Two Hundred Musicians, One Powerful Message: “The Symphony of Friendship” Takes Over Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur just witnessed a different kind of grandeur at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, and no, it wasn’t your typical evening at the orchestra. Two hundred musicians from The Purple Symphony and the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) came together for “The Symphony of Friendship,” a concert that turned KLCC into a celebration of community, connection, and unapologetic inclusivity.

The performance marks The Purple Symphony’s Kuala Lumpur debut, brought in by The Raja Zarith Sofiah of Johor Foundation (YRZSNJ) together with Temasek Foundation. For the uninitiated, The Purple Symphony is Singapore’s largest inclusive orchestra, made up of musicians with and without disabilities who perform side by side. It’s a group that doesn’t just play music; it rewrites what representation looks like on stage.

This collaboration wasn’t born overnight. It started back in July last year when Datin Paduka Ho Ching, Chairman of Temasek Trust, hosted Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah at Temasek Shophouse. Two musicians from The Purple Symphony performed that day. Their music moved Her Majesty deeply, sparking an invitation for the orchestra to perform at the Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House in 2023. That moment has now expanded into something even bigger.

“The Symphony of Friendship” is the second major collaboration between YRZSNJ, Temasek Foundation and The Purple Symphony. Guided by Artistic Director Quek Ling Kiong, the concert presents specially arranged pieces that take audiences on an emotional, textured journey. Think soaring strings, bold rhythms, and the kind of energy that fills a room even before the applause begins.

YRZSNJ’s Chief Executive Officer, Hishamuddin Bin Abd Rahim, summed up the heart of the evening perfectly:
“Our mission at the Raja Zarith Sofiah of Johor Foundation is to build bridges between communities through education and the arts. We believe that every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, has the potential to contribute meaningfully to society and to grow as a global citizen.
Through concerts like this one, we hope to nurture respect, understanding and empathy among all communities. We are deeply inspired by The Purple Symphony and its commitment to inclusion. It reminds us that music, just like life, is most harmonious when everyone is given a place in the ensemble. We remain committed to learning from this model as we work towards building a more inclusive and empowered community in Johor and beyond.”

Temasek Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Ng Boon Heong, echoed that sentiment, highlighting the orchestra’s role as a living example of inclusion in action:
“Temasek Foundation works with partners across Asia including Singapore to create opportunities that uplift lives and strengthen social resilience. The Purple Symphony is an example of this belief in action as an inclusive orchestra where musicians with and without disabilities make music side by side, united by passion and purpose. Temasek Foundation is honoured to support The Purple Symphony in its journey, and to advance the disability inclusion movement towards building a more inclusive society for all,” remarked Mr Ng Boon Heong, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Temasek Foundation..”

And in a city buzzing with cultural diversity, it was only fitting that Mayor Denise Phua of the Central Singapore Community Development Council shared what this return to Malaysia means:
“We are delighted to be here in Kuala Lumpur for this special performance. The Purple Symphony, started over 11 years ago, made its first appearance in Malaysia at the Symphony of Friendship in Johor Bahru in 2023, a milestone we continue to cherish. Returning now to the capital means a great deal to all of us. As Singapore’s largest inclusive orchestra, our musicians of all abilities remind us that music can connect people of all abilities, from different walks of life.
We are deeply grateful to Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, the Yayasan Raja Zarith Sofiah Negeri Johor Foundation, Ms Ho Ching and the Temasek Foundation for their steadfast support. This concert celebrates inclusion and unity, and the belief that everyone can shine when given the opportunity.”

With two hundred musicians breathing life into every note, the concert didn’t just entertain. It reminded everyone in the room what representation looks like when it’s done right: bold, intentional and grounded in empathy.

In a world that often feels loud in all the wrong ways, “The Symphony of Friendship” turned up the volume on what truly matters. Inclusivity. Community. Heart. And music powerful enough to bridge every gap in between.