Melaka Classics

Carols at Twilight

Join us for an evening of sublime carols sung in the beautifully-restored, 19th century rustic chapel of St Mary’s in Kampung Ayer Salak. As dusk slowly unfolds the fading light of day, let the warmth of the advent season fill your soul as Cantus Musicus bring songs of love, joy, and good cheer.

Carols will be sung in various languages, from charming and familiar English classics, to quirky and unique carols from beyond. This evening upholds the tradition of bringing people together to share in the festive Christmas mood.

In the festive spirit, we are making entrance freely accessible to all! Ticket reservations (by freewill donation) are required due to limited seating capacity. Proceeds will go to the Church of St Mary building fund, as well as to the furtherment of the Arts in Malaysia.

Cantus Musicus is an international mixed chamber choir which was formed in 2003. Its repertoire spans from music of the Renaissance to modern-day choral works. The choir is noted in particular for its German Lieder concerts and for its promotion of modern, contemporary living composers of sacred music. The choir is able to sing in English, French, Italian, German, Dutch, Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian, Czech, Latin, Russian and Spanish.

Carols at Twilight
Featuring Cantus Musicus
With Special Performance by St Mary’s Church Choir

Presented by Melaka Classics

📅 Date: 14 December 2025 (Sun)
🕒 Time: 5:00 – 6:30pm (Doors open 4:30pm)
📍 Venue: Church of St Mary, Kampung Ayer Salak
Entrance by Freewill Donation

To reserve tickets, complete this online form or WhatsApp 011-16391641 for assistance.

exploding stars

the latest drop from Melaka’s most exciting Classical Music project:

//exploding stars//

For one night only/ Irish violin – piano duo Darragh Morgan and Mary Dullea

Listen to/ smoky tangos of Astor Piazzolla / impressionistic shimmer of Debussy & Lili Boulanger / spiritual minimalism of Arvo Pärt

Highlights/ Linda Buckley’s immersive Exploding Stars for violin and electronics/ Yii Kah Hoe’s deeply personal work for violin and tape

Anchoring the programme/ Franck’s monumental Violin Sonata/ Gershwin’s It Ain’t Necessarily So/ Deirdre McKay’s meditative Secundum

About/Darragh Morgan is one of the leading interpreters of contemporary music for violin, having performed as soloist at major festivals including BBC Proms and Aldeburgh, and with ensembles such as the London Sinfonietta and The Ulster Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland and more. Mary Dullea is a celebrated soloist and chamber musician, known for her advocacy of new music and her role as pianist with the Fidelio Trio. She is also Director of Performance at Royal Holloway, University of London.

Don’t Miss/ This rare opportunity to hear two of Ireland’s most distinguished musicians in Melaka! For tickets, visit https://bit.ly/explodingstars25 or contact 011-16391641

//exploding stars//
Date: 15th November 2025 (Saturday)

Time: 8:00pm (Doors open 7:30pm)

Venue: The Monument Music Academy, 5, Jalan Ppm 10, Plaza Pandan Malim, 75250 Melaka

Tickets: RM58 Standard | RM45 Concession (Students/Senior Citizens/Differently Abled)

ROBERT²

This 27th July, Melaka Classics brings an afternoon musical treat: two piano quartets by Robert Schumann and Robert Kahn!

Step into a world of rich Romantic expression with an evening of piano quartets by two remarkable German composers. Robert Schumann’s Piano Quartet in E-flat major, Op. 47 stands as one of the most beloved chamber works of the 19th century, a lyrical and dramatic journey full of heartfelt intimacy. Paired with it is the lesser-known yet deeply rewarding Piano Quartet in A minor, Op. 30 by Robert Kahn, a student of Brahms whose music sings with warmth, clarity, and emotional depth. This recital offers a rare chance to experience two masterworks that speak across generations—united by tradition, yet distinct in voice.

ROBERT²

Featuring Low Chyh Leng (piano), Cheong Keat Zhen (violin), Jenny Loo (viola), Isaac Chan (cello)

Date: 27th July 2025 (Sunday)

Time: 3:00pm (Doors open 2:30pm)

Venue: The Monument Music Academy, 5, Jalan Ppm 10, Plaza Pandan Malim, 75250 Melaka

Tickets: RM45 Standard | RM38 Concession (Students/Senior Citizens/Differently Abled)

To reserve tickets, complete this Online Form or WhatsApp 011-16391641 for assistance.

Melakan ReSonance | Manila Galleon

Starting off the festivities with music of international trade and globalisation – in the heart of the historical city!

For two and a half centuries, between 1564 and 1815, the Manila galleons brought luxury goods such as spices and porcelains to America in exchange for silver, fostering cultural exchanges that shaped the identities and cultures of South-East Asia, Spain, and the Spanish Americas. Along this global trade route, people and music flowed freely, making for some surprising influences and results.

We present a selection of music that would have been heard at places along this journey from Madrid to Manila to Mexico. Music written for and favoured by Spanish monarchs of the Golden Age features heavily in our programme, such as Josquin’s chanson Mille regretz and Morales’ Missa Mille Regretz written for Emperor Charles V. Spanish-themed music also appears – the Bassadanza ‘La Spagna’ and Heinrich Isaac’s Missa La Spagna, as well as dance music from the guitar books of Gaspar Sanz and Santiago de Murcia, secular songs from the cancioneiros (song books), and harp dances from Lucas Ruiz de Ribayaz’ Luz y Norte collection of 1677. Naturally, there is music on a theme of sailing and exploration: the barzeletta ‘Ayo visto lo mappamundo’, Cornago’s Missa de Mappamundi based on it.

While not part of the Manila Galleon route, Portuguese Malacca was still linked to it, as Spain and Portugal shared resources and rulers from 1580-1640, and cultural influences both ways were strong. In that way, music from the Spanish regions also resounded in Portuguese Malacca and the region.

Accompanied by period instruments such as renaissance and baroque guitars, viols, recorders, and percussion, Cappella Martialis will be pronouncing the texts as closely as possible to how they would have been performed in the 16th and 17th centuries, making for a musical time machine evening. Full texts and translations will be provided.

MELAKAN ReSONANCE | MANILA GALLEON
Featuring Cappella Martialis:
Singers Michelle Chan • Joycelyn Chng • Tabitha Chong • Victor Gan • Goh Hsuan Hsuan • Hor Xinrong • Peter Lee • Ng Beng Choo • Rachel Ong • Aditya Santoso • Seah Su-Lyn • Sze Shao Tang • Tay Jia Qi • Martin Teo • Edward C. Yong
Instrumentalists Brian Wang, (treble viol), Joycelyn Chng, (recorders), Edward C. Yong, (renaissance & baroque guitars, recorder, percussion)
Conductor Yeo Ying Hao

Date: 15th June 2024 (Saturday)
Time: 8:00pm (Doors open 7:00pm)
Venue: **UPDATED LOCATION** Church of St. Mary, Ayer Salak
Tickets: RM38 Standard | RM32 Concession (Students/Senior Citizens/Differently Abled)
🔖 FESTIVAL PASS (Access to all events): Standard RM75 | Concession RM62

Click here to reserve tickets now or WhatsApp 011-1639 1641 for more information.

Click here for the Manila Galleon Programme Notes.

Manila Galleon Leaftet

manila-galleon-leaftet

See you at the festival!

Radiant Dawn

Melaka Classics’ Spring 2024 season closes this May with a breathtaking tapestry of a cappella works for choir!

Featuring the Kuala Lumpur Madrigal Singers and Players, Radiant Dawn displays sacred music traditions from diverse cultures, spanning the Renaissance period to the modern compositions of the 20th century.

With masterpieces by renowned composers of the past such as Tallis, Byrd, Bach, and Mozart, as well as captivating works by 20th century luminaries like Poulenc and contemporary composers such as MacMillan, this carefully curated programme aims to illuminate the evolution of liturgical songs over time, demonstrating its profound resonance across cultures and epochs.

Come and experience the transcendent power of sacred music in its myriad forms this May 5th, being presented for the very first time in Melaka within the beautiful St Mary’s Chapel located in rustic Ayer Salak. from diverse cultures, spanning the Renaissance period to the modern compositions of the 20th century.

RADIANT DAWN

Featuring the Kuala Lumpur Madrigal Singers and Players:
Athirah Ibrahim • Chew Shi Yun • Sharlene Rani • Asha Menon • Chow Yee Mun • Darrel Chan • Scott Woo • Serene Chng • Bryan Sim • Sean Chay • See Tian Xin

Date: 5th May 2024 (Sunday)
Time: 4:00pm (Doors open 3:00pm)
Venue: Chapel of St Mary’s Church, Ayer Salak, Melaka

Tickets: RM45 Standard | RM38 Students/Concession
Click here to reserve tickets or WhatsApp 011-16391641 for more information.

Presented by Melaka Classics with VerSeS Music Ensembles.

The Bassanos of London

Join us on the 4th of February 2024 at the historic Christ Church in Melaka for an enchanting Sunday evening of Renaissance music. Brought to life by the acclaimed Holborne Consort of the Netherlands, this concert delves into the fascinating tale of the renowned Venetian Bassano family, summoned to London by King Henry VIII in 1540.

The Bassanos of Melaka Hosted by Melaka Classics

Concert Programme: Experience the virtuosity of the Holborne Consort as they perform masterpieces from the Italian and English Renaissance by Festa, Ruffo, Gabrieli, De Rore, Bassano, Holborne, Henry VIII, Morley, Lupo, and Byrd. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of sound that echoes the musical journey of these exceptional musicians and instrument makers settling in London.

About the Holborne Consort: Formed by recorder virtuosos Heiko ter Schegget, Teun Wisse, and Thomas Triesschijn, the Holborne Consort specializes in Renaissance music, played on meticulously crafted replicas of 16th-century recorders. The unique vocal qualities of these instruments, based on examples from the Bassano family, create a truly moving experience. Built by Heiko ter Schegget and Taavi-Mats Utt, these recorders are modeled after originals found in prestigious museums in Vienna and Brussels.

Having graced stages across Europe, Asia, and the United States, the Holborne Consort has collaborated with renowned ensembles and conductors, including the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, Dutch Bach Society, Capriccio Stravagante, Holland Baroque, Les Talens Lyriques, and Vox Luminis.

Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the magic of Renaissance music as the Holborne Consort brings history to life at Christ Church, Melaka. Secure your tickets now for an evening of musical enchantment!

THE BASSANOS OF LONDON
Featuring the Holborne Consort

📅 Date: 4th February 2024 (Sunday)
🕒 Time: 5:00pm
📍 Venue: Christ Church, Melaka
Tickets: RM38 Standard | RM28 Students/Concession

Tickets available at https://bit.ly/bassanos_melaka.
Click here to reserve tickets or WhatsApp 011-16391641

Presented by Melaka Classics with the support of The Embassy of the Netherlands and the Performing Arts Fund NL.

Between Portugal and the World

This August, we are thrilled to have Portuguese virtuoso 𝗜𝗻𝗲̂𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗲 perform in Melaka for the very first time in her Malaysian debut!

Inês Filipe, a Portuguese pianist from Aveiro, has won numerous prizes in National and International piano competitions under the eyes of renowned panels of judges. She performs regularly in recitals as a soloist, with performances in numerous countries such as Spain, England, France, Italy, Thailand, Belgium, Germany, Panama and Costa Rica. She debuted as a soloist with the Filarmonia das Beiras Orchestra in 2018, performing the Ravel concert in G under the direction of maestro Ernest Schelle. Inês Filipe is also a member of several chamber music projects.

She presents a great versatility in the choice and execution of pianistic repertoire, including works in concert ranging from Bach to contemporary music. Her interest in modern and contemporary Portuguese music has played an active role in the dissemination of the same, already featuring several premieres of works by Portuguese composers.

This August, we are thrilled to host her for the very first time in her Malaysian debut. Ms Inês will be performing solo piano works by Chopin, Lopes-Graça, Debussy, and Fernandes, amongst others in a lecture-recital. She will also be offering masterclasses at JMM Music Academy from the 25th-27th of August. Please contact 011-10736116 to book a slot (spaces limited).

BETWEEN PORTUGAL AND THE WORLD
Featuring Inês Filipe

Date & Time: 26th August 2023 (Sat) | 8.00pm (Doors open at 7.00pm)
Location: JMM Recital Studio
No 20, Jalan Rahmat 4, Taman Malim Jaya, Melaka

Tickets: RM35 Standard | RM28 Students

Seats are limited for this event due to SOP compliance.
To reserve tickets, book online here or WhatsApp 011-10736116 or 011-16391641

Presented by Melaka Classics and co-hosted by Juz Musical Moment Music Academy with support of the Embassy of Portugal, DG Artes, and Coração em Malaca

Darts of Love

This 24th June, Singapore’s leading Early Music Ensemble 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀 returns to Melaka once again! Singing love songs, madrigals and choruses of the Renaissance with historically informed instrumentation such as viols, lute and guitar, and recorders. Come join us for an evening of passionate music under the awe-inspiring arches of iconic Christ Church. Get tickets online by clicking here.

About the concert:

The poet Dante, in his Paradiso, ends his Divine Comedy by saying that love is the force that moves the sun and the stars, emphasizing its importance over other ideas about God.

Throughout history, love has been a major inspiration for various forms of art. During the Italian Renaissance, most secular songs were about different experiences of love. In the musical piece “Darts of Love,” Cappella Martialis explores the diverse range of love portrayed in Italian Renaissance music.

They start with early Renaissance songs by Tromboncino and Cara, then move on to the intricate madrigals by Monteverdi and the complex works of Gesualdo. Marriage, being a part of love, is also represented through grand choruses performed during the celebrations for the Medici weddings in Florence in 1539 and 1589.

Although it may seem unusual, death was often associated with love in the Renaissance, with hidden meanings and metaphors. Renaissance audiences would have appreciated the double entendres and found the ambiguity charming.

Cappella Martialis will be accompanied by instruments from that period, such as recorders, viols, lute, and Renaissance guitar.

𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆
Featuring Cappella Martialis
24 June 2023 (Sat) | 8.00pm (Doors open at 7.00pm)
Christ Church Melaka
Tickets RM42 Standard | RM35 Students

Seats are limited for this event due to SOP compliance.
To reserve tickets, click here to book or WhatsApp 011-16391641

Brightfeather in Melaka: Hidden Treasures for Chamber Music

For the very first time in Melaka! Don’t miss this international duo coming from America this June 4th 2023 to Christ Church. Brightfeather is a dynamic and immersive violin-piano duo founded by violinist Benjamin Hoffman and pianist Irene Kim.

Through deeply personal performances, Brightfeather is committed to bringing the light, hope, and strength of music to audiences across the globe. Pianist Irene Kim, a critically acclaimed prize-winner of international competitions is known for her powerful and authoritative performances, which include the rare feat of performing Prokofiev’s Third Piano Concerto without a conductor. Violinist Benjamin Hoffman has served as concertmaster from an early age, performing both symphonic repertoire as well as chamber orchestra repertoire without conductor. In his Carnegie Hall debut, he performed works of Aaron Jay Kernis and Hindemith. They will be joined by Andrew Filmer of Sunway University.

Karol Lehmann Grand Piano proudly sponsored by Jewel Piano Lounge.

Brightfeather in Melaka: Hidden Treasures for Chamber Music Featuring Andrew Filmer

Date: 4th June 2023 (Sunday) | 4:30 pm (Doors open 3:30pm)
Venue: Christ Church, Jalan Gereja Melaka
Tickets: RM 48 (Standard) | RM 35 (Students)

Seats are limited for this event due to SOP compliance. To reserve tickets, click here to book or WhatsApp us at 011-16391641.

Une Parcours Musical: A Panorama of French Music

Wind and String, a dynamic duo consisting of German flautist Anton Isselhardt and Thai guitarist Pongpat Pongpradit, is all set to present an afternoon of mesmerizing music in their upcoming concert titled “Une Parcours Musical”.

This concert is a panorama of 100 years of French music development through the 20th century, characterized by diverse and distinctive styles. The program leads from works of the celebrated French composers Ravel and Debussy with their masterpieces of impressionism, to further musical developments such as modernism, neo-classicism and contemporary music. To reserve tickets, click here to book or WhatsApp us at 011-16391641.

Date: 14th of May 2023 (Sunday) | 4:30pm
Venue: Christ Church Melaka
Tickets: RM35 (Standard) | RM28 (Students)

Seats are limited for this event due to SOP compliance.
Presented by the Monument Music in collaboration with Melaka Classics.