IT is a given to expect Malaysia's own Rock Queen, Nor Zila Aminuddin a.k.a. Ella, to belt out rock, or even pop rock numbers at her concert.
But come Aug 9, Ella has something for fans at her 'Jilid Rockestra Ella: Rockers Juga Manusia' concert scheduled to take place at KLCC's Plenary Hall.
The 57-year-old singer will be singing a few traditional tunes, especially selected for the concert.
"I chose to perform a few Asli songs at this concert as a challenge to myself. The songs will be given new arrangements to suit the music style of stringed instruments," she shares excitedly.
Ella also says her performance of the traditional songs will be accompanied by dancers onstage.
However, at press time, the organiser was still keeping mum about the titles of the Asli songs to be performed, as well as the other tracks on the setlist.
"We want it to be a 'surprise'" is the simple reply.
With Ella being a consummate performer, fans can expect the best at the upcoming two-and-a-half-hour concert.
Apart from the Asli songs, Ella is set to perform about 25 of her hit numbers, which span her impressive close-to-four-decade career in the local music industry.
"There will also be medleys specially curated based on fans' requests," says Ella, adding that it follows a "rockchic rockestra" concept.
With Datuk Hashridz Murshim Hassim, better known as Acis, enlisted as the music director, Ella will be accompanied by 15 professional orchestra musicians during the performance.
According to the singer, the last time she performed with an orchestra was seven years ago and she is super thrilled to be doing it once more.
"This concert will be a more intimate show, and I hope to get to spend more time with my fans.
"It will give me the opportunity to showcase my creativity through hit songs that have never been played before under the leadership of Datuk Acis," she says.
Ella also promises a special guest singer.
When pressed for the name, she cheekily responds in her signature girlish tone: "Rahsia! (secret) If you want to know, come to the concert
lah."
After making waves with her 'Jilid Akhir: Ella Puteri Kota' concert tour last year, this new show will also be organised by Hitman Solutions in collaboration with Ella's RockQueen team.
According to Hitman Solutions' chief executive officer Rohit Rampal, the reason for the staging of another concert for Ella quite soon after last year's successful tour is simply due to high demand from fans.
"Taking the cue from there, we certainly wouldn't want to miss this opportunity to show our appreciation of her fans' enthusiasm by collaborating with her for another spectacular show," he says.