Symphonic Rock 2.0 made a powerful return to PJPAC, delivering three sold-out nights of genre-defying music that brought together the intensity of rock and the elegance of orchestral performance. 

Presented by Tutan Entertainment, the show drew over 1,900 attendees and proved once again that the fusion of classical and contemporary sound can be both bold and deeply moving.

Reimagining rock

The show’s scale was staggering: an 86-piece orchestra, a full rock band, and a 36-member choir. Together, they reimagined rock’s most iconic anthems — from Queen’s We Are the Champions to Oasis' Wonderwall, and Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb. Each arrangement was a masterclass in musical reinvention, breathing new life into classics while preserving their soul.

One of the evening’s most emotionally resonant moments came with the Jiwang Rock Medley, a stirring tribute to Malaysia’s most iconic rock ballads, including Wings’ Sejati, Man Bai’s Kau Ilhamku, and Search’s Isabella. 

The arrangement struck a deep chord with the audience, blending nostalgia with national pride. As the familiar melodies filled the theatre, the crowd joined in, turning the performance into a full-throated singalong that blurred the line between stage and seats.

Image Credit: Tutan Entertainment

A clear highlight of the night was the Iconic Rock Medley 2.0, which stitched together some of the most defining rock tracks of a generation. For many in the audience, it was a trip back to teenage bedrooms, college gigs, and late-night drives.

The medley featured renditions of Metallica’s Enter Sandman, Guns N’ Roses’ Sweet Child O’ Mine, and Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit, each delivered with orchestral brilliance and rock band grit.

The voice that fused it all

At the heart of the performance was Muzza, Malaysia’s own rock powerhouse. His vocals were nothing short of electrifying, gritty, and deeply emotive. Whether channeling the angst of Kurt Cobain or the flamboyance of Freddie Mercury, Muzza commanded the stage with charisma and conviction.

Image Credit: Tutan Entertainment

His rendition of Sweet Child O’ Mine was a standout, but it was the triumphant finale of We Are the Champions that truly brought the house down. And when he performed Bara Jiwa from Blood Brothers, fresh off its win for Best Theme Song at FFAM24, the crowd erupted in applause, celebrating not just the song, but the artist himself.

The conductor behind it all

Conductor Kevin Field, the driving force behind the Tutan Festival Orchestra and Fiamma Opera Studio Choir, was instrumental in shaping the show’s fusion of rock and symphonic elements. 

His precise direction and musical sensitivity gave the performance its emotional depth and dynamic range, from thunderous crescendos to delicate harmonies.

Image Credit: Tutan Entertainment

Reflecting on the weekend, Field shared, “This year’s show was about more than just blending genres, it’s about reimagining great rock songs and giving them a new sonic identity.”

What’s next

What surprised us most about Symphonic Rock 2.0 was just how seamlessly it worked. The fusion of two seemingly opposite genres, the raw edge of rock and the refined elegance of orchestral music, felt natural and cohesive.

By the end of the final encore, we weren’t just impressed, we were craving more.

Looking ahead, Tutan Entertainment is set to return in April 2026 with Broadway & Beyond: Act II, featuring Jaclyn Victor and the Tutan Festival Orchestra. If Symphonic Rock 2.0 is any indication, next year’s season promises even more musical magic.

Stay tuned for ticket announcements and updates here.

Featured Image Credit: Tutan Entertainment