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KLPac celebrates genre with historical, interactive tour
For some, jazz conjures images of dimly lit clubs, complex improvisations and a genre reserved for seasoned music enthusiasts. Yet according to Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac) Symphonic Band conductor Cheryl Mah, jazz is far more familiar than many people realise. Through Jazz Spectrum, part of the KLPac’s 21st anniversary celebrations, Mah and the team set out to challenge long-held perceptions about jazz while showcasing its remarkable ability to evolve, connect and surprise.
After having the opportunity to experience Jazz Spectrum at KLPac on May 9, theSun sat down with Mah to discuss the inspiration behind the concert – jazz’s evolving place in modern culture and why the genre continues to resonate with audiences today. At its core, the concert was designed as a musical journey through different eras and styles of jazz, allowing audiences to experience how the genre has grown alongside society itself.
“Jazz is constantly evolving, closely reflecting changes in society and the world around us. Like classical music, although its roots originate from the West, it is inspiring to witness the many sides of jazz that mirror humanity’s growth across time,” Mah said.
Rather than focusing solely on technical appreciation, the programme sought to highlight the emotional, cultural and social connections that link different jazz eras together. Through the versatility of a symphonic band, audiences were also given the opportunity to hear how naturally jazz transforms through different colours, moods and styles.
Finding connection through contrast
One of the biggest challenges in presenting a jazz-focused programme is balancing historical depth with entertainment value, particularly for audiences who may be experiencing the genre for the first time.
For Mah, the answer lies in contrast.
“One of the most appealing traits in jazz is its almost magical instant connection with listeners. The programme is curated through contrast and flow. Vibrant energy, theatricality, nostalgia, intimacy or cinematic colours – there is always something emotionally relatable or exciting to hold onto,” she said.
This approach reflects a broader philosophy that jazz does not need to be simplified to become accessible. Instead, audiences are invited to discover the genre through feelings and experiences that resonate regardless of musical knowledge. The concert itself reflected this balance. From swing era favourites and cool jazz classics to Broadway-inspired arrangements, the programme moved fluidly between styles, ensuring there was always something familiar, engaging or surprising waiting around the corner.
More familiar than people think
Despite often being labelled as a niche genre, Mah believes jazz already plays a significant role in people’s daily lives.
“Many people are already engaged with jazz daily through films, cafes, pop, hip-hop, advertisements and playlists. They just may not realise it. Jazz is less niche than people assume. In many ways, it quietly shapes modern listening culture,” she explained.
For Mah, the challenge is not accessibility but perception. Through Jazz Spectrum, the team hoped to dismantle the notion that jazz is distant, exclusive or difficult to understand. Experiencing jazz in a live setting, she noted, allows audiences to witness its unpredictability and spontaneous chemistry firsthand, creating a unique shared experience between performers and listeners. Once people experience that energy in person, jazz becomes less about understanding every musical detail and more about embracing discovery.
Staying authentic in an algorithm-driven world
As entertainment trends increasingly become shaped by algorithms and viral moments, questions often arise about how traditional genres can remain relevant to younger audiences. Mah believed jazz should not compromise its identity in pursuit of trends.
“In today’s trend-driven, or more precisely algorithm-fed culture, I do not think jazz should completely reshape itself just to follow every trend. Instead, jazz offers qualities that are becoming increasingly rare in modern life: Curiosity, patience, openness and spontaneity. Rather than only asking performers to adapt to audiences, perhaps audiences can also rediscover the value of stepping outside what algorithms constantly feed them,” she said.
According to Mah, the willingness to embrace unfamiliar experiences may be exactly what many younger audiences are searching for in an age of endless personalised content.
Turning audiences into participants
One of Jazz Spectrum’s most distinctive features was its interactive element, which allowed ticket holders to vote on selected pieces within the programme. The decision was intentional.
“Jazz is fundamentally built on conversation and spontaneity. I wanted to create a deeper and more active relationship between performers, audiences, composers and the origins behind the music itself, making the live experience feel more meaningful rather than a one-way presentation,” Mah said.
While audience voting ultimately led to the same closing piece across both performances, Mah noted each crowd still shaped a unique collective experience.
“That sense of ownership and participation made the performance more alive, playful and personal.”
The interactive element reinforced one of the show’s central ideas: Jazz is not simply something to observe from a distance but a living art form built on dialogue, response and shared moments.
Future possibilities for jazz
Looking ahead, Mah sees ample opportunities to continue exploring jazz through contemporary, cross-cultural and experimental projects.
“We constantly search for new and refreshing ways to share the art of music. Exploring contemporary, cross-cultural or experimental possibilities feels like a natural extension of jazz itself, while still staying connected to its spirit of spontaneity and conversation,” she said.
She also believed jazz has an important role to play within Malaysia’s evolving arts landscape, particularly as audiences seek more immersive and unconventional live experiences. Through educational outreach, creative collaborations and innovative programming, Mah sees opportunities for jazz to reconnect people with discovery and shared listening experiences.
“Music that genuinely connects with people will always remain appealing,” she said.
For Mah, the larger mission extends far beyond promoting jazz as a musical genre.
“Arts do not exist solely for personal satisfaction or consumption. They are deeply connected to humanity and carry emotional, social and cultural weight beyond entertainment itself,” she said.
In an increasingly individualistic culture where entertainment is often consumed alone and tailored to personal preferences, live performances offer something fundamentally different: Collective presence and spontaneous interaction. Jazz Spectrum, she explained, was ultimately about encouraging audiences to remain open to unfamiliar experiences and to rediscover the joy of shared cultural moments.
“We hope audiences left embracing unfamiliar experiences more freely and discovering renewed energy through openness rather than familiarity alone,” she said.
And perhaps that is Jazz Spectrum’s greatest achievement – not simply introducing audiences to jazz, but reminding them of the value of curiosity itself. In a world that often encourages people to stay within their comfort zones, the concert served as a reminder that some of the most rewarding experiences begin by saying yes to something unexpected.
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