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PODCAST

Front Row

Don’t be afraid of the arts. You too can enjoy it! Don"t believe us? Tune in to Front Row to find out about the best shows and exhibitions that will recharge your brain and restore your spirit, as told by the producers, performers and artists themselves.

arts performing arts

All Episodes

22:33

The Plantation Plot

Front Row ·

2025/04/24

What does it mean to live in the afterlife of the plantation? That’s the question at the heart of The Plantation Plot, a new exhibition presented by ILHAM Gallery in collaboration with global arts organisation Kadist. Curated by Lim Sheau Yun, the show explores how plantation systems not only shaped economies but also displaced communities, altered ecologies, and built the modern world. We speak to Sheau Yun, ILHAM’s Rahel Joseph, and Kadist’s Marie Martraire about the ideas behind the exhibition,

en-US

29:46

Sadhana and Rendezvous with OS Arun

Front Row ·

2025/04/18

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

19:32

The Show That Will Not Win An Award

Front Row ·

2025/04/17

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

en-US

14:48

Baroque Brilliance

Front Row ·

2025/04/11

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

en-US

14:21

Lieder, Love and Laughter

Front Row ·

2025/04/10

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

en-US

10:37

One Hour: On Belonging

Front Row ·

2025/04/10

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 MalaysiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

29:22

All That Jazz

Front Row ·

2025/04/04

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

en-US

23:50

Straddle #2025 - Holding space for dance works from...

Front Row ·

2025/04/03

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

31:25

LaguKu 3.0

Front Row ·

2025/03/28

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

en-US

31:58

Growing Together, Not Too Soon

Front Row ·

2025/03/21

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

en-US

25:04

Classical Treasures

Front Row ·

2025/03/14

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

en-US

19:34

Stage and Screen Spectacular

Front Row ·

2025/03/07

Broadway, the West End, and Hollywood come together in one spectacular evening in Stage and Screen Spectacular with The klpac Symphonic Band, conducted by Cheryl Mah. From Rodgers and Hammerstein classics to the unforgettable music of West Side Story and Miss Saigon, this concert also features legendary film scores by Ennio Morricone, Nino Rota, and John Williams. With a mix of drama, romance, and fun, this eclectic programme promises something for everyone, and we find out more from Cheryl Mah, the

en-US

19:48

The Golden Age Of Broadway

Front Row ·

2025/03/06

Relive The Golden Age of Broadway with KL City Opera, in a concert that will showcase beloved songs from musicals like South Pacific, The Sound of Music, and The King & I, among others. Performed by the KLCO Chorus, young rising stars, and the KLCO Orchestra Ensemble, we find out what's in store from Music Director Cadis Lee, and Chorus Master Mak Chi Hoe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

19:52

Jalan Negara Kita

Front Row ·

2025/02/28

How do you turn a street into a cultural hotspot? That’s exactly what Jalan Negara Kita is doing in Taman Melawati. Launched as a collaboration between artists and the local community, this initiative is bringing art, music, and creative experiences into the heart of the neighbourhood. We find out more from Nazura Rahime, the co-founder of Jalan Negara Kita, and Azhari Abd Taharim, the Chairman of the Taman Melawati Residents Association (TMRA).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy

en-US

16:23

Paramount Art A-Fair 2025

Front Row ·

2025/02/27

Ever wanted to start an art collection but didn’t know where to begin? The Paramount Art A-Fair might just be the perfect place. Back for another edition at Awegallery, this mini art fair showcases a variety of artworks - all priced under RM5,000 - making art ownership more approachable. We speak to gallery owner and exhibition co-curator Dora Ong, to chat about this year’s featured artists, what goes into curating an exhibition like this, and why art should be for everyone, not just a select

en-US

22:35

Sepia Tak Sepi

Front Row ·

2025/02/21

Prof. Dr Jalaini Abu Hassan’s artistic journey is one of memory—of places, people, and materials that shape his work. Trained at some of the world’s most prestigious art institutions, Jai remains deeply connected to his Malaysian roots, often reflecting on them through unexpected mediums like bitumen. In Sepia Tak Sepi, he brings these elements together, inviting us into a world where materiality and meaning converge. Jai joins us to discuss his career which has spanned over 30 years, his

en-US

22:48

Touch Me Hold Me Let Me Go (2025)

Front Row ·

2025/02/20

What if dance wasn’t just about movement, but a way to reconnect—with yourself, with others, and even with the planet? That's at the heart of Touch Me Hold Me Let Me Go, a unique performance by Malaysia-born, Vancouver-based artist Lee Su-Feh, in collaboration with sound designer Kent Lee, and lighting/multimedia designer Syamsul Azhar. Blending lecture, poetry, music, and movement, this immersive experience invites audiences to breathe, listen, and move together. Su-Feh and Kent join us to share

en-US

22:15

Dondang Dongeng 2025

Front Row ·

2025/02/14

Do Malaysian children still know the stories of Sang Kancil, and the princesses of old? That question sparked Dondang Dongeng, a musical celebration of Malaysia’s rich folklore, which was first staged back in 2023. With five BOH Cameronian Arts Awards under its belt now, the show is a bold retelling of these timeless tales through song and storytelling. Joining us are Melina William (Creative Director and Music Producer) and Mia Palencia (Composer) to share how they brought these stories to life,

en-US

15:37

Strings À La Carte

Front Row ·

2025/02/13

If you love classical music, or if you’re curious but haven’t quite taken the plunge, you’ll want to check out the debut performance of 12tone Ensemble’s string orchestra, Strings À La Carte. Featuring a creative "concert menu" concept, this performance highlights the rich variety of the string repertoire, which includes works from Dvorak, Kreisler, Elgar, Holst and Arlen. We speak to concertmaster Alyssa Chong, and conductor Caeleb Tee about what makes this show special, and why it’s one you won’t

en-US

22:43

Kaadhal Tholvigal - The Failed Romances

Front Row ·

2025/02/06

Love is complicated. And if you’ve ever felt like Tamil cinema’s epic love stories set the bar a little too high - or hilariously low - then Kaadhal Tholvigal - The Failed Romances is the show for you. Created by TerryandTheCuz, this hybrid cabaret blends music, theatre, and storytelling to explore the highs, lows, and over-the-top drama of romance through the lens of Tamil films. Ahead of its debut at BOBO KL, we speak to Govin Ruben, performer, co-creator and co-writer of the show, to talk about

en-US

2,102 results

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