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Community orchestra celebrates milestone anniversary with more than 100 musicians and Romantic-era masterpieces
Twenty years after making its debut, The KLPac Orchestra is set to celebrate a major milestone with one of its most ambitious productions to date.
Titled Titans & Temptations, the anniversary concert takes place from July 18 to 19 at Pentas 1, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac), bringing together more than 100 musicians for a programme that showcases some of the most beloved works from the Romantic era.
Founded in 2006 under the late Maestro Brian Tan, The KLPac Orchestra has grown alongside KLPac itself, evolving from a community ensemble into a regular fixture within Malaysia’s classical music scene.
Over the past two decades, the orchestra has expanded both its membership and reach. In 2025, it performed the Yellow River Cantata to a full house at Petronas Philharmonic Hall. Earlier this year, it also revived its popular Classical for Kids series with a staging of The Magic Flute, introducing younger audiences to the world of classical music.
To commemorate its 20th anniversary, the orchestra is presenting a programme that explores two contrasting sides of Romanticism.
“We are excited to showcase the orchestra in a new light and on a much larger scale because there will be more than 100 musicians in Mahler’s Symphony No. 1,” said music director and resident conductor Lee Kok Leong, who has led the orchestra since 2015.
“It is especially meaningful as we welcome back many musicians who have been part of our 20-year journey. At the same time, we are excited to collaborate with internationally renowned violinist Bernice Ooi for Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto,” he added.
The evening opens with Franz von Suppe’s Light Cavalry Overture, a lively orchestral favourite known for its energetic rhythms and spirited melodies.
The programme then turns to Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, widely regarded as one of the greatest violin concertos ever written. The composer spent six years refining the work alongside his close friend, violinist Ferdinand David, resulting in a piece celebrated for its lyrical beauty and innovative structure.
Taking centre stage for the concerto is Malaysian violinist Bernice Ooi, who made history as the first Southeast Asian member of the Royal Swedish Orchestra. Since joining the orchestra in 2017, Ooi has performed internationally at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall and Royal Albert Hall.
Despite her international commitments, Ooi continues to maintain strong ties to Malaysia, serving as concertmaster of the Malaysia Bach Festival Orchestra and founding the chamber ensemble Ensemble Virama.
Following the concerto, audiences will experience Gustav Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 1, often referred to as the “Titan”.
Completed when Mahler was just 28 years old, the symphony initially puzzled audiences due to its unconventional structure. Over time, however, it has become one of the defining works of the Romantic repertoire.
Beginning with a depiction of nature awakening, the symphony journeys through folk-inspired dances and an ironic funeral march based on the familiar tune Frere Jacques before culminating in a dramatic and triumphant finale.
Known for its emotional depth, sweeping scale and powerful orchestration, the work provides a fitting centre-piece for an anniversary celebration that reflects both the orchestra’s growth and artistic ambitions.
Following Titans & Temptations, The KLPac Orchestra will conclude its 20th anniversary season with a tribute concert honouring its founder, the late Maestro Brian Tan.
Titans & Temptations takes place on July 18 and 19 at Pentas 1, KLPac. Tickets are priced between RM78 and RM150, with concession rates available for students, educators, senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities.
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