Sean Ghazi (left) together with Ida Mariana will join the MPO to entertain lovebirds in a special concert 'A Valentine's Serenade' at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas in KL on Feb 17. Photo: DFP
The usual Valentine’s day handbook suggests a romantic fine-dining experience with a side of flowers and chocolates while the beautiful couple dresses up in their best fit.
But if you’re more into a cultural, artsy or comedic experience, why don’t you bring your other half for something different this Valentine’s Day in the Klang Valley.
The Art And Bonding studio is hosting the 'Sip And Paint' evenings – 'Love In Bloom' on Feb 14 and 'Stay By My Side' on Feb 15. Photo: Art And Bonding
ART: 'SIP AND PAINT'
Venue: Art And Bonding, Desa Sri Hartamas, KL
Date: Feb 14 and 15
The "Sip And Paint" art social gathering is a vibrant and interactive experience that brings together individuals with a shared passion for creativity and a desire to unwind. That makes it a smart Valentine's Day plan this year to get away from crowded restaurants. Instead try out a session in a studio environment, where you can paint together, have some wine (or orange juice), a stash of chocolates and learn more about art.
Art And Bonding is hosting the evenings – "Love In Bloom" on Feb 14 and "Stay By My Side" on Feb 15.
Participants, armed with paintbrushes and canvases, can embark on a journey of self-expression guided by helpful Art And Bonding staff members.
Set in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, the event encourages attendees to indulge in sipping on their favourite beverages, adding a social and leisurely element to the artistic process.
With absolutely no painting experience needed, you and your other half will be painting one side each of the canvas. If you don't have a significant other, you can always attend this with your best friend or even family.
More info here.
CLASSICAL CONCERT: 'A VALENTINE'S SERENADE'
Venue: Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, KLCC
Date: Feb 17, 8.30pm
Is watching a classical concert considered a good date night? You bet! It’s the perfect opportunity to dress up, pick a dinner spot beforehand, then enjoy the orchestra, and later discuss it over dessert or beverages.
The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) is set to make it a memorable Cupid-approved evening with A Valentine's Serenade set-list including Love Story (Where Do I Begin), Last Night, (They Long To Be) Close To You, Somewhere Out There, Love Changes Everything, If We Were In Love, Cinema Paradiso and Love Me Tender, alongside an array of Broadway hits from Wicked, Funny Girl, Les Miserables and Phantom Of The Opera.
In this special concert at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP), vocalists Sean Ghazi, Ida Mariana, Nikki Palikat, and Izen Kong will join the MPO on stage.
With a romantic mix of love songs, guest stars and a dash of symphonic enchantment, resident conductor Gerard Salonga and the MPO are sure to wow the crowd.
More info here.
A colourful scene from the 'Piying Dream' immersive art exhibition at REXKL, which is inspired by traditional Chinese shadow puppets. Photo: Handout
IMMERSIVE ART: 'PIYING DREAM AND MATTER OF PAINTING'
Venue: REXKL, Kuala Lumpur
Date: ends Sept 6
Wandering about in a "digital art playground" is another romantic date idea to consider. If you’re into immersive art, look no further than REXKL, as it has recently launched its biggest double-bill exhibition yet at its RXP.KL space.
Piying Dream, co-produced by new media outfits Temple of Light (China) and Danny Rose Studio (France), is the immersive exhibition loaded with festive season flavour, and a blast of colourful digital art.
It reimagines Chinese legends and invites visitors to "travel" to a fantastical kingdom, taking influences from the tradition of Chinese shadow puppet play (recognised on the Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage list).
The show uses more than 3,000 digitally restored shadow puppet artefacts to narrate the old world story.
From ancient China, you have the Matter Of Painting show to take you to New York next.
Watch the walls of RXP.KL turn into "action paintings" featuring "1950s New York", where visitors can interact with the art. Before coming to KL, both these exhibitions were presented in Shanghai last year.
More info here.
COMEDY: 'WITH LOVE - JASPREET SINGH'
Venue: KLPac
Date: Feb 16
Valentine's week in KL is also a good time for comedy. Jaspreet Singh, the comedic virtuoso from India, is a stand-up sensation whose performances resonate with humour that transcends cultural boundaries.
He has had sold-out shows all around the world, and finally, it’s time for him to perform for the first time in Kuala Lumpur on Feb 16, in a solo showcase presented by The Melbourne Comedy Club.
Known for his razor-sharp wit and keen observations, Jaspreet brings a unique perspective to the stage, blending his Indian heritage with a global understanding of human quirks.
For newcomer fans, the Asian comedian's first live special in KL also promises a perfect amalgamation of his engaging stage presence and a knack for storytelling.
Jaspreet, with a Valentine's nod or two, is bound the leave the crowd in stitches while offering a refreshing take on the comedic landscape.
More info here.
For K-pop couples, the obvious date experience would be the 'B*verse, BTS, Singing The Stars' exhibition at Pavilion Bukit Jalil. Photo: Handout
POP CULTURE EXHIBITION: 'B*VERSE, BTS, SINGING THE STARS'
Venue: Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
Date: ends March 10
Calling all K-pop couples or anyone looking to spend this love season with their favourite seven.
At Pavilion Bukit Jalil, you can enjoy a pop culture exhibition that zooms in on BTS' star-studded journey at The Fact Music Awards from 2020 to 2022.
At the exhibition's "VR Room: Face To Face", visitors can enjoy a front-row seat to BTS’ performance at The Fact Music Awards using cutting-edge technology.
The show is designed to immerse you in a starry world with 360-degree projection mapping, with the superstar group's performances brought to life through VR experiences.
To add to a date experience, you can also explore the diverse artistic expressions of the BTS boys in "7 Planets", a section featuring seven distinct rooms representing each member’s universe.
More info here.
