Established in 2012, Kuala Lumpur City Opera (KLCO), also formerly known as Eat, Sing & Travel People, is dedicated to promoting Western opera in Malaysia while celebrating the nation’s rich cultural heritage through high-quality stage performances, concerts, and outreach programs. Over the years, KLCO has received 7 BOH Cameronian Arts Awards for its acclaimed productions, including L’elisir d’Amore, Voices & Winds, Madama Butterfly, A Grand Night of Opera and Opera Si! La Bohemia. Today, KLCO boasts a roster of over 20 principal singers and a resident chorus of 40 members.
In this interview with Danny Chen, Executive Producer of KL City Opera (KLCO), we explore the company’s journey from its founding to its award-winning productions, the enduring influence of Italian opera, and how KLCO is nurturing a new generation of opera enthusiasts in Malaysia.
Mr. Danny Chen, Executive Producer of KL City Opera.
1. What inspired the founding of Kuala Lumpur City Opera, and how has the company’s vision evolved over the years?
KLCO was founded in response to strong encouragement from Malaysia’s opera-loving and broader arts community, who believed there was a place for opera within our national cultural landscape. Early support from local audiences and artists gave us the confidence to pursue fully staged productions and invest in developing local talent. Recognition by the BOH Cameronian Arts Awards affirmed that opera not only belongs in Malaysia’s arts scene, but can also achieve artistic excellence and high production values. Over time, our vision has grown to encompass not just staging operas, but also nurturing talent, expanding outreach, and making opera accessible and relevant to all Malaysians.
2. Italian opera is central to the Western operatic tradition. How has it influenced KLCO’s artistic direction and programming?
Italian opera has been a cornerstone of our repertoire since KLCO’s inception. The works of composers like Verdi, Puccini, and Donizetti have shaped our artistic direction, providing both a benchmark for musical and dramatic excellence and a foundation for audience engagement. Italian masterpieces are regularly featured in our seasons, and their universal themes and emotional depth resonate strongly with Malaysian audiences. These works also serve as essential training material for our singers, helping them develop the vocal technique and dramatic skills that are fundamental to the art of opera.
3. How does KLCO balance the preservation of classical opera, especially Italian masterpieces, while making it relevant for today’s Malaysian audiences?
KLCO is committed to preserving the authenticity and artistic integrity of classical operas, especially Italian masterpieces, by primarily staging them in their original settings and languages. However, we also recognize the importance of making these works resonate with local audiences. For example, in our recent production of La bohème, we reimagined the story in 1960s Malaya. This creative adaptation maintained the original music and libretto but offered a fresh, culturally relevant perspective that was very well received by Malaysian audiences. Through such thoughtful reinterpretations, we make classical opera accessible and meaningful, while still honouring its traditions.
4. What initiatives has KLCO introduced to engage younger generations and promote a deeper appreciation of opera in Malaysia?
From the very beginning, education and outreach have been at the heart of KLCO’s mission. For over a decade, we have run our “Opera for Kids and Teens” program, introducing young people to opera through workshops and performances tailored to their interests and experience levels. We’ve extended our impact by collaborating with universities and schools, offering outreach programs that provide students with direct exposure to opera and hands-on learning opportunities. Additionally, our OperaKUL Festival has brought opera into public spaces such as Publika (2016, 2017), making the art form accessible to wider audiences. During the pandemic, we adapted by taking OperaKUL online (2020, 2021), ensuring continued engagement with young people and the broader community even during challenging times.
Opera Sì! La Bohemia: A Timeless Love Story Set In 1960s Malaya.
KLCO Cast During Rehearsals.
KL City Opera’s Performance at Italcham’s 2024 Gala Night.
5. Does KLCO collaborate with Italian artists, institutions, or cultural organisations in Malaysia or abroad? If so, could you tell us more about these partnerships?
KLCO has been privileged to collaborate with several distinguished Italian artists and institutions over the years. In 2018, we partnered with the Rossini Opera Festival, inviting Director Cristian della Chiara and guest artist Aya Wakizono, a Japanese mezzo-soprano from the Rossini Accademia, to perform with KLCO artists in a special concert at UCSI University celebrating Rossini’s 150th birthday. Earlier, in 2017, we welcomed conductor Nicoletta Conti from Bologna to lead the UPM Orchestra alongside KLCO’s principal singers and chorus at the OperaKUL Festival. In 2019, we had the unique opportunity to meet and perform with the Coro del Teatro Regio di Parma at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre. These collaborations have enriched our artistic development, provided invaluable international exposure for our artists, and deepened cultural ties between Malaysia and Italy.
DON GIOVANNI – An Opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte.
6. Are there any upcoming productions or collaborations that highlight Italian composers or culture that you’re particularly excited about?
We’re very excited to be staging Don Giovanni, one of the most notable Italian operas, from 23–26 October 2025 at Pentas 1, KL Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC). This production is a significant milestone for KLCO—not only is it a new title for us, but it’s also our first major addition to the repertoire since the pandemic, marking a new chapter for the company and our audiences. Looking ahead to next year, we are preparing to present Puccini’s masterpiece, Turandot. “Nessun Dorma,” the world-famous aria from Turandot, was last performed in Malaysia in 2003—a production that included many of our current artists and founders under the Penang Arts Council. Reviving Turandot is a major undertaking, and we hope to have the support of Italian cultural and commercial institutions, as this production will require significant sponsorship and partnership. Both productions reflect our strong commitment to celebrating Italian opera and sharing its artistry with a new generation in Malaysia.
If you like what you see, don’t forget to check out KLCO’s upcoming production:
“DON GIOVANNI“ – An Opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and libretto by Lorenza da Ponte
Showtimes:
23 Oct 2025 @ 8:00PM
24 Oct 2025 @ 8:00PM
25 Oct 2025 @ 8:00PM
26 Oct 2025 @ 3:00PM
Location:
Pentas 1, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC)
Language:
Italian with English and Chinese surtitles
Age limit:
Recommended for 6 years old and above
KL City Opera’s Casts and Orchestra During Rehearsals for DON GIOVANNI.
Visit KL City Opera’s website HERE
Want to get in touch with KL City Opera ? Contact them at klcityopera@gmail.com or with the number 03-7731 2839.