A global music icon is set to take the stage in Malaysia this month.
The concert “Beyond Words” on Aug 22 at Istana Budaya, will be headlined by Grammy-winning musician L Shankar alongside Malaysian sitar maestro Samuel Dass.
FMT Lifestyle attended the press conference unveiling details of the show.
The one-night-only performance will mark the first international concert staged at the national theatre following its reopening after major renovations.
The performance will also raise funds for SWARA Community Arts Centre, a non-profit organisation founded by Dass to support music education.
Known for blending Indian classical music with Western rock, jazz and pop, Shankar has consistently pushed creative boundaries.
This musician, vocalist and composer is also the inventor of the 10-string Double Violin, an instrument that became central to his distinctive sound.
Shankar was a key collaborator with Peter Gabriel on Martin Scorsese’s 1988 film “The Last Temptation of Christ”, for which the soundtrack album titled “Passion”, won a Grammy Award.
He also received a Grammy nomination for his traditional Indian classical album “Raga Aberi” (1995), while his album “Pancha Nadai Pallavi” (1990) became the first traditional Indian classical album to enter the Billboard Top 10.
Joining Shankar on stage will be Dass, known as Malaysia’s “Sultan of Sitar”, alongside tabla virtuoso Prakash Kandasamy, keyboardist Shawalnaz Hussin, seruling maestro Muhardiman Ismail, bassist Hadi Maswardi, percussionist and programmer Paavendran Langkadran, as well as guitarists Eliezer Enan and Marco Alonso.
The Klang-born Dass began playing the sitar at the age of seven and has earned numerous accolades, including seven gold medals and a silver medal at the World Championship of Performing Arts in Hollywood in 2006.
Executive producer James Isidore said the idea for the concert began in 2024, when Shankar attended Dass’ performance at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas. The two musicians later connected, leading to the collaboration.
For Dass, the opportunity to perform alongside Shankar was something he never imagined.
“Someone asked me how I approached L Shankar to do a show with me. Do you think I would dare to ask him that?” Dass joked.
Instead, it was Shankar who brought up the idea.
“Not even in my wildest dreams did I think I would meet him let alone, share the stage with him. I listened to his album Shakti from a young age, and it even inspired my first compositions,” Dass said.
The nearly two-hour concert will blend Indian classical music, jazz, rock, pop and traditional Malaysian influences.
After more than six months of rehearsals, Dass teased that audiences can expect a technically demanding performance. “Shankar’s pieces are among the most difficult compositions in the world to perform. They have to be taught by him,” he said.
Although planning began in early 2025, James said the concert took time to materialise as the team was determined to stage it at Istana Budaya.
Located on Jalan Tun Razak in Kuala Lumpur, Istana Budaya closed in January 2024 for extensive renovations before reopening with upgraded facilities.
In fact, it is said that the main auditorium is now on par with London’s Royal Albert Hall and ranked among the top three sound systems globally.
Having released more than 40 albums and worked with artistes such as Bruce Springsteen, Madonna and AR Rahman, Shankar said this concert held special significance to him.
“I’ve always been interested in different cultures, and Sam is doing remarkable work. Malaysia has so much great talent and it’s been an honour to be part of this project,” he said.
James added: “Lots of international concerts happen, but usually Malaysians are the opening act, closing act or guest performers. This is different.
“Our talent deserves to be elevated to the big stage. I hope this concert leaves a legacy that future generations will look back on proudly,” he said.
Taking place during the month of Merdeka, the concert is a reminder that music needs no translation – it simply brings people together.
Purchase tickets here.
‘Beyond Words’ with L Shankar and Samuel Dass
Date: Aug 22
Time: 8.00pm
Venue: Istana Budaya, Jalan Tun Razak, Titiwangsa, 50694 Kuala Lumpur