Performances – dixonthum

Guys, mark your calendars because Malaysia’s leading contemporary drum ensemble, HANDS Percussion, is back with a brand-new production you won’t want to miss. Titled Camaraderie, this special concert will be happening from 14 t o16 November 14 to 16, 2025 at the PJ Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC, 1 Utama).

For your information, the word Camaraderie comes from French, meaning a spirit of trust and deep connection beyond friendship — and that’s exactly what this show is all about. Through rhythm, memory, and collaboration across generations, HANDS explores the beauty of human bonds in a way that transcends both time and tradition.

What to Expect at Camaraderie
This isn’t just another percussion performance — it’s a full-on celebration of culture, innovation, and togetherness. Here are some highlights:

Reimagined Classics with a Twist
HANDS brings back its signature works but with a fresh new energy. Collaborating with the ITA Ensemble, the concert blends cross-border creativity, electronic remixes, and live drumming, pushing percussion beyond traditional boundaries.
Two Brand-New Works
- Kenangan by Teuku Umar, founder of Gangsapura Gamelan. Inspired by Malay gamelan, it reflects 17 years of friendship and artistic growth.
- A new Teochew-inspired piece that fuses rhythm, colours, and mythological imagery, balancing tradition and modernity.
Generations Sharing the Stage
Expect heartwarming moments, including Principal Percussionist Jimmy Ch’ng performing alongside his daughter. Even 10-year-old Yanhou, who started drumming at age five, will take the stage — a symbolic passing of the torch to the next generation.
Diverse Instruments & Collaborations
It’s not just drums! The performance will feature cello, guzheng, gamelan, and a powerful collaboration with DeafBeat, Malaysia’s pioneering deaf percussion ensemble. Together, they’ll create rich layers of sound and movement, highlighting diversity and inclusion.

Dates & Times
14 November 2025 (Fri) – 8:00PM
15 November 2025 (Sat) – 3:00PM & 8:00PM
16 November 2025 (Sun) – 11:00AM & 4PM
Venue: PJ Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC, 1 Utama)
Ticket Prices: RM88, RM128, RM188, RM268
Tickets: Book here

If you love music that tells stories, connects generations, and celebrates diversity, Camaraderie by HANDS Percussion is the event to catch this November. Get your tickets early before they sell out — this is one performance that promises to move both your heart and soul. Don’t miss this!

About HANDS Percussion
Founded in 1997, HANDS has become a pioneer in promoting Malaysian original percussion works while fostering cross-cultural exchanges. Rooted in the tradition of the 24 Festive Drums, HANDS has performed on international stages, proudly showcasing the unique identity of Malaysian drumming.

Get ready for a percussion extravaganza like no other! The Kaleidoscope VII: HANDS International Drumming Festival is coming to Zepp Kuala Lumpur on 19 & 20 October 2024, and this is a must-attend event for anyone who appreciates rhythm, culture, and the power of music. Themed “Gendang Sedunia” (Drums of the World), this year’s festival will unite drummers and artists from three different countries, showcasing a mesmerizing blend of rhythms that transcend borders.

Since its inception in 2009, Kaleidoscope has been a platform for world-class percussionists from more than 13 countries to share their vibrant cultural beats. This year promises to be no different, with performers from China, Indonesia, and Malaysia set to blow your mind. Imagine being transported across continents without leaving Malaysia – that’s what Kaleidoscope VII will do for you in a stunning two-hour performance featuring over 100 talented artists.

A Journey Through Global Rhythms
This year’s festival is all about celebrating cultural diversity through the universal language of percussion. One of the highlights? The Chongdaoyuan Jiangzhou Drum Troupe from China. As a national intangible cultural heritage unit, they’ll immerse you in ancient rhythms with traditional Chinese percussion instruments. Their performance promises to whisk you away to another time, all while seated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

Indonesia’s Gamelan Yuganada, led by the renowned composer I Wayan Sudirana, will add a touch of the ethereal with their performance of “Pesu Mulih.” This piece beautifully showcases the intricate rhythms of Balinese gamelan, embodying a balance of opposing forces to create musical harmony. Trust me, this is something you need to experience live!

Malaysian Percussion at Its Finest
Of course, the local talent will take center stage as well. Malaysia’s very own Hands Percussion will debut their innovative piece, “Re-percussion,” offering a fresh take on traditional drumming by deconstructing and redefining rhythm. And that’s just the start!

The award-winning contemporary gamelan group, Rhythm in Bronze, will captivate with their performances of “Samudra Vasane” and “Suntuk Masa,” drawing you into reflections on nature and time. Plus, the high-energy Sri Maayakarar will ignite the stage with their electrifying fusion of ancient Tamil beats and modern rhythms in their Urumi Melam performance.

And if that’s not enough, you’ll also witness awe-inspiring performances by Akademi Ajurnasukma, San Percussion, Dhiya Suhaili, and Leslie Anak Ali, each bringing their own unique flavor to the festival.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss This
Kaleidoscope VII isn’t just a concert – it’s a celebration of unity through rhythm. By bringing together performers from different cultures, this festival highlights how music connects us all, no matter where we come from. It’s a rare opportunity to experience this level of cultural immersion through drumming, right here in Malaysia.

Mark your calendars
Dates & Time: 19 October 2024 (Saturday), 8 PM
20 October 2024 (Sunday), 11:30 AM & 4:30 PM
Venue: Zepp Kuala Lumpur
Ticket price: RM88.00, RM168.00, RM268.00, RM368.00, RM468.00

Get your tickets now on Cloudjoi. You don’t want to wait – tickets are selling fast, and this is one experience you’ll remember for years to come. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!