This September, Kuala Lumpur’s most prestigious concert hall, Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP), will resonate through timeless cadence and breathtaking inspiration, conceived by lyrical movement choreography — reaching far beyond the Western symphonic tradition. In a landmark collaboration with the Temple of Fine Arts (TFA), Classical Traditions: Ragas and Mudras brings Indian classical music and dance into the spotlight, blending centuries-old heritage with the grandeur of Malaysia’s premier performance venue.
At Cultural Crossroads
For DFP, the performance is an explicable expression, a passionate endeavour to amplify cultural shifts. Known for its world-class acoustics and close association with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, the hall is embracing a steadfast ode to a vision of artistry that breeds ancestral and divine intervention into body poetry. “Music is a universal language that has the power to unite people across cultures, traditions, and generations,” shares Hassina Begam Abdul Gani, CEO of DFP. “By presenting Indian classical arts, we reflect Malaysia’s multicultural heritage and honour the many artistic lineages that have shaped our national identity.”
Hassina Begam Abdul Gani, CEO of DFP
True to this ethos, the collaboration with TFA feels both natural and time-honoured. Long celebrated as a beacon of Indian performing arts in Malaysia, TFA was invited last year to infuse the DFP stage with its distinctive artistry and ingenuity. In fact, Prakash Kandasamy, Music Director of TFA, said the invitation was more than a manifested opportunity — it was a milestone. “It is an honour to present a full-fledged concert at such a prestigious venue,” he says. “This performance allows us to share the depth and beauty of Indian classical traditions with new audiences.”
Ragas and Mudras: A Living Language
Now, at the very heart of this intricate embodiment that acknowledges the legacy of this performance — is the reciprocal connection between ragas and mudras. Through melodic modes and empathetic gestures of its expressive vocabulary, Ragas mirrors the dancer’s spectrum of emotion, whilst effortlessly tailed by mudrasare — intricate hand movements that communicate story and symbolism in dance.
The concert brings both to life through a dynamic programme. Audiences will first encounter the two great traditions of Indian classical music — Hindustani from the North and Carnatic from the South — presented in both ensemble and solo formats. From there, the performance journey continues as the stage comes alive with four distinctive dance forms: Bharatanatyam from Tamil Nadu, Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh, Odissi from Odisha, and Kathak from Uttar Pradesh.
“As diverse as these styles are, they share a unifying rhythm and spirit,” explains Prakash. “The experience flows naturally from one form to the next, offering audiences a seamless journey through India’s artistic landscape.”
Heritage on a New Stage
Both institutions recognise the significance of presenting these traditions at DFP. “By bringing Ragas and Mudras to our stage, we are affirming that these art forms deserve to be seen and celebrated at the highest level,” says Hassina. “It’s a tribute to our multicultural fabric, and part of DFP’s role as a custodian of not just Western traditions, but Malaysia’s own artistic tapestry.”
Beyond artistic collaboration, this initiative also reflects DFP’s sustainability and CSR mission, reinforcing its commitment to preserving intangible cultural heritage. “Preservation does not mean locking traditions in the past,” she adds. “It means giving them space to evolve, reinterpreted for today while retaining their integrity.”
Prakash echoes the sentiment. “When younger generations see Indian classical arts elevated in such a space, it transforms perceptions. These forms don’t belong to the past — they define timelessness. And placing them in a world-class venue gives them the prestige and visibility they deserve.”
Beyond the Concert
Ultimately, Ragas and Mudras is about more than one evening of traditional pride and honour, to Indian classics. It is part of a larger cultural conversation — one about beauty, storytelling, preservation, and modern art innovation. “This collaboration is just the beginning,” Hassina affirms. “DFP is committed to cultivating more cultural partnerships, from gamelan and wayang kulit to contemporary cross-genre experiments. These collaborations break silos, inspire young artists, and enrich Malaysia’s cultural ecosystem.”
For audiences, the hope is simple yet profound. “I want them to walk away with an appreciation of the depth and beauty of Indian classical music and dance,” says Prakash. “It’s about experiencing how these ancient traditions continue to move us, even today.”
As Ragas and Mudras prepare to take the stage, it becomes clear that this is more than performance — it is world’s intertwined, a jubilee of heritage, and a step towards a richer, and perhaps — more inclusive cultural framework for Malaysia.
For ticket bookings and more information, visit Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS to find out more.
Event Details:
Date: 6 September 2025
Time: 8PM
Location: DEWAN FILHARMONIK PETRONAS Level 2, Tower 2, PETRONAS Twin Tower Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur
