Some songs never seem to lose their ability to get a crowd going. Queen has more than its fair share, and at The Music of Queen… Lives On!, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) turned the concert hall into a celebration of one of rock music’s most enduring bands.
Returning to Queen’s catalogue for the first time since 2015, the MPO was led by conductor Brent Havens, who has worked with the orchestra on several symphonic rock concerts. Joining him was vocalist MiG Ayesa, whose musical theatre credits include We Will Rock You and Rock of Ages. Together, they brought a lively, crowd-pleasing energy to an evening packed with familiar favourites.
From the opening number, Tie Your Mother Down, the mood was set. There was a palpable sense of excitement as the music filled the hall, with the audience responding enthusiastically to songs many had grown up listening to. It was the sort of concert where the enjoyment extended beyond the stage, as familiar melodies brought people together in a shared celebration of Queen’s music.
Rock’s Greatest Hits
The set list offered plenty to savour, from the driving beat of Another One Bites the Dust to the theatrical sweep of Killer Queen. But it was in the more expansive numbers that the evening found some of its most memorable moments. Who Wants to Live Forever brought a welcome emotional pause to the evening. The track also showcased the musical depth of the score from The Highlander film.
Elsewhere numbers like Somebody to Love showcased the vocal drama that remains central to Queen’s appeal. Then came Bohemian Rhapsody, a fitting highlight in a concert built around a band that was never afraid to do things differently.
Ayesa proved a natural frontman for the occasion, bringing the confidence and stage presence of a seasoned musical theatre performer to the material. His delivery complemented the orchestra’s added sense of scale, allowing the songs to retain their familiar character while taking on a fuller, more expansive sound. Under Havens’ direction, the musicians and rock ensemble came together as a cohesive unit, keeping the evening lively without losing sight of the music itself.
Ultimately, however, the concert’s greatest strength was its ability to make familiar songs feel like a shared experience rather than simply a trip down memory lane. Queen’s music has always had a way of drawing people in, whether through its irresistible hooks, soaring choruses or sheer theatricality. The MPO’s interpretation gave audiences another reason to appreciate that enduring appeal.
And no Queen celebration would feel quite complete without an encore. The unmistakable rhythm of We Will Rock You brought the hall back to its most infectious, communal spirit, before We Are the Champions delivered a triumphant send-off. It was a fitting finale, sending audiences home on a high.
More than a tribute to a legendary band, The Music of Queen… Lives On! was an evening of big songs, lively performances and collective joy. Judging by the enthusiastic response, Queen’s music continues to do what it has always done best: bring people together.
For future concerts and performances featuring the MPO this year, check out their 2026 Season.
