British F1 stars make classical music pit stop at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas

Russell (left) and Hamilton speaking from the Dewan Filharmonik Pertronas stage in Kuala Lumpur on April 11. Photo: TeamGeorgeRussell

British F1 stars Lewis Hamilton and George Russell made a pit stop at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) in Kuala Lumpur on April 11 to enjoy a concert.

On its Facebook page, the DFP posted photos of Hamilton and Russell speaking on stage to an audience. The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) also performed a classical set for the special guests, and a concert hall tour was on the itinerary.

The private hall hire was part of a Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team staff event.

“We are proud to host Lewis Hamilton and George Russell at the #WelcomeHome Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team staff event yesterday (April 11)," read DFP's Facebook posting.

Hamilton (left) and Russell were special guests at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas on April 11. Photo: DFP

“Thank you for coming and hope you enjoy our MPO performance and a short trip around the concert hall.”

The seven-time F1 champion Hamilton and his team mate Russell were spotted in Kuala Lumpur earlier this week.

Netizens also posted pictures of Hamilton and Russell at a Petronas petrol kiosk in Ampang. It is understood the pair were in Kuala Lumpur to film a Petronas commercial.

The DFP stage saw British F1 stars Russell (left) and Hamilton taking part in a private concert event on April 11. Photo: DFP

Russell posted on his Instagram account, “My first visit to Malaysia and @petronas. Such a beautiful country with the kindest people. Thank you for the warm welcome.”

Hamilton, 37, and Russell, 24, flew into KL after completing the Australian Grand Prix last weekend at Melbourne’s Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit. In the final standings, Russell came in third and Hamilton fourth.

Hamilton, a keen amateur pianist, has shown a knack for music. In February 2020, he jammed with superstar pianist Lang Lang at Steinway & Sons in Paris. He impressed Lang Lang with his poignant rendition of Adele’s 2001 hit Someone Like You.

The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra played a set for the British F1 stars on April 11. Photo: DFP

As for regular MPO public programming, the classical venue is currently gearing up for its Aidilfitri-themed concert on May 14, paying homage to legendary Malaysian composer S. Atan called Cahaya Aidilfitri – A Tribute To S. Atan. The MPO, led by conductor Ahmad Muriz Che Rose, will be joined on stage by pop stars Datuk Jamal Abdillah, Jay Jay and Azlina Aziz.

Hip hop group Ruffedge takes to the DFP stage on July 2 for a Saturday night urban music throwback.

On August 6, pop star Aishah joins the MPO for her solo concert called Aisha & MPO: A Symphonic Rendezvous. Fans can look forward to symphonic renditions of her classics such as Janji Manismu, Seloka Rindu and Fatwa Pujangga.