By Lifestyle Editor
Photo: The RMPA, Alena Murang, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Verses Music Ensembles
From polo, live jazz, opera and art exhibition, this is GC’s roundup of the classy things to do in June 2023, to level up your culture & class journey.
Picture: Vacheron Constantin
Vacheron Constantin LESS'ENTIAL EXHIBITION : Elegance as an art form
1-11 June @Vacheron Constantin Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Boutique, Malaysia
The very concept of elegance is one of the major characteristics of watchmaking as practiced by Vacheron Constantin. Cultivated as an art form, this elegance asserts itself in a natural manner that is almost self-evident. While the Maison’s timepieces exude a subtle and immediately eye-catching charm, nothing is left to chance. This search for watchmaking purity, this quest for essentials in the watch exteriors housing complex mechanisms, stems from a skilful alchemy in which form and function must be in perfect osmosis.
Drawing on a graphic vocabulary pared down to essentials, the Maison has throughout its history created models embodying impressive horological virtuosity, as shown by this exhibition held from 1 – 11 June 2023 in Vacheron Constantin Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Boutique, Malaysia.
Picture: Alliance Française de Kuala Lumpur
LFF2023 x Black Work. L’Œuvre au Noir By Vaultman [Visual Arts Exhibition]
2 June @The Godown
In the face of the fast-paced rhythm of our contemporary lives, the plethora of choices that new media use to satisfy our available brain time, or even the simplistic duality that social networks seem to generate, Vaultman has decided to go against the grain of this informational frenzy by adopting the simplest possible technique in black and white for the works in this exhibition, in an attempt to reconnect with the essential.
From the dialogue between these two tones, an infinity of impressions and emotions can arise, provided that we pay attention to the nuances. Difference appears as a possibility to merge rather than a confrontation between two entities.
Admission is free. To RSVP, click here
Picture: Pathé
3,4,10,11 June @GSC Klang Valley
The Three Musketeers - D'Artagnan (2023)
D'Artagnan, a spirited young Gascon, is left for dead after trying to save a young woman from being kidnapped. When he arrives in Paris, he tries by all means to find his attackers. He is unaware that his quest will lead him to the heart of a real war where the future of France is at stake. Allied with Athos, Porthos and Aramis, three musketeers of the King with a dangerous temerity, D'Artagnan faces the dark machinations of the Cardinal of Richelieu. But it is when he falls madly in love with Constance Bonacieux, the Queen's confidante, that d'Artagnan truly puts himself in danger. For it is this passion that leads him into the wake of the one who becomes his mortal enemy: Milady de Winter.
For tickets, click here
Picture: RMPA
The RMPA Cahaya Cup Final
4 June @ Taman Ekuestrian Putrajaya
Yet another exciting polo final match organised by the Royal Malaysian Polo Association. Where else you can watch sports that combined elegance, majesty, and fun? Polo of course.
Free entry.
Picture: MyDance Alliance
3-4 June @PJPAC
MyDance Festival 2023 - Festival Opening Gala
The Festival Opening Gala, the first programme of the festival at Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC), will highlight some of the most accomplished Malaysian dance companies, including ASK Dance Company, Dua Space Dance Theatre, Kenny Shim Dance Collective, and Temple of Fine Arts Kuala Lumpur. It will also feature students from the dance departments of local tertiary education institutions like the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA), Sultan Idris Educational University (UPSI) and Universiti Malaya (UM).
Traditional dances from Malay, Indian and East Malaysian cultures will grace the stage alongside contemporary dance works that highlight the creativity, skill and talent of Malaysian dancers today. This is a great opportunity for long-time dance fans to catch their favourite performers, as well as for art lovers who are new to dance to discover what makes Malaysian dance special.
For tickets, click here
Picture credit: Gonzales Photo / Alamy Stock Photo
Damien Rice Live in Malaysia 2023
7 June @ KL Convention Centre
Damien Rice started playing and recording with his band Juniper before embarking on his solo career. In 2002, his self-produced debut album O reached #8 on the UK Albums Chart and won the Shortlist Music Prize. Songs such as ‘Cannonball’ and ‘Volcano’ have reached the Top 30 in the UK. From the same album, ‘The Blower’s Daughter’ also charted in 2004 and has been used extensively in various films and television series. The album was notable for its stripped-down instrumentation, raw emotion and haunting melodies, and received critical acclaim for its honest and intimate portrayal of love and loss.
His second album 9 followed in 2006, and after various collaborations, his third album My Favourite Faded Fantasy featuring the single ‘I Don’t Want to Change You’ was released in 2014, peaking at #1 in Ireland and the UK. Known for his introspective and emotionally raw songwriting style, Rice’s music is characterized by his acoustic guitar and unique vocal style. Fans are in for an enthralling evening with Damien Rice.
For tickets, click HERE.
Picture: Wardrobe
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Kuala Lumpur 2023
8-10 June @Zepp KL
Mercedes-Benz's global commitment to fashion spans more than 20 years, hosting some of the most prestigious events in fashion capitals around the world.
Present in over 45 countries and reaching over 65 platforms, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week has had the privilege of serving as the headline sponsor on circuits in New York, Berlin and Beijing and as a partner to fashion week in Paris, London and Milan. Among these prestigious events is Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Kuala Lumpur (MBFWKL) which sets the stage for cutting-edge world of fashion and the class-leading cars of the brand.
By invitation only.
Picture: Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur
Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur
9-11 June @MITEC
The renowned Tokyo Auto Salon is set to land and make its inaugural appearance on the shores of Malaysia. Automotive aficionados can look forward to some radical modifications permitted on automobiles, a vast array of automotive accessories and aftermarket services from the local scene and from Japan as well. 20 cars from Tokyo Auto Salon Japan will be brought into Malaysia to be displayed at the event to provide a memorable experience to the visitors.
For tickets, click HERE
Picture: KLPAC.
Malaysian Jazz Piano Festival 2023
9-11 June @KLPAC
Come celebrate KLPAC's 10th year anniversary, from June 9-11th. It is the only one of it’s kind in the world with hundreds of musicians having participated over all these years!
The program will highlight 4 main events beginning with the College night, followed by the premier of the first Virtuoso concert, the Lindy Hop matinee and the 10th Gala Anniversary concert finale that will feature legendary and prominent jazz musicians and groups in the country like Junji Delfino ft. WVC, Pop and Bop, Rhythm Break and many more.
For tickets, click here
Picture: Goh Bong Hiang
2023 Opera Gala Spectacular
9 - 11 June @PJPAC
Kuala Lumpur City Opera presents Opera Gala Spectacular featuring best loved opera scenes such as La Bohème, Don Giovanni, Pearl Fisher, Lakme, Norma and many more.
Be mesmerised with the vocal prowess of KLCO Principal Artistes such as Cecilia Yap, Ho Chi Mei, Evelyn Toh, Tan Sin Sim, Lim Yee Fen, Heo Yueh Ren, Tan Chee Shen, Joseph Ng, James Long, Wilson Loh, Mak Chi Hoe with Kuala Lumpur City Opera Chorus and Orchestra.
The Opera Gala Spectacular will be conducted by Maestro Lien Boon Hua.
For tickets, click here
Picture: Volvo Malaysia
Sustainable Weekend Showroom Event
10 - 11 June @Volvo Glenmarie Showroom
Volvo believe that sustainability is not just a trend; it's a commitment to the future. Join them in their mission to make a difference by recycling your used paper and newspapers at any Volvo Federal Auto outlet. As a token of appreciation, you will receive an exclusive gift. Plus, you can participate in fun activities such as Recycled Paper Quilling Art workshop.
For more info, click HERE
Picture: Malaysia Design Archive
The Kelantan Shadow Play (Wayang Kulit Kelantan): A Disappearing Cultural Heritage?
11 June @Rumah Attap Library and Collective, The Zhongshan Building
The Kelantan Shadow Play, or Wayang Kulit Kelantan, is one of the traditional Malay performing arts unique to Malaysia. It is one of the last two shadow plays barely surviving in our country today.
Once popular in Kelantan, it performs the localised version of the Ramayana with its characters portrayed in puppets, manipulated by a Tok Dalang (puppeteer) who would sing and recite the dialogues between characters and scenes of the story. He is accompanied by a group of musicians playing the traditional Malay instruments. The shadow play puppets are skilfully designed and handcrafted by the puppet-maker. However, today this traditional art form and performance has declined and the question of its survival is now a subject of debate amongst the stakeholders comprising experts and scholars.
This talk will discuss perspectives derived from Dr Fiona’s research on Wayang Kulit Kelantan under the tutelage and mentorship of the late Prof. Dato Dr. Ghulam-Sarwar Yousof, the reputable expert in Southeast Asia traditional performing arts and visual arts.
It is hoped that one’s interest and awareness could be sparked from this talk, particularly our younger generation, would be more appreciative and supportive toward the preservation and conservation of Wayang Kulit Kelantan and other forms of our local cultural heritage.
As part of the discussion, Dr Fiona Wong will be in conversation with Tok Dalang Pak Rahim bin Hamzah, a reputable puppeteer from Kampung Mesira, Palekbang from Tumpat district in Kelantan. He will be joining us from Kelantan via Zoom.
For details, click here
Picture: Euroasia Association of Performing Arts
LEFF2023 Concert: Around the World
16 June @Alliance Française de Kuala Lumpur
Join leading performers from the Malaysian music scene and prepare to be transported to a world of sublime beauty and emotion through the masterpieces of Mozart, Dvorak, Boccherini, Bizet, and Puccini.
Be mesmerised by one of Malaysia’s most highly acclaimed sopranos Cecilia Yap, and look forward to a special appearance by Euroasia Patron HRH Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin – and a mystery guest performer.
For tickets, click here
Picture: MK31 Production - Universiti Malaya
12 June @Panggung Eksperimen, Universiti Malaya
Teater: Malam Kemerdekaan
This Independence Night Theater is a project implemented by Final Year Students (Third Year), Bachelor of Drama course at the Faculty of Creative Arts, Universiti Malaya. The copy of Malam Kemerdekaan was produced by the National Writer, Usman Awang and published in 1995. This copy brings the background of the night before independence in Malaya in 1957. This work of his contains a unique message full of implications both for the people of Malaysia and to the neighboring country, Indonesia. This script was staged in conjunction with the National Language Decade and Store Theater manifestation program organized by the Language and Library Council and the Malaysian Theater Association on 6 and 7 September 2019.
For tickets, click here
Picture: Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur
Blood Donation Drive at GKL
13 June @Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur
Donate Blood. Save Lives.
Blood is a precious resource that is always in high demand, and a single donation can impact other's lives. Your act of kindness can transform someone live significantly.
Event Details:
Date : 13 June 2023
Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Venue : Level 4 Block B
If you have any questions or need further information, you may reach Ms Saleha from our Community Service Department at 03-4141 3072 / 017 616 7193
Picture: Alliance Française de Kuala Lumpur
A Piano Evening: Solo Recital by Elaine Yap
17 June @Deciso Fine Violins Concert Space
Come enjoy a piano evening by Dr. Elaine Yap. Various of piano solo works will be performed, namely the great compositions by Robert Schumann, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Claude Debussy and Ludwig van Beethoven.
Program:
Schumann, Kinderszenen Op. 15
Rachmaninoff, Prelude in B minor Op. 32 no. 10, Elegie in E flat minor Op. 3 no. 1, Prelude in G minor Op. 23 no. 5
Intermission
Debussy, Estampes
Beethoven, Variations and Fugue in E flat major, Op. 35, "Eroica"
For tickets, click here
Picture: Alena Murang
Live in Kuala Lumpur: Alena Murang Sky Songs
17 June @PJPAC
Famed as a sape’ songstress, Alena sings in the endangered Kenyah and Kelabit languages and is the first woman to professionally play the lute instrument of the highland tribes of Borneo. Alena has carried the enchanting sounds of the sape’ to over 20 countries, from Iceland to Australia to Thailand to the USA.
With sold out concerts in Sarawak and Taipei, Alena Murang takes flight in KL. Sky Songs, the show, is named after Alena Murang’s second album, her songs inspired by elements of the sky - the thunder, rain, the sun, the morning mist, the stars, the moon; and contemplates how all of nature interacts.
For tickets, click HERE
Picture: Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill KL
A Toast to Dads
18 June @Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill KL
Dad is the greatest hero in the world. Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill invites you and indulge in a traditional British Sunday Roast with all the trimmings. Dads are in for an afternoon filled with treats with an exclusive whiskey tasting experience at the bar, a special viewing of the McLaren Artura and stand a chance to win an exclusive gift from McLaren.
To RSVP, click here
Picture: VerSeS Music Ensembles
Dido & Aeneas
24 June @The Gardens Theatre
A timeless tale of love and loss comes alive in the upcoming production of Dido and Aeneas, presented by The KL Madrigal Singers and Players. This modern interpretation of the 17th century opera by the English baroque composer Henry Purcell (1659-1695), promises to take audiences on a journey of passion, betrayal and heartbreak.
Set in ancient Carthage, Dido and Aeneas tells the story of Dido, the Queen of Carthage and her love for the Trojan hero, Aeneas. Their love flourishes, only to be thwarted by the machinations of an evil sorceress. The tale ends in tragedy, leaving audiences questioning the cost of love and its consequences.
This production promises to be a feast for the senses, featuring a talented cast of singers and glorious music by instrumentalists. From the haunting strains of the overture to the exquisite arias, Henry Purcell’s music will transport you to another time and place.
This show has something for everyone – a passionate love story, compelling singing and even a chorus of evil witches! Most importantly, the moving music of Henry Purcell, which has stood the test of time, creates a love story that anyone can relate to.
For tickets, click HERE
Picture: Le Gourmandin
Menu Le French Festival 2023
1 - 25 June @Gourmandin
For Le French Festival 2023, Le Gourmandin’s Chef Firmin Rieu intends to highlight through a unique menu one of the fundamentals of French cuisine: its perpetual spirit of innovation. He has drawn inspiration from those around him to create a fusion menu that seamlessly combines the influences of Malay, Japanese, North African, and North Indian cuisines with traditional French cuisine.
To RSVP, click here
Picture: Suma Orientalis Fine Art
𝐄𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐖𝐄𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐔: 𝐁𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝, 𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝
10 June - 23 July 2023 @Suma Orientalis Fine Art
Being the third solo in her career, this art exhibition sees her artistic style maturing into a new phase of carte blanche, where her yearning for social justice in the patriarchal realm is reconciled with her aphoristic enlightenment.
Her paintings are characterised by contemporaneous allegories filling the canvases to the brim, where the viewers may find personal encounters intertwined with social phenomena and historical accounts. The surreal imagery bears a strong dose of emotional content, inducing a deep contemplation of the world we are currently living in and personal reflections many would have in common.
She won the Grand Prize in Philip Morris National Art Award (1994), Minor Award in Young Contemporaries Award by National Art Gallery (1992), and Minor Award in Salon Malaysia 3 (1991). Besides having the support of esteemed corporate and private collectors, her works were also acquired by regional art museums such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, Fukuoka Art Museum, Singapore Art Museum and National Art Gallery Malaysia.
Free RSVP. To register, click here