Ah, La La Land.
A tale of dreams. A rather bittersweet symphony of ambition, romance, and the intoxicating allure of fervently chasing your stars against all odds. It’s the kind of film you seek out on a drizzly evening, a comforting embrace of vibrant colours and yearning melodies, the perfect cinematic companion to share with someone special. It’s a world brimming with aspirations, where love blossoms amidst the pursuit of artistic dreams, all accompanied by a truly unforgettable soundtrack.
Now, imagine stepping directly into that world. Picture the magic unfolding not just on a screen, but live, right before your very eyes (and ears). This May, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) is set to present ‘La La Land in Concert’ at the prestigious Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, a musical haven nestled within the iconic PETRONAS Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur City Centre.
For those who hold La La Land close to their hearts, the prospect is nothing short of enchanting. The film, a modern-day musical masterpiece starring Ryan Gosling as Sebastian, a fiercely passionate jazz pianist, and Emma Stone as Mia, a determined aspiring actress — captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Their shared love for their respective arts draws them together, their paths crossing amidst the shimmering backdrop of the city of stars. We witness their dreams take flight, their romance blossom, only to see them grapple with the sacrifices demanded by their burgeoning careers, leading to a melancholic parting. Yet, in a fleeting, dreamlike sequence towards the film’s close, we are offered a glimpse of a ‘what if’, a montage of a life they could have shared, a bittersweet echo of their enduring connection.
This upcoming concert promises to be more than just a screening. It’s a full immersion into the film’s emotional core, with the MPO, accompanied by a live jazz band, breathing life into Justin Hurwitz’s Oscar-winning soundtrack. Imagine the swell of the orchestra during the sweeping romance of “City of Stars”, the intricate and soulful live rendition of Sebastian’s captivating piano solos, all perfectly synchronised with the movie playing on a large screen above the stage. It’s as if the very essence of La La Land is being drawn out of the screen and poured into the hall, enveloping the audience in its dreamy atmosphere. You might just find yourself feeling as though you’ve been transported into the movie itself, or perhaps, more accurately, that the movie has gracefully stepped out to meet you.
Due to overwhelming demand, the MPO has added a new date for this spectacular event, which will now run on the 4th of May, alongside the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th of May. Tickets for this unique concert experience range from RM298 to RM648, offering various vantage points to witness this harmonious blend of cinema and live music within the acoustically superb Dewan Filharmonik Petronas.
Book your tickets here.
