Latest news with #FOKL
The Star
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
DBKL's festival showcases 14 orchestral ensembles at 10 venues
(Seated, from left) Izwan, Lim, Ismadi, Naquib and Pek at the event's pre-launch in Kuala Lumpur. — Courtesy of DBKL KUALA Lumpur is set to transform into a vibrant cultural soundscape with the return of Kuala Lumpur Orchestra Festival (FOKL). Now in its second edition, the festival runs until June 29, taking place at selected venues across the city. Organised by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), this year's festival showcases 14 local and international orchestral ensembles, bringing together over 1,200 musicians. 'This is not just about music – it's about creating inclusive and impactful cultural experiences,' said DBKL Socioeconomic Development executive director Ismadi Sakirin at the festival's pre-launch. 'Beyond contributing to the growth of orchestral music, the festival also enhances KL's reputation as a cultural hub.' Also present at the launch were DBKL Culture, Arts, Tourism and Sport Department director Naquib Hamdan, DBKL Music Unit head Isabella Pek, DBKL Culture, Art, Tourism and Sports senior deputy director Izwan Razif and Kuala Lumpur Society vice-president Jack Lim. Ismadi noted that FOKL will expand its reach this year, taking place at 10 locations, up from just three last year – an indication of DBKL's growing commitment to the initiative. Ismadi says the festival will position Kuala Lumpur as a cultural hub. Festival venues include Auditorium DBKL and Dataran DBKL at DBKL headquarters, DBKL's training institute in Cheras, Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, and the River of Life area in Masjid Jamek. The programme also features workshops led by musicians from across Asia, including Japan, China and Thailand. To nurture the next generation of talent, the festival will spotlight performances by schoolchildren and youth ensembles. According to a DBKL statement, over 60 schools have been invited to attend selected performances. To promote accessibility, DBKL is collaborating with GNB Disabled Welfare Association to ensure people with disabilities can attend the concerts. FOKL will also include a charity performance in support of the Malaysian Association for the Blind. Admission is free. For schedule of performances, venues and showtimes, visit
New Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
DBKL to host KL Orchestra Festival, bringing world-class cultural experiences
KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will host the 2025 Kuala Lumpur Orchestra Festival (FOKL) from May 31 to June 29 at selected venues across the city. It said the annual festival aims to advance orchestral music at local and regional levels while engaging the public in inclusive, high-impact world-class cultural experiences. "Throughout the month-long programme, the public can experience a unique blend of Western classical music and traditional local instruments, performed by local and international orchestras, celebrating the richness and diversity of Malaysia's distinct culture," it said in a statement. Now in its second edition, FOKL 2025 goes beyond music to celebrate culture, community, and unity, reinforcing Kuala Lumpur's identity as a culturally vibrant and globally competitive city. This year's expanded programme is presented in partnership with the Kuala Lumpur Society, with a vision to position the capital as a Southeast Asian hub for orchestral music. In addition to orchestral performances, FOKL 2025 will host masterclasses by the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, giving local musicians and educators valuable access to world-class training. To nurture a culturally literate generation, the festival also highlights youth participation, with school students across Kuala Lumpur given the opportunity to perform on a professional stage alongside seasoned musicians. DBKL will hold a special charity concert in support of the Malaysian Association for the Blind, as well as invite more than 60 schools in Kuala Lumpur to selected performances free of charge, expanding access to live orchestral music. To ensure inclusivity, DBKL is partnering with the OKU GNB Welfare Association to facilitate the attendance of persons with disabilities. FOKL will also host a regional forum on orchestra management, uniting music leaders from across Asia, including the Association of Japanese Symphony Orchestras, Beijing-based critics and conductors from Bangkok, to help strengthen the regional orchestral ecosystem. "The forum will serve as a dynamic platform for exchanging insights, addressing challenges, and sharing best practices in contemporary orchestra management, while jointly shaping strategies to advance the orchestral music industry across East and Southeast Asia." where the full programme schedule and festival details are available. – Bernama
