The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) is going EDM mode. Well, not entirely, but they are spicing up their orchestral performances this April by collaborating with multi-instrumentalist/DJ Belle Sisoski for an MPO concert like no other.
Happening on 11 April 2026 at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP) KLCC, The MPO and Belle Sisoski: Ethnosphere is a “classical crossover” concert that weaves orchestral music with energetic EDM and traditional instruments.
Here’s why this MPO x Belle Sisoski collab is so exciting:
1. Who is Belle Sisoski?
Hailing from Sarawak, Belle Sisoski is a multi-instrumental ‘live’ artist who masterfully bridges the gap between ancient heritage and modern electronic soundscapes. She’s known for her one-woman showcase that seamlessly blends the sounds of ethnic instruments, cinematic music and electronic elements to create unique performances every time.
In addition to the classical piano and violin, Belle utilises numerous instruments such as the tapi and sape boat lute, engkerurai and sompoton mouth organ, turali nose flute, engkerumong idiophone, Rebab, serunai, gendang, and 24 Seasons Drums, all of which are central to an auditory and visual feast. From intimate, cinematic tracks like “Stop Your Games” and “The Revival” to the energetic pulses of “Hold On” and “Mother’s Calling”, Belle’s songwriting shows her ability to explore raw emotions and social issues unhindered, drawing listeners into her world and connecting them with her on a personal level.
With over three million organic followers worldwide, Belle’s genre-bending music has also captured the attention of the world, with Rolling Stone UK naming her as one of the Best Independent Artists of 2025. Aside from making appearances and music at F1 Grand Prix Singapore, Borderland Festival, and Rainforest World Music Festival, the celebrated composer and Commonwealth Song Contest finalist is equally adept at scoring indie films as she is at crafting high-energy electronic anthems.
Want more Belle Sisoski? Check out our exclusive Q&A interview with the ‘live’ artist here.
2. Creating the Ethnosphere with MPO
MPO
Under the baton of Gerard Salonga, The MPO and Belle Sisoski: Ethnosphere will feature exciting compositions by Hans Zimmer from blockbuster movies like Inception and Pirates of the Caribbean, Bate’s Mothership, Bach’s Toccata & Fugue in D minor and music written by Belle, such as “Secrets”, “Hold On”, “Focus” and more from her album, Ethnosphere.
The songs will be reinterpreted with an orchestral touch by arrangers such as Ilham Subri, Azhad Sulaiman, Jenny Chin, Luqman Aziz, Teuku Umar Ilany, Mac Chew, and Gerard Salonga himself, further elevating these masterpieces into a unique concert experience only presented by the MPO. Konfem got something for everyone of all ages and music tastes to enjoy!
Gerard Salonga
And of course, you can expect Belle to pull out all the stops by performing with her various ethnic instruments in this special concert, including rebab, sape, gambus, sompoton, tapi, engkerumong, kompang, gendang and Shigu Chinese drums.
“Typically, in an orchestra, we work with instrumental soloists or singers on pieces that are time-tested works in the repertoire, or even popular music and musical theatre,” said Gerard Salonga, MPO’s Resident Conductor.
“Nonetheless, this time, it is a unique type of collaboration; it will be a fusion of styles that most people might perceive as being on opposite ends of the scale.
From the perspective of the orchestra and myself, we will approach this as we do with any other collaboration, with full interest and commitment. Most of the time, EDM is perceived as being performed by a single person working the turntables but this concert will feature so much more: orchestral textures unfolding and evolving in real time, and Belle performing the indigenous instruments alongside the western and electronic elements. It promises to be an interesting and rhythmical concert!”
3. Get your tickets to catch MPO x Belle Sisoski today!
If the idea of an auditory journey that boldly combines traditional music and futuristic soundscapes sounds intriguing to you, then here’s the good news: tickets for The MPO and Belle Sisoski: Ethnosphere are now on sale!
Here are the ticket categories available:
- Premium: RM 399
- A Reserve: RM 349
- B Reserve: RM 299
- C Reserve: RM 249
- Suite: RM 449 | RM 499 per seat (includes light refreshments)
Plus, you can enjoy special discounts if you’re a MyKad holder, a Senior Citizen, or a student. Simply apply the following promo code upon checkout with a valid ID:
- 10% off for MyKad holders (Promo code: MYKAD10)
- 15% off for Senior Citizens (Promo code: SENIOR15)
- RM 149.50 for students (Requires a valid student ID and can only be purchased at the Box Office counter)
*Dress code: Smart casual. No slippers, sneakers, shorts, or round neck T-Shirts.
Tickets are available for purchase here.
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More than just classical music with MPO
With immaculate versatility that transcends genres, The MPO and Belle Sisoski: Ethnosphere is one of many concerts that showcase MPO’s multi-talented musicians, presenting various music genres in their concerts from classical masterpieces and film and contemporary music, to the iconic sounds of pop, jazz, traditional, and anime.
If you’re keen on exploring other unique concerts, there are more upcoming non-classical concerts from MPO that’ll probably pique your interest, such as:
- Symphony of Memories – A Journey Through Mandarin Classics (28 March 2026): A symphonic fusion of era-defining Mandarin pop and classical drama, with a full orchestra breathing new life into the classics.
- Charles Yang Reloaded (16 May 2026): Violinist Charles Yang returns to MPO to blend his classical virtuosity with pop songs and jazz.
- A Tribute to Sharifah Aini (6 June 2026): A walk down memory lane with Malaysian classics from the late Biduanita Negara Datuk Sharifah Aini.
- A Tribute to Alfonso Soliano (2 September 2026): MPO pays tribute to one of the country’s greatest pianists, arrangers, and conductors, especially in jazz.
- Jaclyn Victor Gemilang Bersama MPO (17 October 2026): Celebrate Jaclyn Victor’s two-decade music journey with fresh orchestral interpretations of her hits.
- Simfoni Mantra: Kunto Aji bersama MPO (14 November 2026): The Indonesian singer-songwriter’s pop sensibility infused with orchestral grandeur.
In the meantime, don’t miss The MPO and Belle Sisoski: Ethnosphere this 11 April 2026 @ 8PM at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, PETRONAS Twin Towers!
Get your tickets for MPO x Belle Sisoski’s concert here, or follow MPO for more info:
