arun, we speak with the duo about the philosophy behind the shows, the beauty of lifelong learning, and their hopes for the future of Indian classical arts.

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If the world was ending and you could only save three songs, what would they be? That’s the very question that sparked The Show That Will Not Win An Award, a bold and cheeky new production by The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre and The Actors Studio. Despite its tongue-in-cheek title, the show promises a powerful blend of rock anthems, emotional storytelling, and powerhouse vocals. We discuss this genre-blending journey with Ian Chow, the director and one of the vocalists for the show, and Jacqueline Teng, the show’s music director and pianist.

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Baroque music might be a few hundred years old, but it’s anything but boring. With fast-paced violin runs, powerful cello duets, and even a harpsichord making an appearance, Baroque Brilliance with The klpac String Orchestra is set to shake up your idea of a classical concert. We catch up with Andrea Sim, the Resident Conductor & Music Director of the klpac String Orchestra, and guest solo cellist Ryan Lim, who help us demystify this musical era, and share why these centuries-old compositions still shine on stage today.

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What do Schubert, Mozart, and Adele’s 'Laughing Song' have in common? They’re all part of Lieder, Love and Laughter, a new show by The Poetics Collective featuring members of the KL Madrigal Singers, that’s set to delight audiences with a playful blend of classical favourites and light-hearted gems. If you’ve ever been curious about classical music but didn’t know where to start - this might just be the perfect entry point. Scott Woo, Tenor and Director of The Poetics Collective, joins us to tell us more.

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Poetry has long been a tool for resistance, healing, and hope. This Saturday, Persatuan Penulis Berbilang Bahasa (PEN Malaysia) is hosting One Hour: On Belonging, a fundraiser that brings together poets, performers, and activists for an hour of powerful expression. The show supports artistic and humanitarian work in Palestine and Myanmar—and joining us to talk about it is PEN Malaysia member, Deborah Augustine.

Image Credit: PEN Malaysia

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The MPO is set to present a jazz concert with a modern Asian spin, called All That Jazz. Conducted by Gerard Salonga, The Shang Sisters will bring their Nanyang Jazz style to the stage, together with the contemporary jazz band WVC Jazz Ensemble and friends. Expect a mix of original songs and reimagined classics, offering a fresh take on old favorites. We find out what's in store from pianist and musician Tay Cher Siang from the WVC Malaysian Jazz Ensemble, and Janet Lee, a singer and performer with the female jazz trio The Shang Sisters.

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Straddle is a new platform by Five Arts Centre, that fosters artistic exchange between Kuala Lumpur and other cities. Straddle #2025 connects artists from Kuala Lumpur and Montreal in a four-day exchange of performances, discussions, and improvisations. This year’s focus: identity—how it’s cultivated, inherited, and reshaped through dance. We speak to producer June Tan and dancer/ choreographer January Low to find out all about it.

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Laguku 3.0 marks the next evolution of Orang Orang Drum Theatre’s signature series, this time placing the spotlight on its emerging performers, the pelapis waris. Over two years, they have developed seven original pieces, each blending drumming with theatre, dance, and unexpected musical elements. The result? A dynamic showcase of rhythm, movement, and transformation, pushing the boundaries of percussion performance. We find out what's in store from Damien Leow (Producer and Production Manager) and Tee Vlin (Performance Creator/Performer).

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Child marriage remains a pressing issue in Malaysia, and the Students Not Brides 2025 Mobilisation Campaign is working to challenge its normalisation. In support of this cause, 21 female artists have contributed over 40 artworks to a special exhibition called Growing Together, Not Too Soon at Temu House, with part of the proceeds going towards the campaign. We discover how the artists tackled the issue of child marriage through art, and also discuss how the venue, Temu House is fostering community-building with Lina Tan (Founder, Red Communications and Co-founder, 3R Media) and Sharmin Parameswaran, the curator of the exhibition.

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The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) are set to present Classical Treasures, a concert featuring six timeless masterpieces, led by Resident Conductor Gerard Salonga. The programme opens with Rossini’s lively Overture of The Barber of Seville, followed by Chopin’s elegant Nocturne in E-flat. Renowned local soprano Datuk Syafinaz Selamat will take center stage with excerpts from Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet and Mozart’s The Magic Flute, and she joins us to share more about the upcoming performance. 

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