A key event at the Damansara Performing Arts Centre for years, Specturm returns this September with a talented group of musicians that are set to bring all types of flavours and styles across four diverse weekends. Classical instruments blend with the modern while incorporating other non-musical mediums in performances that refuse to be pigeon-holed.
The showcase has over the years earned its place as one of the most anticipated of KL’s performing arts events, and this edition promises to deliver a multifaceted musical journey that’s equally as ambitious as it is unique!
The Boutique of Dreams
Sarawak-born pianist Mei Lin Hii has collected accolades around the world, was named ‘Outstanding Woman Pianist’ in 1996 after receiving the Rubinstein Award in New York and has collaborated with some of the world’s most renowned pianists. She anchors this dreamlike piece that weaves together piano, paper, poetry and videography.
Immersive visuals come courtesy of paper artist Anne Dé and videographer Arnaud Blondel, while the sounds of early Baroque and 20th century minimal are coupled with contemporary writings from Georges Perec and the lyrics of Bob Dylan. Renowned actor Ghafir Akbar joins the fray to deliver those words and round out a mind-bending show.
Colour of Voices In Concert
Chromesthesia is a type of ability where certain sounds are associated with colours. It’s a rare condition, but when a capella group Colour of Voices steps on stage, they’re known for producing a rich palette of hues and tints with their vocals. This September, prepare to experience colours like never before as the ensemble makes its debut at DPAC.
Formed in 2014, the group comprises members from around Malaysia, with different cultural backgrounds and different languages. Leveraging on these differences, they’ve combined their talents to offer a fresh take on familiar music – with the voice as their only instrument. Don’t miss them paint a picture with their vocals in the second week of Spectrum.
Journey
A master of the erhu and pipa, two traditional Chinese stringed instruments steeped in history and heritage, Lim Wei Siong has been practising his art for over three decades. In that time he has played in countless Chinese orchestras as a soloist and appeared in concerts around the world.
He draws inspiration from his travels, incorporating elements from wherever he goes into his compositions. Bali, for instance, resonated greatly with him, the sounds of gamelan being echoed in some of his pieces. In Journey, Wei Siong addresses the big and little things in life through a variety of rhythms and melodies that conjure up a range of emotions.
Les fleurs. Les femmes
This performance brings together two leading lights in Malaysia’s music scene – vocal powerhouse Evelyn Toh and jazz pianist Tay Cher Siang. The two meet for the first time to pay tribute to life and the fairer sex – which have since time immemorial been compared to flower. Delicate, beautiful yet strong.
Each piece in this performance presents a different side of femininity and womanhood, from a woman’s fiery passion to a mother’s gentle affections. Complimenting Evelyn’s vocals are Siang’s quartet: himself on the piano, Yow Weng Wai on the saxophone, Aj Popshuvit on the Bass and Adriel Wong on drums/percussion.
Where Damansara Performing Arts Centre, Petaling Jaya
When 8pm (4-6, 12, 19, 24-26 Sept), 3pm (13, 20 Sept)
Admission RM23, (Live broadcast and live stream), RM58 (Stage performance), RM50 (Dcard member for stage performance)
Tel 03 4065 0001/0002
dpac.com.my
cloudtheatres.com (Live broadcast and stream)