Last updated on December 25, 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, 13 December 2025 — At a time when large-scale live orchestral performances are becoming increasingly rare, Jingle & Groove with JOKL offered a timely reminder that big band jazz still holds a meaningful place in Malaysia’s cultural landscape.
Held at Robert’s Theatre, The Campus Ampang, the festive concert by the Jazz Orchestra of Kuala Lumpur (JOKL) brought together music, community, and seasonal warmth in a carefully curated Christmas jazz experience. More than a year-end celebration, the evening marked a significant milestone for JOKL as it presented one of Malaysia’s few full big band holiday concerts integrating instrumental arrangements with both male and female vocal performances in a single programme.
The sold-out audience reflected the concert’s broad appeal, drawing families, young professionals, music educators, and long-time jazz enthusiasts, many of whom gathered not just for entertainment, but for a shared cultural moment.
Why Big Band Jazz Still Resonates Today
Under the musical direction of Edwin Wong, co-founder and conductor of JOKL, the 21-member orchestra delivered a programme that balanced nostalgia with contemporary flair. The opening numbers, A Big Band Christmas and We Wish You A Merry Christmas, immediately set a festive tone, carried by lush brass harmonies and tight rhythmic grooves.
The repertoire then unfolded across jazz standards and holiday favourites including Cheek to Cheek, The Christmas Waltz, Winter Wonderland, Let It Snow, and You’ve Got A Friend in Me. Each piece was reimagined through big band arrangements that highlighted the orchestra’s musical depth while remaining accessible to a broad audience.
A particularly moving moment came with “Airmata Berderai”, arranged by Malaysian trombonist and music educator Mohamad Khairul Anuar. The arrangement stood out for its emotional storytelling and jazz sensitivity, showcasing how local compositions can sit confidently alongside international standards within a big band setting.
The programme also surprised audiences with a contemporary reimagining of “Ain’t No Sunshine“, arranged by Satoko, blending modern influences with big band textures to create a fresh and engaging contrast within the evening’s musical journey.
Vocal Performances That Anchored the Night
Vocalists Kirana Kay and Ronnie brought distinct energy and character to the concert. Kirana Kay’s soulful delivery of All I Want for Christmas Is You offered warmth and elegance, while Ronnie’s dynamic presence and vocal versatility added a modern edge, bridging traditional jazz sensibilities with contemporary performance styles.
Together, their performances reinforced JOKL’s vision of presenting jazz not as a niche genre, but as a living, evolving art form that continues to resonate with new generations.
A surprise performance by the Jazz Collective ahead of the intermission added an unexpected highlight to the evening, complementing the main programme with collaborative energy.
A Community-Driven Production
Beyond the music, Jingle & Groove with JOKL showcased a collective effort by musicians, organisers, and volunteers, resulting in a warm and welcoming concert experience.
The overall production was supported by Big A Productions for event technical execution, with NL Universal Pictures and The Portrait capturing the night through photography and videography. The result was a polished yet intimate concert experience that balanced professionalism with heartfelt community spirit.
Sponsors That Elevated the Festive Experience
The concert was made possible through the support of sponsors and partners who enhanced both the visual presentation and audience experience.
- Graceful Piano sponsored the striking Rindlisbacher White Digital Grand Piano, which became a visual and musical centrepiece on stage.
- Red Balloon, the Event Decoration Partner, transformed the venue foyer with festive ambience.
- CETAK CETAK Instant Print Photobooth delighted guests with complimentary photo keepsakes throughout the evening.
- In-kind sponsors JY Mushrooms, Lief Bakery, Herwishlist, and Hahasard provided handcrafted festive treats and Christmas gifts for all attendees, adding a tangible sense of celebration beyond the music.
Extending the Spirit of Giving Beyond the Concert Hall
The festive spirit of Jingle & Groove with JOKL did not end when the final note faded. In-kind gifts that were not fully distributed during the event were thoughtfully redirected to Rumah Hope, a children’s home supporting underprivileged youth.
Festive treats and handcrafted gifts were delivered to bring joy and warmth to the children during the Christmas season. The initiative reflected JOKL’s belief that celebration should extend beyond a single night, transforming surplus into shared joy within the wider community.
By carrying the spirit of the concert beyond the stage, the gesture reinforced a simple but powerful message: that music, at its best, connects people and inspires generosity.
Strengthening Malaysia’s Live Music Ecosystem
Founded in 2023 by Edwin Wong and Peter Hupperich, the Jazz Orchestra of Kuala Lumpur continues to position itself as a key contributor to Malaysia’s live music ecosystem. Dedicated to preserving the tradition of big band jazz while nurturing local talent and audiences, JOKL’s work reflects a broader effort to keep live orchestral music relevant and accessible.
As the concert concluded with September/December Finale, the standing ovation that followed spoke volumes. Jingle & Groove with JOKL was not only a festive performance, but a reminder that when artistry, community, and purpose come together, live music can still leave a lasting impression long after the lights go down.
