L. Shankar leads historic cross-cultural performance at reopened Istana Budaya

The upcoming BEYOND WORDS – International Mastery Meets Malaysian Artistry concert will showcase a unique creative collaboration between international and Malaysian musicians, with organisers highlighting the production’s emphasis on artistic equality ahead of its historic staging at Istana Budaya on Aug. 22. The performance is positioned as more than a showcase of international talent, but a celebration of cultural exchange and musical partnership.

Presented by E2Rventures with the support of Solara Group of Companies, the one-night concert will be the first international performance held at Malaysia’s national performing arts venue following its reopening. The event will also raise funds in support of the SWARA Community Arts Centre, which focuses on music education, cultural preservation and youth development.

Organisers said the concert is built on a collaborative approach, describing it as a meeting of equals between an internationally acclaimed artist and some of Malaysia’s leading contemporary musicians.

International and Malaysian musicians share one creative stage

Headlining the concert is Grammy Award-winning violin virtuoso, vocalist and composer L. Shankar, internationally recognised for pioneering the 10-string Double Violin and for decades of collaborations spanning Indian classical music, jazz, rock and world music.

Joining him is Malaysian sitar maestro Samuel J. Dass, alongside an ensemble of accomplished local musicians comprising tabla virtuoso Prakash Kandasamy, keyboardist and arranger Shawalnaz Hussin, seruling maestro Muhardiman Ismail, bassist Hadi Maswardi, percussionist Paavendran Langkadran, and guitarists Eliezer Enan and Marco Alonso.

Rather than following the conventional format of an international headliner supported by local performers, the production has been designed around artistic equality, with each musician contributing to the creative process.

L. Shankar said collaboration has always been central to his musical philosophy.

“Throughout my career, I have collaborated with countless great artists and industry icons across genres and the most important thing is to keep an open mind so that ideas can flow back-and-forth, like a musical conversation. Depending on the artist, if you can understand their music and they can understand yours, the sky’s the limit.”

He added that working with Samuel J. Dass and Malaysian musicians had been “a special journey”, saying audiences would be taken “to a whole new place musically” at Istana Budaya.

Samuel J. Dass said the concert demonstrates the strength of Malaysia’s music community.

“Beyond Words is built on the belief that great music happens when every artist brings their distinct voice into one shared creative space. This isn’t about playing behind an international artist—it is a genuine meeting of equals where every instrument, arrangement, and idea helps shape the final performance.”

Concert supports arts development and cultural exchange

Istana Budaya representatives said hosting the production reflects the venue’s renewed commitment to international-standard performances while showcasing Malaysian artistic excellence.

Encik Nasran Nawi of the National Symphony Orchestra, Istana Budaya, described the concert as aligning with the venue’s vision of promoting cultural exchange and highlighting local artistry on a global platform, particularly during the National Day month.

Executive Producer of E2Rventures, James Isidore, said the production illustrates how collaboration between international and Malaysian performers can elevate local talent while strengthening cross-cultural understanding through music.

Beyond the performance itself, organisers said proceeds will support the SWARA Community Arts Centre’s initiatives in nurturing young musicians and expanding access to music education. They hope the partnership will leave a lasting impact by connecting international artistic excellence with grassroots creative development in Malaysia.

The concert will be held at 8pm on Aug. 22 at Istana Budaya. Tickets, priced between RM150 and RM650, are available via Ticketmelon. Early Bird and Student promotional offers are available until Aug. 10.