This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on April 22, 2016.

2 concerts to catch at the DFP

Rhapsody in Blue

Gershwin and Bernstein: composers whose music fit perfectly together, especially with charismatic English conductor and pianist Wayne Marshall in the mix. Gershwin dared to bring jazz into the concert hall with his sparkling Rhapsody in Blue. Bernstein’s supercharged dances from West Side Story will make you want to shout Mambo, while his memorable tunes from Porgy and Bess are guaranteed to delight. The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra presents Rhapsody in Blue together with Marshall tonight and tomorrow night at 8.30, at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP), KLCC. Tickets are priced from RM60 to RM270 and can be purchased by calling (03) 2331 7007 or by visiting www.mpo.com.my. 

Haydn’s Drumroll

Music by two of England’s finest composers of the early 20th century forms the core of this eclectic programme. Gerald Finzi’s Romance for String Orchestra is highly passionate in character and rich in melodic ideas. This gem is followed by another, Herbert Howells’ Elegy, which provides a beautiful example of the British pastoral tradition. Framing these miniatures is a spiffy overture, performed by the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra with Ciaran McAuley as conductor. Support our young, talented musicians this Sunday at Haydn’s Drumroll. Tickets are priced from RM60 to RM100, and can be purchased by calling (03) 2331 7007 or by visiting www.mpo.com.my. 

2 interesting exhibitions at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre 

Malaysia International Jewellery Festival 

Be captivated by brilliant gemstones, handcrafted precious metals and one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces at the 26th Malaysia International Jewellery Festival this weekend at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Since 1994, this exhibition has been attracting thousands of international trade buyers and hundreds of jewellery exhibitors from countries such as Hong Kong, Japan, Dubai, Cambodia, Italy, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Russia, Turkey and Singapore. Entrance is free, and visitors will have the chance to listen to a broad spectrum of speakers challenge and debate about topics in the industry. Get instant access to rare, limited jewellery collections and get expert advice on the best wearables this season. The Malaysia International Jewellery Festival takes place from today to Monday. For more information, visit www.mij.com.my. 

Home & Property Investment Fair 

Property investment has never been as crucial as it is now. With the implementation of the goods and services tax, stricter loan regulations and the increase in property prices, owning a home has become almost impossible. Are developers changing up the rules of the game? Are there more flexible payment options and benefits? This three-day property fair will highlight new and upcoming residential developments from prominent developers across the region. Gain informative insights on property investments and more by attending our free seminars. These seminar sessions are hosted by renowned speakers such as Ishmael Ho, Teoh Eng Poh, Gary Chua and more. The Home & Property Investment Fair runs from today to Sunday and admission is free; find more details on expo.iproperty.com/MY.

2 new skills to learn

French desserts 

Chef Pierre brings with him 30 years of culinary expertise and specialises in Mediterranean French cuisine, in addition to being a certified trainer for apprentices in France. Learn how to make biscuit cuiller, chocolate mousse with dark, milk and white chocolate, chocolate glazing and a trio of chocolate cake in jars. This class take place at 10.30am to 1.30pm tomorrow at ILOHA Culture Centre Cooking & Language Studio, 21-1 Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur. There is a special promotional price of RM180 (usual price RM360) for this class, so be sure to email [email protected] for more information on how to participate. 

Dressmaking 

Always wanted to make your own clothes to wear? Whether off-the-rack clothes are never your size, the prints are not to your liking or if you love the feel of certain fabrics more than others, making your own clothing is really much easier than you think. Head over to Hobby N Coffee at Taman Tun Dr Ismail tomorrow to learn how to make your own clothes, with lessons taught by LARK Accessories founder Ng Ching Ching. The class starts at 10.30am and runs for about five hours. The fee of RM300 includes materials, two drinks and the use of their sewing machines and other tools. To reserve a spot or for more information, visit www.facebook.com/sewmuchawesomemy. Hobby N Coffee is located at Level 1, 12 Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 2, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. 

1 unforgettable Wild Wild West experience

If The High Chaparral brings back memories of the times you wished you were a cowboy riding the range, the Wild Wild West theme night is for you, pardner! Until Sunday at the Patio, on Level Two of the First World Plaza in Genting Highlands, this stagecoach of delight will happen from 5pm to 3am daily. A host of beer promotions with brands such as Heineken, Tiger and Guinness will be available, and a bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey is priced at only RM380. Patio is also offering some home-on-the-range grub such as peri-peri chicken wings, fried chicken sausages, potato wedges and breaded onion rings. If a good ol’ hoe-down is what you want after eating your fill, take to the dance floor with the resident band Fiezzta who performs today from 9.30pm to 1.45am, and from 9pm to 2.45am tomorrow and on Sunday. For more information, call (03) 2718 1118 or logon to www.rwgenting.com

2 New movies to hit the silver screens

The Huntsman: Winter’s War

In this prequel to the Brothers Grimm fairytale, Snow White, evil Queen Ravenna (Charlize Theron) betrays her good sister, Freya (Emily Blunt), causing her to retreat to a kingdom far to the north. With her heart now unable to love, she demands that no two in her legion of deadly huntsmen should ever fall in love. When the two queens start a war for domination, Freya’s most elite huntsman, Eric (Chris Hemsworth), and fellow warrior, Sara (Jessica Chastain), are the only heroes standing between them. With the stunning use of CGI and showcasing a star-studded cast, this film opens the Hollywood summer blockbuster season with an unforgettable tale.

Eye in the Sky

Colonel Katherine Powell (Helen Mirren) is a London-based military intelligence officer who is remotely commanding a top secret drone operation, which entails her team to capture a group of dangerous terrorists from their safe-house in Nairobi, Kenya. As the terrorists are about to embark on a deadly suicide mission, Powell’s mission suddenly changes from “capture” to “kill”. But when an unforeseen collateral damage in the form of a nine-year-old enters the kill zone, it triggers an international dispute over the consequences of modern warfare. Eye in the Sky examines the legal, ethical and political dilemmas presented by drone warfare against terrorists, and the civilians who inadvertently come into harm’s way.