When rock meets orchestra: Dewa 19 swoons Malaysian fans

The Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil was filled with enchanting magical music during the concert titled 'Dewa 19: A Night at the Orchestra Chapter 5' last night, where fans immersed themselves in the songs performed by the legendary Indonesian music band, Dewa 19.

The concert brought out a different side to Dewa 19, where it featured a total of 54 members from the Malaysian orchestra performing alongside the rock band.

Dewa 19's composer and frontman Ahmad Dhani Prasetyo, better known as Ahmad Dhani during the concert, praised the Malaysian orchestra team, describing them as superior to their Indonesian counterparts.

The highlight of the three-hour concert came when thousands of Baladewa and Baladewi (Dewa 19 fans) were mesmerised by the band's evergreen song, 'Separuh Nafas,' which was the last song they performed throughout the concert.

‘I would like to say thank you to the Malaysian orchestra and all Malaysians.

“For me, they are so much better than the orchestra team from Indonesia,” he said.

In his short speech, he further expressed gratitude to the Malaysians who were supporting his band.

“Music is the food of the soul. May this concert enhance the relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia,” Dhani added.

In addition to Dewa 19 with their vocalists, Virzha, Ari Lasso, and Marcello Tahitoe, along with the Malaysian orchestra, renowned Malaysian singers Shila Amzah, Jaclyn Victor, and Amir Masdi also graced the stage during this magical night.

Besides ‘Separuh Nafas,’ they also performed their hit songs, namely, ‘Kangen,’ ‘Dewi,’ ‘Arjuna,’ ‘Pupus,’ and more.

Dewa 19's previous concert in Malaysia was the '30 Years of Dewa 19 Concert' held on Sept 9 and 10 last year.