Front Row

Ilham Gallery is set to host artist Noor Abed, who will bring her evocative film trilogy to the gallery this 10th - 21st November, with a special screening and conversation with writer Jo Kukathas on the 9th of November. Abed is a Palestinian artist who works at the intersection of performance and film, and her works, including Penelope, our songs were ready for all wars to come, and A Night We Held Between, delve into Palestinian folklore, blending visuals and soundscapes to reflect themes of resistance, community, and the deep ties to land. We speak to Noor to find out more about her work.

Image credit: Noor Abed

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The Al McKay Allstars, led by Grammy-winning guitarist and Earth, Wind & Fire legend Al McKay, are set to perform in Kuala Lumpur for a one-night only performance. Known for their high-energy performances, the Allstars will bring timeless hits like "September," "Boogie Wonderland," and "Let’s Groove" to life, celebrating Earth, Wind & Fire’s enduring legacy. We speak to Tim Owens, the lead vocalist of the band, to hear more.

Image credit: Al McKay Allstars

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Award-winning Malaysian musical The Working Dead, returns to the stage with its unique blend of humour, heart, and social commentary. Set against the backdrop of a corporate world where overwork becomes literal life and death, the story follows Edwin, a salaryman transformed into a zombie by his boss to keep up with the demands of his job. Featuring catchy songs, lively choreography, and a talented cast of local performers, this production also champions a charitable cause, collaborating with the Dignity For Children Foundation to support marginalised youth, some of whom will make their stage debut. Presented by KULT Productions, we find out what's in store from writer and producer Terence Toh, and actor, singer and performer Ida Mariana.

Image credit: KULT Productions

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The KLPAC Symphonic Band are inviting us to experience nature’s beauty through music in their upcoming concert, “A Dash of Nature: Earth, Sky, and the Life Within.” Under Cheryl Mah's direction, the performance explores Earth’s wonders, featuring compositions by international talents and the world premieres of works by Malaysian composers. From the vibrancy of the forest at night to underwater journeys and mythical mountainscapes, we find out what's in store from Chew Sze Gee, a flautist and the Vice-President of the KLPAC Symphonic Band, and Lawrence Chiu, a composer whose ‘I Wish to Bring You IV’ will make its premiere at this upcoming production.

Image credit: KL Symphonic Band

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Rahmat Bahgia 2024 is an immersive art and community event that celebrates the vibrant connection between art, community, and shared memories, with a nostalgic focus on reliving childhood and iconic cultural objects familiar to Malaysians. The event will showcase life-sized replicas of beloved items, art performances, music shows, and creative workshops, and the highlight will be the unveiling of Lorong Seni, Jalan Negara Kita, a permanent creative space designed to foster artistic collaboration and cultural pride. We find out more from Nazura Rahime, the Gallery Owner of A.P. Art Gallery, Anderson Ee, the Curator of the show, and Ahmad Hakym, the co-founder of KLsketchnation.

Image credit: jalannegarakita (Instagram) (background)

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Kalam — Confluence of Writers & Ideas is a community-driven literary gathering in Kuala Lumpur, part of the Kreatif KL Festival by Think City, celebrating creativity, diversity, and community. Kalam will bring together over 40 speakers from nine countries, including prominent writers and intellectuals like Malaysian cartoonist Lat, Indonesian poet Goenawan Mohamad, and Philippine author Marga Ortigas. The event will feature 27 programs across venues like Muzium Telekom and Central Market, exploring the evolving literary landscapes of Kuala Lumpur and the region. We speak to Pauline Fan, the curator of the programme, to find out more.

Image credit: Kalam Kuala Lumpur (Instagram)

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The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) are set to present their inaugural benefit concert, Resonance for a Reason, a special event will blend music, philanthropy, and nation-building. The concert aims to raise awareness and support for the MPO's talent development program, and will feature renowned performers like Dato' M Nasir, Dato' Sheila Majid, and Misha Omar, alongside the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. We discuss the upcoming concert, and how the MPO wants to continue to nurture young talents and promote music appreciation, with the show's conductor Ahmad Muriz Che Rose, who is also the Head of Music Talent Development at the MPO.

Image credit: MPO

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Laluan Amaryllis . Still is a contemporary dance theatre production by Kwang Tung Dance Company that explores the timeless themes of migration and existence. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the performance reflects on survival strategies of individuals and communities who move from their homeland to a new environment, exploring the emotional and physical realities of migration. The show brings together talented choreographers, designers, and musicians, to craft an immersive experience that challenges audiences to rethink the meaning of movement and existence. We find out all about it from Wong Pui May, a member of the Kwang Tung Dance Company.

Image credit: Kwang Tung Dance Company (via Onetix)

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In a world where art is often seen as a luxury, seasoned artist Jane Tan stands out for her selfless dedication to using her craft for the greater good. At 77, Jane’s third and final solo exhibition, Beauty In My Eyes, showcases 21 stunning oil on canvas landscape paintings. Through this retrospective, she not only invites art lovers to enjoy her works but also provides an opportunity to support a noble cause—donating a portion of the proceeds to the Hua Ming Autism Society. We speak to Jane now to discuss her work, and to discuss how it reflects her personal motto, "When kindness meets kindness, the world becomes beautiful."

Image credit: Awegallery (Instagram)

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Hands Percussion are back with Kaleidoscope VII: Gendang Sedunia – the Hands International Drumming Festival, an innovative performance that fuses traditional rhythms with modern interpretations. Uniting percussionists and artists from Malaysia, China, and Indonesia, this year's  festival promises a spectacular celebration of global rhythms, and we find out more from Bernard Goh, the Founder and Artistic Director of Hands Percussion.

Image credit: Hands Percussion (via CloudJoi)

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