Malaysian audiences today are more discerning than ever, often seeking out cultural gems such as classical productions, theatres, and opera houses during their far-flung adventures. As such, show-goers were recently swept away by HSBC’s one-night-only Symphonic Broadway show at Zepp Kuala Lumpur, situated within LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre. Entitled Symphonic Broadway with Sean Ghazi & Friends and the National Symphony Orchestra of Malaysia (NSO), the concert was exclusively staged for HSBC’s Premier clientele, and produced in partnership with Istana Budaya, the Ministry Of Tourism, Arts And Culture (MOTAC), and Bobo KL.
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As part of its efforts to expand the HSBC Premier segment, the Broadway-themed show was orchestrated to provide an enriching experience for Premier Elite and Premier customers, uniting them through the emotional depth of storytelling. “In-person events like these are great for building deeper connections with our customers,” said Linda Yip, country head of wealth and personal banking, HSBC Malaysia. “By providing a platform for customers to network and feel valued, these special occasions build trust through face-to-face interactions, offering an emotional resonance that digital platforms cannot replicate.”
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A celebration of high-calibre symphonic performances, the Lambang Sari Series 5 edition brought together nearly 70 musicians from the NSO, conducted by Nasran Nawi. The show was headlined by award-winning artist Sean Ghazi, with special appearances by Filipino soprano-songwriter Lara Maigue, lyrical baritone Christopher Morandi, ‘Kebaya Jazz’ songstress Ida Mariana, and rising tenor Izen Kong. Featuring classic hits from The Phantom of the Opera, My Fair Lady, and Miss Saigon, the show delivered a glimpse of the arts industry’s magic, resonating with audiences from different walks of life. “The show initially began on a much simpler scale,” Ghazi said. “Although the material has largely remained the same, we were able to add music with the support of the full symphony that not only showcased the orchestra but also lent justice to the output of all five singers. With the NSO, we were able to recreate some of the more epic moments from the actual musicals during the concert.”
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Packed with timeless musical hits, the show was streamlined into two acts. Act One offered a more poignant, emotional tone, while Act Two brought the stage to life with medleys from The King and I, excerpts from Miss Saigon, and Les Misérables, closing with the show-stopping One Day More number. Between acts, a brief intermission allowed guests to mingle, savour Nathalie Gourmet Studio’s canapes, and sip on cool mojito mocktails. True to tradition, the show concluded with two staggering encore numbers—everyone’s beloved namesake title track The Phantom of The Opera and Memory from the musical Cats.
“This initiative correlates with our longstanding presence in Malaysia over the past 140 years, where we have served many loyal HSBC Premier customers,” Yip said. “Apart from being a financial institution, HSBC is a valued partner that emphasises providing unique lifestyle experiences.”
Photography by Shaun Ng, Sammy Liew
Lead image: The stellar cast ended the night with a shower of confetti. Photo by YS Studio.
