Inspired by this musical phenomenon, local arts initiative Melaka Classics is organising “Melakan ReSonance 2025”, a classical-music festival featuring talented performers from Malaysia and around the world.
“Our inspiration comes from Melaka’s unique diversity – much like in music. We aim to bring together musicians, repertoire, venues and audiences to create something greater than the sum of its parts,” Melakan ReSonance 2025 artistic director Orest Smovzh told FMT Lifestyle.
“Melaka has long been a city where eclectic influences, cultures, and peoples converge. It is only natural that we continue to contribute to its resonating artistic experience with our music,” he added.
This will be the fourth incarnation of this classical music festival, which was first held in 2018.
Executive director Cassel Krishnan said this year’s festival will feature partnerships with groups such as Monument Music, the Letter Press Workshop, and Vinyl Crossover.
“As a Melakan boy, it feels surreal to be able to bring such amazing musical programmes to my own city. It comes from a dream of making Melaka known not only for history and food, but also a rich artistic environment,” he said.
The festival kicks off on June 20 with “Dances & Dialogues”, featuring violinists Smovzh (Ukraine) and Andrew Ng (Malaysia), which will be performed at the Dusit Princess Melaka.
“The concept we’re producing for this recital is something completely different from the usual classical concert setting. Instead of straight rows of hard-backed chairs, we’re setting it up with cocktail tables, bar stools, and comfy sofa sets. The idea is for the listeners to enjoy their drinks in this cosy, intimate setup,” Krishnan added.
On June 21, music lovers can attend the “Performing with Confidence: General Musicianship Workshop” at 10am, before heading off to “Off The Record: Vinyl x Classical Crossover Pop Up” at 3pm.
This eclectic event will feature music by Christopher Mui, Smovzh, Ng, and the extensive record collection of Jason Tiu.
Smovzh and Mui will then take up the violin and cello, respectively, for “Search & Radiance”, a performance taking place at Christ Church, at 8pm the same night. A highlight here will be reimagined versions of Johann Sebastian Bach’s most beloved compositions.
June 22 will see “Press Play! A Music Making and LetterPress Workshop”, conducted by Amin Fadeli of The Royal Press.
Here, participants will be given the chance to create their own short melody, which they can print on an exclusive Melaka Classics x The Royal Press postcard. Musicians Smovzh, Ng, and Mui will then take your notes and perform them on the spot!
The festival comes to a grand finale with a concert at Christ Church at 8pm, featuring Smovzh, Ng, Mui, and special guest violinist Martin Peh.
Smovzh and Krishnan recommend that guests purchase the event’s festival pass, which will allow them entry to all seven of Melaka ReSonance 2025’s concerts, recitals, pop-ups and workshops, as well as the opportunity to observe masterclasses. The pass is available in both general and concession rates.
“Music gives space for interaction, flexibility, and endless possibilities. A well-curated classical music event has the power to make the world feel just a little bit better – more open, more connected,” Smovzh concluded.
“We ultimately hope our audiences will gain a sense of belonging, more in tune and reverberating with their musical soul.”
‘Melakan ReSonance 2025’
When: June 20-22
Tickets to each event can be purchased via Cloudjoi (do note that the event originally scheduled for July 14 has been cancelled).
For more enquiries, visit Melaka Classics’ website. Also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.