Front Row

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.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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