Here's a view of the immersive, multi-sensory 'Van Gogh Alive' exhibition, now showing at Pavilion Bukit Jalil in KL. Not too bad for a Valentine's Day date, yes? Photo: Van Gogh Alive
This Valentine's Day, we celebrate the season of love with a round-up of events in Klang Valley that you can check out with your loved ones. Whether it is kicking back with an oldies music showcase, watching an opera, enjoying a ballet or taking a walk through a field of sunflowers, we hope you will be inspired by these choices.
STARRY, STARRY NIGHT
There has been a lot of buzz surrounding the Van Gogh Alive Exhibition at Pavilion Bukit Jalil in KL since it opened in December last year. The multi-sensory exhibition displays large-scale projections of the Dutch master’s famed art (including The Starry Night and Sunflowers), transporting you into a rich, immersive world where you will learn more about his life, his muses and vices.
Why did he cut off his ear? Was he depressed, schizophrenic, misunderstood? Why is there so much interest surrounding his bedroom (you will even be taught how to draw his bedroom at the exhibition)? How many paintings did this prolific artist sell during his lifetime? Spoiler: just one. Van Gogh Alive has toured more than 80 cities around the world.
The KL show runs daily till March 16.
Yap Hong Ngee's artworks at his oil painting exhibition 'Eternal Love' at GMBB in KL. Photo: Handout
ROSES IN BLOOM
If you want roses, this is the show to bowl you over. Senior artist Yap Hong Ngee is adding a huge slice of romance to the weekend in KL, leading up to Valentine's Day.
His Eternal Love exhibition at the GMBB creative mall in KL has an interesting – and cute – backstory. Since 1995, Yap has been drawing and painting roses, and he has kept the Valentine's theme going through the years, even during the pandemic.
Yap, who is turning 80 this year, started by painting small art pieces. The incurable romantic has collected 120 of his artworks for this new exhibition, which runs daily, 11am to 8pm.If you fancy an oil painting over a bouquet of roses, you know where to visit.
Yap's Eternal Love exhibition ends on Feb 12.
THE CALL OF THE DIDGERIDOO
Mark Atkins, His Stories And His Music at KLPac on Valentine's Day is definitely a date night with a difference. No need for violins here.
Mark Atkins, acknowledged as one of Australia’s finest didgeridoo players, is out to share his own stories about his country, the land and the people through this upcoming solo show. A descendant of Western Australia’s Yamitji people, as well as of Irish/Australian heritage, Atkins draws on his rich and diverse background to offer an eclectic mix of original and new compositions featuring didgeridoo and guitar.
In the tradition of sitting down and having a yarn, this concert is a musical conversation between the instruments the audience and the artiste, much of it improvised. The instruments and performer complement each other, speaking their own unique and universal language as one.
Date: Feb 14.
KOREANS ARRIVE FOR OPERA
If you love a grand night of classical music with a Korean touch, look no further than the La Traviata concert at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) in KL. The stylish how, presented by MOV Asia Korea Opera team, will also feature the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and the KL City Opera Chorus.
The cast from South Korea will present this timeless opera in three acts by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, which follows the tragic love story between the courtesan Violetta and the romantic Alfredo, set against the backdrop of upper-class society and the hypocrisy of status and misogyny.The show is conducted by Jinmo Yang and directed by Hoesoo Lee.
Date: Feb 11 and Feb 14.
As an added bonus, the Grand Gala Concert – Operrisima at the DFP on Feb 12 offers a selection of the most popular opera hits, presented by the MOV Asia Korea Opera and MPO.
When the stage comes to life at the 'Cabaret Series: Yesterday Once More 4' at KLPac, you can bet the entire hall will be singing along to the classic tunes. Photo: Chan Kien Ming
WHAT'S YOUR JAM?
The oldies jukebox is back in town. Just pick a tune! Aretha Franklin? Bee Gees? The iconic raspy voice of Louis Armstrong? The King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley?
If your answer is yes to all of the above, then the "Cabaret Series: Yesterday Once More 4" at KLPac will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Sit back and get into the karaoke mood at this early Valentine’s Day celebration and treat your loved ones to some of the most beloved classics from the 1940s to the 1970s.This show, presented by by The Actors Studio Seni Teater Rakyat and KLPac, features a 34-strong cast and production.
Date: ends Feb 12.
Best friends Melur (Tria Aziz, middle) and Cempaka (Mila Mohsin, left) about to receive some wardrobe trips from the pontianak in 'Melur The Musical'. Photo: Liver And Lung
IS THAT A PONTIANAK IN THE DARK?
Melur The Musical is a new theatre show bound to haunt you at PJPAC. It starts its run on Feb 16. For the more adventurous couples out there, here is a fright night with epic songs and a classic story to boot!
Set in colonial Malaya, Melur The Musical depicts the spell-binding tale of two women, Melur and Cempaka, as they navigate British rule. Things take a cruel turn as a murderous crime and the wrath of a supernatural creature (the pontianak!) come into the picture. The show, presented by theatre company Liver And Lung, stars actors Tria Aziz and Kai Chalmers and emerging names Mila Mohsin and Anwar Rusdini.
Date: Feb 16-19 and Feb 23-26.
Lim Soon Heng, KL Shakespeare Players executive director, is all set to roll out the classic 'Romeo And Juliet', which will feature a 36-piece orchestra from the Bentley Music Academy. Photo: The Star/Filepic
ROMEO AND JULIET? OH YES!
It's finally happening. And the whole family is invited to this classic Shakespeare story at the Bentley Music Auditorium in Petaling Jaya.
Romeo And Juliet is a tale of young love and loss served with sensitivity and humour ... characteristic of the renowned KL Shakespeare Players. This collaboration (marriage?) – between KL Shakespeare Players and Bentley Music Academy (BMA) – was discussed and planned before the pandemic for production in 2020.
Now this 75-minute storytelling concert (single act show!) will see daylight during Valentine's week, with live orchestral music (yes, a 36-piece orchestra) under the baton of BMA's Kevin Field.
Date: Feb 18 and 19.
