Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP) and the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) unveil a season of symphonic wonder, star power, and cultural soul.
Every great concert season tells a story. It captures music, emotion, and the shared moments that stay long after the final note fades. As DFP and MPO enter their 28th season, they invite audiences to rediscover the joy of live performance under the banner “Where Every Beat Tells a Story.” This year, it’s not just about sound — it’s about connection, nostalgia, and the ways music continues to mirror life itself.
1. Cinema Comes Alive
Few things can stir the soul like the marriage of film and live music. This season, the MPO breathes new life into some of cinema’s most beloved stories. The year begins with Amadeus and P. Ramlee’s Madu Tiga in January — two films from vastly different worlds, yet both bound by genius, wit and passion. As the orchestra plays every note in real time beneath the silver screen, audiences will feel every heartbeat, every triumph, every ache.
April brings Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, a spellbinding journey through the wizarding world, followed by the timeless Star Wars: A New Hope in May. These screenings become communal experiences. Nostalgia blends with the raw thrill of hearing John Williams’ legendary scores soar through DFP’s world-class acoustics.
2. Powerhouse Voices
Two Malaysian icons take centre stage this year, each marking a milestone in her own remarkable journey. This May, Shila Amzah celebrates 25 years in the industry with a concert that feels deeply personal. From Mandarin ballads to pop anthems, she’s carved out a multilingual identity that speaks to Malaysia’s own cultural mosaic. This show promises to be more than a retrospective. It’s a portrait of growth, courage and reinvention.
In October, Malaysian Idol champion Jaclyn Victor returns to the spotlight, this time backed by the full force of the MPO. Her greatest hits will be reborn through lush orchestral arrangements, offering fans a chance to experience her music in a new light.
3. A Family Affair
For siblings Gerard and Lea Salonga, music has always been the language of home. This September, the renowned conductor and Broadway legend reunite on the DFP stage for the first time, in a concert celebrating Broadway and Disney classics. It shows that music, at its core, celebrates family, love, and the bonds we build through art. Expect warmth, nostalgia and that unmistakable Salonga magic.
4. Arts, Culture and Heritage
Beyond the bright lights and applause, the new season also honours the roots that shape Malaysia’s creative soul. In July, Mak Yong Shakespeare: The Comedy of Errors – An Adaptation reimagines Kelantan’s classical dance theatre through the eyes of Norzizi Zulkifli, blending local storytelling with Shakespearean mischief.
Then in September, Yin & Yang: A Dance Kaleidoscope brings together ASK Dance Company and Dua Space Dance Theatre in a moving celebration of balance and cultural duality. Bornean sape virtuoso Alena Murang returns this October with her spellbinding mix of indigenous rhythm and modern expression. She shows how heritage can remain ancient yet unmistakably alive.
Together, these performances remind us why the stage matters. It holds our stories, affirms our identities, and gives traditions new breath.
Visit dfp.com.my to download the Season 2026 digital brochure.
