KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 — Istana Budaya will hold orchestra performances of classical music at Panggung Sari called A Celebration of Classical Music Lambang Sari Series 2023 with tickets as low as RM30 next month.

Istana Budaya director-general Zubaidah Mukhtar said she hoped the special rate would attract more people from all walks of life to appreciate classical music which is synonymous with the upper class.

"We also would like to fulfil the wishes of the government for the people to enjoy tickets at reasonable prices or Rahmah prices in addition to celebrating the 30th anniversary of the National Symphony Orchestra (OSK).

"Usually the cheapest price for an orchestra concert ticket is around RM180, but we want to give all sections of society exposure (to classical music),” she said at the press conference to announce the concert here today.

She said the concert will feature the greatest Western music compositions in four performances.

Zubaidah said the first performance will take place on July 8, followed by the second and third shows on July 9 and October 21 respectively and the final performance on November 18, adding all performances will begin at 8.30pm.

According to Zubaidah a different soloist will be featured in each series adding that the orchestra consisting of 25 OSK musicians and 10 guest musicians, is set to perform compositions by Bach, Mozart and Karl Ditters von Dittersdorf.

"Despite the low ticket price, the performance quality remains top-notch.

"Panggung Sari can accommodate up to 1,300 audience members at a time and we encourage the audience to purchase the promotional package at RM100 to attend all four performances on Istana Budaya’s website,” she added. — Bernama