classical music
Bachfest Malaysia Goes International with Its Biggest Festival Yet
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Bachfest Malaysia is turning ten—and it’s going global. For the first time, the festival will host the International Bachfest Malaysia 2025, themed “Bridging Bach”, from 23–27 July 2025 at two heritage venues in the city: the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) and Quan’s Kitchen at Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown.
Expect five days of live concerts, jazz crossovers, lectures, and forums—all centred around the timeless genius of J.S. Bach.
Since its founding, Bachfest Malaysia has earned a reputation for excellence, receiving multiple BOH Cameronian Arts Awards for Best Vocal Performance and Best Ensemble Performance. In 2024, it gained international acclaim with its debut at Bachfest Leipzig, one of the world’s most prestigious Bach festivals—an appearance covered by Germany’s Leipziger Volkszeitung.
Why “Bridging Bach”?
“Bach’s music is a bridge—between people, cultures, and faiths… It transcends time and space,” says David Chin, Founder & Artistic Director of Bachfest Malaysia.
More than a theme, Bridging Bach reflects the festival’s mission: using music to connect audiences across Asia and beyond. This year’s edition welcomes new international partnerships and aims to foster greater cultural dialogue through music.
What to Expect at Bachfest Malaysia 2025
CONCERTS
- St. Matthew Passion
Performed in full by the Malaysia Bach Festival Singers and Orchestra, featuring Austrian tenor Daniel Johannsen as the Evangelist. - Goldberg Variations
Pianist Ng Chong Lim gives his first public interpretation of this iconic work. - Unaccompanied Violin Partitas
Presented by Bernice Ooi, concertmaster of Bachfest Malaysia. - “J-azz Bach” Live Sessions
Bach meets jazz in bold reinterpretations by Tay Cher Siang and the WVC Jazz Ensemble.
EDUCATION & TALKS
- “Bach in Asia” Forum
Experts from Malaysia, China, and the Philippines discuss how Bach’s music resonates in modern Asia. - Bach & Beyond Lectures
Featuring philosophy, religion, and musicology perspectives, with guest speaker Prof. Dr. Alex Tseng (Zhejiang University).
SOUTHEAST ASIA BACH COMPETITION
Supporting young regional talent, the competition offers a chance for winners to perform at Bachfest Leipzig 2026—a milestone opportunity made possible by the festival’s collaboration with Bachfest Leipzig.
Support & Partnership
The 2025 festival is made possible through the collaboration of:
- Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Kuala Lumpur
- Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Yamaha Music Malaysia (Official Piano Sponsor)
- Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown (Venue Partner)
- CloudJoi (Ticketing Partner)
- United Mission Press Sdn Bhd (Printing)
Ticketing Info
For the full program information on the music concerts and lectures, visit their official website, here.
Tickets and festival passes, including early bird and group discounts available until June 8, 2025 are now available at CloudJoi.com.
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