Malaysia’s music scene is set to witness a landmark moment as Grammy-winning musician L. Shankar joins forces with some of the country’s finest performers for a special one-night-only concert this August.
Titled BEYOND WORDS, International Mastery Meets Malaysian Artistry, the performance will take place on 22 August 2026 at Istana Budaya, marking the venue’s first international concert following its reopening.
Presented by E2Rventures and supported by Solara Group of Companies, the concert aims to celebrate creativity, cultural exchange and the strength of Malaysia’s performing arts scene, while raising funds to support the SWARA Community Arts Centre.
Bringing Global Talent and Malaysian Artistry Together
More than just a musical showcase, BEYOND WORDS brings together international excellence and Malaysian talent through a unique collaboration built on equal creative partnership.
Leading the performance is L. Shankar, a Grammy-winning double violinist, vocalist, composer and the inventor of the 10-string Double Violin. Known for his ability to blend different musical traditions, he has spent decades breaking boundaries between genres and cultures.
Joining him on stage will be an impressive lineup of Malaysian musicians, including:
- Samuel J. Dass – Malaysia’s “Sultan of Sitar”
- Prakash Kandasamy – Tabla Virtuoso
- Shawalnaz Hussin – Composer, Arranger & Keyboardist
- Muhardiman Ismail – Seruling Maestro
- Hadi Maswardi – Bassist & Composer
- Paavendran Langkadran – Percussionist & Programmer
- Eliezer Enan and Marco Alonso – Guitarists
Unlike traditional concerts where international performers are supported by local musicians, BEYOND WORDS focuses on collaboration between equals, allowing each artist to contribute their own musical identity.
A Fusion of Cultures Through Music
The concert will combine elements of Indian Classical, Jazz, Rock, Pop and traditional Malaysian sounds to create a fresh and original musical experience.
According to L. Shankar, meaningful collaborations happen when artists remain open to exchanging ideas and understanding each other’s musical languages.
He described the opportunity to work with Malaysian musicians as a special journey that will bring audiences to a new musical experience at the iconic Istana Budaya.
Meanwhile, Samuel J. Dass shared that the concert represents the strength of Malaysia’s contemporary music scene.
“BEYOND WORDS is built on the belief that great music happens when every artist brings their distinct voice into one shared creative space,” he said.
He added that the production is not about local musicians performing behind an international artist, but a genuine collaboration where every instrument and idea helps shape the final performance.
A New Chapter for Istana Budaya
For Istana Budaya, hosting BEYOND WORDS represents its renewed commitment to presenting international-standard performances while highlighting Malaysian talent.
The production is also part of the venue’s vision to position Malaysia as a vibrant cultural destination that connects local creativity with global artistry.
Executive Producer of E2Rventures, James Isidore, said the concert celebrates the power of music to connect people across cultures.
“Watching L. Shankar share the stage with Malaysia’s top instrumentalists is a proud moment. This production celebrates local talent on a global scale and proves how music can seamlessly bridge cultures,” he said.
Beyond the performance, BEYOND WORDS also supports the growth of Malaysia’s creative ecosystem through its partnership with SWARA Community Arts Centre, focusing on music education, cultural preservation and youth development.
The concert aims to leave a lasting impact by connecting international musical excellence with opportunities for the next generation of Malaysian artists.