#Showbiz: Istana Budaya confident viewers will return in full force next year

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Theatre is optimistic that fans of live concerts and musicals will be back in full force in 2022.

Istana Budaya deputy director-general (artistic) Zaifri Husin said that the response to its five shows held over the last two months had been very positive and they were confident that viewers were flocking back to its main hall Panggung Sari.

"Since the government relaxed the standard operating procedures (SOP), we successfully held five shows, starting with Misha Omar and the National Symphony Orchestra (OSK) in October," he told Berita Harian today.

"Then came Konsert Patriotik Tanah Airku in early November which was also a hit with fans who flocked to watch their favourite singers as Syamel Fodzly and Ernie Zakri perform patriotic numbers."

The other showcases were Konsert Rentak Kita with the Malaysian Traditional Orchestra (OTM), the Wayang Kulit show Wayang: Sakti, and Konsert Gema Gangsa featuring singers Daniel Chuer, Naqiu, Ronnie Hussein and Ella in November.

"Next year, we will be coming up with more performances with artistic value to suit Malaysians' tastes," said Zaifri.

"We will also continue to showcase the music of our two orchestras, OSK and OTM and the choreography of our dance troupe, Artis Tari Istana Budaya."

Zaifri added that strict SOP would not hinder their efforts to come up with world class performances.

"Instead, this pushes us to think outside the box to come up with more original concerts, musicals and plays."

Related Articles