Malaysia's rich arts and cultural heritage is reflected by its equally exuberant art scene. Combining the best of local and global influences, the scene is bursting with an exciting array of entertainment that caters to art enthusiasts from all walks of life.
In KL, the performance art is incredibly diverse, from traditional culture shows, contemporary theatre, orchestral concerts, recitals and ballet. The city often hosts internationally renowned musicians, artists and award-winning theatre in the various entertainment venues.
The Petronas Philharmonic Hall is nestled between the twin towers. It is also the home of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and has hosted various performances by some of the biggest names in the arts – Mstislav Rostropovich, soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, conductors Lorin Maazel, and Sir Neville Marriner. Designed by the famed acoustic consultant Kirkegaard Associates, the venue seats 885 and its unique adjustable ceilings can accommodate the acoustics changes from low, for vocal performances, to high, for large orchestras and organ recitals.
KL’s other premier venue for classical concert, opera and musical theatre is Istana Budaya. It is known for its excellent acoustics and has been ranked in the global top ten most sophisticated theatres. With its wau bulan-inspired design and origami roof, it is a hub for prestigious plays involving local and foreign talents. The list of international performances includes Cats, Mamma Mia!, Merchants of Bollywood, La Boheme, Turandot and local numbers such as Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical and Cuci The Musical. It is also the home of the National Theatre Company and the National Symphony Orchestra.
The KL Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC) in Sentul West is one of the most established centres for the performing arts in Malaysia. KLPAC runs a variety of production including dance, musical, play and music showcase. It has a 504-seater theatre, an experimental hall and a flexible-use space. This privately owned and operated theatre is home to the arts community and the lifeline for the arts and cultural life in KL.
In Brickfields, the Temple of Fine Arts nurtures the appreciation of Indian cultures and arts through dance, music and performances. It provides various classes for among others, Bharathanatyam, Contemporary and Malay dance, Carnatic and Hindustani vocals, and playing the piano, flute and more traditional instruments such as the tabla and veenai. The studio is very active and holds monthly stage performances and musical dramas.
The latest addition to KL’s performance arts venue is Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC). DPAC is well equipped and boasts two theatres, an indoor theatre-foyer and dance studios for its in-house dance programmes. By providing a new space to meet the growing needs of arts practitioners and aficionados in Damansara, DPAC aims to be Malaysia's leading dance space, uniquely dedicated to broaden and raise dance standards in Malaysia through the organising of quality educational programmes, and presenting quality programs from both local and international performers.
