Grammy winner L. Shankar to headline historic Beyond Words concert

Grammy Award-winning violin virtuoso, vocalist and composer L. Shankar will headline BEYOND WORDS, a one-night-only musical showcase at Istana Budaya on Aug. 22, marking the first international concert to be staged at Malaysia’s national performing arts venue following its reopening.

Organised by E2R Ventures with the support of Solara Group of Companies, the concert promises a unique fusion of Indian classical music, jazz, rock, pop and traditional Malaysian sounds, bringing together internationally acclaimed performers and leading local musicians on one stage. The event is scheduled to begin at 8pm.

Historic return for Istana Budaya

The concert carries added significance as it signals the return of international performances to Istana Budaya after the venue’s reopening, reinforcing its position as one of Malaysia’s premier cultural institutions.

L. Shankar, internationally recognised for redefining the possibilities of the double violin and for his collaborations across diverse musical genres, will share the stage with Malaysia’s renowned sitar maestro Samuel J. Dass, widely regarded as the nation’s “Sultan of Sitar.”

Their collaboration is expected to deliver an immersive musical experience that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries while showcasing the universal language of music.

Supporting the two headliners is an ensemble of accomplished Malaysian musicians comprising tabla player Prakash Kandasamy, seruling performer Muhardin Ismail, guitarists Marco Alonso and Eliezer Enan, bassist Hadi Maswardi, keyboardist ShahwalNaz Hussin and percussionist Paavendran Langkadaran.

The organisers said the production aims to highlight artistic excellence through cross-cultural collaboration while celebrating Malaysia’s multicultural musical heritage.

Concert supports local arts development

Beyond entertainment, the concert also serves a broader community purpose by supporting the mission of the SWARA Community Arts Centre, an initiative focused on nurturing young musicians and strengthening Malaysia’s creative arts ecosystem.

The organisers hope the event will inspire greater appreciation for musical diversity while creating opportunities for emerging local talent to engage with internationally recognised artists.

Tickets are priced from RM150, with Early Bird and Student promotional offers available until Aug. 10, 2026. According to Istana Budaya, ticket prices range from RM150 to RM650 depending on seating categories.

Members of the public can purchase tickets via Ticketmelon – BEYOND WORDS using the promotional codes EARLY05 for early bird purchases or STUDENT10 for eligible students before the promotional deadline.

For enquiries, contact the organisers at +6017-676 4588.