Malaysia stepped into the global spotlight as Disney’s “The Lion King Live in Concert” made its highly anticipated debut at the KLCC Plenary Hall on 13th June 2026 delivering an unforgettable performance that reignited childhood nostalgia for audiences across generations.
The enchanting production welcomed more than 5,000 attendees across two performances at 2.30pm and 8pm. In a meaningful gesture of inclusivity, guests from three charitable homes and communities – including Myanmar Refugee Learning Centre, BAKASA and Rumah Charis – were also invited to experience the magic of Disney.
From the very first notes of “Circle of Life”, the production transported audiences straight back to the Pride Lands, where memories of Simba’s journey came alive once again on the big screen, elevated by a powerful live orchestral performance.
At the heart of the experience was Istana Budaya’s National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) Malaysia, led by Resident Conductor Eric Lee, whose 72-piece full orchestra breathed life into the iconic score by Oscar® and Grammy® winning team Hans Zimmer, Elton John, Tim Rice and Lebo M. In perfect sync with the film, the orchestra transformed the beloved animated classic into a cinematic and musical spectacle that felt both grand and deeply intimate.
Audiences of all ages responded with enthusiasm, singing along to timeless favorites such as “Hakuna Matata” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”. More than a tribute to the 1994 Disney classic, the concert highlighted the enduring appeal of “The Lion King”, which continues to resonate with millions through its themes of courage, love and destiny. Beyond pure nostalgia, the success of Disney’s “The Lion King Live in Concert” reinforced Malaysia’s cultural and tourism ambitions under Visit Malaysia 2026.
En. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General, Tourism Malaysia said: “Disney’s ‘The Lion King Live in Concert’ was a remarkable production that combined world-class entertainment with an outstanding live performance by the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), Istana Budaya. We commend Milestone Production for bringing this memorable experience to Malaysia. Events of this calibre strengthen Malaysia’s tourism and entertainment landscape, attract visitors from across the region, and support the growth of the wider tourism economy. Tourism Malaysia welcomes more international productions of this nature as we continue positioning Malaysia as a vibrant destination for world-class live events.”
Supported by generous partners including Disney Malaysia, UOB Malaysia, Tourism Malaysia, Klook, Mix FM, Lite FM, Cosmo Hotel, Sunway SuperApp, KidZania, Montigo, Pustaka Sri Dunia, Secret Recipe, Gong Cha, Marigold and more, the production not only stood as a testament to Malaysia’s growing reputation as a capable host of world-class performances. It also placed a well- deserved spotlight on local artistic talent, with Malaysian musicians delivering a performance of exceptional calibre for an internationally renowned production.
“The Lion King is more than a timeless Disney classic. Through Simba’s journey, it reminds us of life’s important lessons on courage & responsibility, finding our place in the world. We are honoured to bring this unforgettable experience in Malaysian for local & regional audiences and showcase the exceptional talent of our National Symphony Orchestra. We thank everyone for their support, please stay tuned for more world-class live experiences and exciting shows ahead,” says Dato’ Grace Lee, Managing Director of Milestone Production.
