APOTHEOSIS: A STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

A Celebration of Music, Movement, and The BrandLaureate’s 20-Year Journey

Apotheosis: A Stairway to Heaven is more than a concert; it is a unique journey of ascent. Here, music and dance intertwine in a way that creates a captivating journey of spirit, sound, and movement. It is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the timeless human desire to ascend.

Conceived and composed by Rodin JS Kumar, founder of the Neo-Gen Movement and recipient of the BrandLaureate Creative Arts Icon Award,    Apotheosis: A Stairway to Heaven is presented also marks the 20th Anniversary of The BrandLaureate. 

The concert mirrors the shared journeys of branding and music. It reflects a shared philosophy: to elevate, to aspire, and to honor the power of creativity,  courage, and the power to inspire others in a world increasingly defined by technology. This shared philosophy is what connects us all.

At its heart, Apotheosis is  Neo Gen Music. This is not just a new sound, but a new ethos in music. It’s a fusion of Jazz with rock, funk, contemporary classical, ambient, and cinematic music, combined with dance, to create an experience that is both intimate and vast.  With live musicians expanded with the artistry of live dancers, the work speaks of  the timeless human desire to grow, to rise, to a state of inner elevation — of reflection, beauty, and shared humanity. Each composition offers a stepping stone toward the larger musicals Rodin is creating for 2026, giving audiences a glimpse of the scale, depth, and emotional power that lie ahead.

The title Apotheosis signifies transcendence: the act of rising beyond limits. The Stairway to Heaven is not a place but a personal path, where each step invites reflection, resilience, and renewal. It’s an inspiring journey that we all can take.

Performed by the Neo Gen Movement and featuring dancers from Kenny Shim Dance Collective and Asia Ballet Academy, the concert invites audiences to pause, reflect, and experience art that breathes, listens, and awakens.

If you seek music that transcends categories, dance that embodies spirit, and an evening that reminds us that in the age of AI, art remains profoundly human — then this is your invitation to ascend.

For more information, WhatsApp +6012 5717759 or  click the websites:

https://www.dfp.com.my/apotheosis-a-stairway-to-heaven

www.rodinjskumar.com

www.blackswanproductions.asia

NEO GEN MOVEMENT

  1. Rodin JS Kumar – Composer/ Producer/Electric Bass
  2. James Ryan – Musical Director/ Arranger/Tenor Saxophone & Flute
  3. Damon Brown – Flugelhorn
  4. VJ Thison – Drums
  5. Teerapoet Pritakul –  Piano
  6. Terdrid Rueangroj – Trumpet
  7. Shaq – Keyboards
  8. Dato’ Aljafri Majid- Vocals
  9. Veleria Ng – Vocals

Kenny Shim – Dance Choreographer

STRING ENSEMBLE

  1. Justin Lai-Violin
  2. Daryl Chiew -Violin
  3. Nasirah Nur Ibrahim- Violin
  4. Su Wei Chen -Violin
  5. Ham Kay Li -Viola
  6. Nicholas Chow  – Viola
  7. Lee Pu Yen – Cello
  8. Ryan Lim -Cello
  9. Yoon May – Contrabass
  10. Lee Teck Keong – Contrabass

DANCERS

  1. Amirah Hannah Binti Mohammed Redza
  2. Chow Yong Qin
  3. Hayley Yeong Wei Yee 
  4. Ch’ng Kai Xuan 
  5. Leann Marie Ng Shue Lynn
  6. Phun Wing Xuan
  7. Ethan Chua Chee Hong @Ethan Chua Chee Hong
  8. Fara Ling Shu Sean
  9. Jaime Teoh Jia Qi
  10. Jamaluddin Darvis

 

 

RODIN JS KUMAR

Composer |Impresario | Producer |Author |Bandleader| Accountant | Bassist|  Humanist|

The BrandLaureate Creative Arts Icon

“Creativity and self-expression are not luxuries — they are vital for human flourishing.”
– Rodin JS Kumar

The Artist

Rodin JS Kumar is a Malaysian-born Creative Entrepreneur whose work lives at the crossroads of art, intellect, and enterprise. Composer, producer, author, impresario, and professionally trained accountant, he embodies a rare fusion of artistry and pragmatism—shaping narratives that resonate with emotional depth and intellectual rigor. Professionally qualified in accountancy, audit and finance, he is deeply passionate about the arts and considers them his second true calling in life, valuing the power of creativity and self-expression above all else. Though a non-idealist, Rodin believes in exploring one’s passions and talents and encourages others to do the same. 

He is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA, USA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA, USA) and  has a  postgraduate degree in Finance, MSc in Finance from the University of Leicester, UK. He is a founder of the  KL International Jazz & Arts Festival (KLIJAF) as well as the KL Jazz & Arts Centre (KLJAC) that houses the KL City Art Gallery and the Kind A  Blue Jazz Club.  

Founder – The Neo Gen Movement

Rodin is the visionary behind the Neo Gen Movement—a bold cultural renaissance fusing humanistic philosophy, radical creativity, and the transformative power of the arts in an age defined by artificial intelligence. An Artistic Movement in the Age of AI.

Inspired by the ideals of Renaissance Humanism, Neo Gen blurs the boundaries between disciplines, breathing new life into music, literature, dance, and visual culture. It is not simply a movement—it is a mirror, reflecting the rebirth of human purpose in a hyper-digital world.

Creative Philosophy & Recognition

Once described by Free Malaysia Today as a “modern-day Renaissance Man,” Rodin’s creative arc spans decades of exploration across cultures, concepts, and forms. A committed humanist and pragmatic thinker, he believes that music is the soul—and that when fused with story, it becomes a transformative force, reshaping how we see ourselves and one another.

In 2025, Rodin was awarded the BrandLaureate Creative Arts Icon Award in Singapore, honoring his trailblazing contributions to the global creative landscape.

“Music is the soul. When fused with story, it becomes transformation.”
– Rodin JS Kumar

Works & Publications

Music

Rodin’s sonic journey weaves through jazz, blues, rock, funk, thematic, ambient, cinematic, soul, and Eastern & Western classical traditions—culminating in his genre-defying signature: Neo Gen Music.

  • Compromise (Debut album, 2024.)
  • Apotheosis: A Stairway to Heaven (2025.)
  • Black Swan Rises – Upcoming.

Books

  • Who Do We Think We Are: Mysteries, Miracles, and Mythology (2023).
  • Purpose with Passion & Compassion: In Search of Happiness and a Flourishing Life (2024).
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) & The Creative Renaissance: Collaborating to Transform Writing, Music, Art, Dance, Theatre & Musical Performance (2025 – Upcoming).
  • The Black Swan Rises: Humanity’s Last Mirror in the Age of Artificial Intelligence – A Neo Gen Narrative of Rebellion, Reflection, and Redemption (2025 – Upcoming).

Apotheosis: A Stairway to Heaven will be the latest embodiment of Rodin’s vision—where music, philosophy, and storytelling converge in a transcendent creative experience. His earlier work was Black Swan Rises.

Recording Artists on Rodin’s Albums– Rodin ( Composer,  arranger, Bass, Lead Bass , Guitar & Producer), James Ryan ( Tenor Sax and Flute), Damon Brown (Trumpet), VJ Thison ( Drums & Percussion), Lipraxedes M Jumawan ( Piano & Keyboards), Shaq ( Piano & Keyboards), Patrick Terbrack ( Alto Sax), Kyle Kumar ( Guitar), Md. Noor Hendrix ( Guitar), Stefan Kotlarz (Guitar), Watchara Atchariyavaranon ( Trumpet), Orjan Hulten (Tenor & Soprano Sax) and Terrapoj Plitakul (Piano). 

www.rodinjskumar.com

/www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2024/01/05/a-journey-through-music-and-the-mind-with-rodin-js-kumar/, 

James Ryan – Jazz Saxophonist, Flautist & Composer

Born in Darwin, Australia, saxophonist and flautist James Ryan is a leading figure in Australian jazz. A graduate of the Canberra School of Music (ANU) with a Master’s in Jazz, he has taught at top institutions including the Queensland Conservatorium and Queensland University of Technology.

James is the driving force behind several acclaimed ensembles, including the award-winning Subterraneans, the Sonic Mayhem Orchestra, and the James Ryan Band. His debut with The Subterraneans won the 2011 Australian Jazz Bell Award for Best Blend Album, and he has released over a dozen recordings across his projects.

A passionate improviser and composer, James has performed at major festivals throughout Australia, India, Kuala Lumpur, and Europe. He is also co-director of Rippa Recordings, an independent Sydney-based jazz label dedicated to supporting Australia’s leading improvising musicians.

Damon Brown – Jazz Trumpeter, Vocalist & Composer

Damon Brown is one of Europe’s leading jazz trumpet player-vocalists and composers. Born in Manchester, UK, and trained at the Leeds School of Music and London’s Guildhall, he has built an international reputation for his bright tone, rhythmic precision, and distinctive voice on both trumpet and flugelhorn.

Over his career, Damon has collaborated with a wide range of artists, from pop and dance icons such as Sting, Eric Clapton, Björk, and Paul Weller, to jazz legends including Benny Golson, Dave Liebman, Doug Raney, and Steve Grossman. His critically acclaimed recordings include A Rhythm Indicative (1998), This Time the Dream’s on Me (2008, with Grossman), and two award-winning albums with his group Killer Shrimp.

A fixture on the UK jazz scene, Damon has performed at Ronnie Scott’s, Pizza Express Jazz Club, the London and Edinburgh Jazz Festivals, and internationally at Blue Note Tokyo, Café Central Madrid, the Marciac Festival, and the Jerusalem Jazz Festival, among many others. He also continues to teach and tour extensively across Europe, Russia, and Asia, especially Japan.

Acclaimed by critics as “Britain’s finest straight-ahead trumpeter” (Jack Massarik, Evening Standard), Damon Brown stands as a unique and powerful voice in contemporary jazz.

VJ Thison – Drummer & Co-Founder of KLJAC

VJ Thison is the Vice-President and co-founder of the KL Jazz & Arts Centre (KLJAC). A drummer since the age of 14, he returned to the music scene in 2015 at the KL International Jazz & Arts Festival and now performs regularly at the Kind A Blue Jazz Club.

Influenced by the hard rock power of John Bonham, Bill Ward, Ian Paice, Carmine Appice, Mitch Mitchell, Alan White, Carl Palmer, Bill Bruford and others, VJ is a hard-hitting drummer with a commanding presence. At the same time, he continues to study and absorb the sounds of jazz greats including Elvin Jones, Danny Richmond, Rashied Ali, Billy Cobham, Joe Morello, Jack DeJohnette, Tony Williams, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, and Art Blakey. An avid listener with a finely tuned ear, he cites John Bonham and Sonny Emory as his all-time favorite drummers.

Beyond performance, VJ recorded all the drum tracks on Rodin’s albums Compromise and Black Swan Rises, and co-wrote the piece Grief for a Bee.

Teerapoj Plitakul – Piano, Organ, Keyboards

Teerapoj Plitakul is a jazz pianist and organist from Bangkok, Thailand. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Chulalongkorn University and continued his studies at the Swiss Jazz School in Bern and the École de Jazz de Lausanne in Lausanne, Switzerland. Upon returning from Europe, he joined the Jazz Faculty at Mahidol University as a full-time lecturer in Jazz Piano in 2001, a position he continues to hold today.

Throughout his career, Teerapoj has performed with numerous internationally renowned musicians, including Eric Wyatt, Randy Johnston, Deborah Davis, Tito Puente Jr., Fabio Morgera, Valtinho Anastacio, Dianne Witherspoon, Alexander Beets, Tony Lakatos, Steve Cannon, and Magos Herrera , Indro Hardjodikoro ,Zahid Ahmad , Charlie Jung , Zeal Band , Jen Bunge , James Flynn , Tom Van Der Zaal , Hank Bilal  among others. He leads various projects such as his Piano Trio, Organ Trio, and cross-genre ensembles blending funk, jazz, and hip hop, including the group Rootman.

His performances have brought him to major international stages, including the Beijing Nine Gates Jazz Festival (China), Jarasum Jazz Festival (Korea), KL International Jazz Festival (Malaysia), Thailand International Jazz Conference (Thailand), Jazzmandu (Nepal), A Celebration Concert in Dhaka (Bangladesh), Hua Hin Jazz Festival (Thailand), and Chiang Mai Jazz Festival (Thailand). Big Noses Camp Festival (Taiwan) .

Currently, Teerapoj continues to serve as a lecturer at Mahidol University while also working as Music Director for leading jazz clubs in Bangkok, such as Groovin’ High Jazz Club and Siwilai Sound Club. He remains active as both a performer and educator, appearing regularly in Thailand and abroad.

Prof. Dato’ Dr. Aljafri Majid – Vocals

A distinguished cardiothoracic surgeon with a lifelong passion for opera, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Aljafri Abdul Majid is both a medical leader and a performing artist. A graduate of Monash University, Melbourne, and son of pioneering Malaysian orthopedic surgeon Tan Sri Dr. Abdul Majid, he went on to serve as Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and later Head of the Department of Surgery (1993–2000).

Prof. Aljafri played a key role in expanding cardiothoracic services and advancing surgical education in Malaysia, serving as examiner for FRCS and MRCS examinations. In 2003, he was awarded the prestigious Sir Pehin Aziz Gold Medal by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

An accomplished author and editor, he has contributed numerous research articles and co-edited major surgical textbooks including Principles of Surgical Practice, Fundamentals of Surgical Practice, Advanced Surgical Practice, and Fundamentals of Orthopedics and Traumatology.

Bridging two worlds, Prof. Aljafri combines the precision of surgery with the passion of opera, embodying both scientific excellence and artistic expression.

Shaq – Piano & Vocals

Shaq is a chartered accountant (ICAEW) by profession, but music has been his lifelong passion since the age of sixteen. Alongside his career in finance with one of the world’s top audit firms, he has performed and recorded widely, contributing three tracks to Rodin’s albums Black Swan Rises, Apotheosis, and Transcendence.

Beyond performance, Shaq is also the web developer and Head of Production at Black Swan Productions, where he oversees music videos and sound recording, combining technical precision with artistic creativity.

He has a deep passion for tech design, especially innovations from Apple, and is an avid follower of Formula One racing. Balancing business, technology, and music, Shaq brings a rare blend of professional expertise, artistic expression, and creative curiosity to every project he undertakes.

Veleria Ng

Veleria Ng is a multi-award-winning Malaysian classical crossover soprano whose artistry bridges opera, musical theatre, and contemporary works. Known for her warm timbre, soaring high notes, and commanding stage presence, she has quickly established herself as one of the most versatile young voices in the region.

Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Veleria began her musical journey at the piano before discovering her passion for singing. She went on to pursue formal training in vocal performance and now holds a Master’s degree from Multimedia University. As both a pianist and vocalist, she brings a unique sensitivity to her interpretations, shaping each role with deep musicality and storytelling finesse.

Veleria has garnered numerous accolades for her vocal excellence. Notable achievements include Second Prize at the 45th Malaysia National Vocal Competition, Second Prize in the King’s Peak International Music Competition (England), Second Prize at the Istra Star Music, Dance and Fine Art Competition (Slovenia–Croatia), and a Silver Award from the Opera KUL National Virtual Operatic Singing Competition. She won the prestigious Summa Cum Laude Award with the highest score and best performance in the SATB Young Artist Music Award in Thailand. Veleria also earned First Class Award in The 9th International Vocal Open Competition (Special Theme – Operatic Aria Classes) and a Third Class Award in HOM’s International Vocal Competition (Classical Bel Canto).

Her recent stage credits include Pamina in Mozart’s The Magic Flute, Mother in Menotti’s Amahls and the night visitors, and Fortuna in Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea. She was also featured in Opera Serikandi Nusantara, the first contemporary Malay opera by composer Tazul Tajuddin, where she helped bring to life a work that blended traditional heritage with modern soundscapes. Beyond the operatic repertoire, she has performed Handel’s arias in Osaka, Japan, and charmed audiences in Kuala Lumpur with Puccini’s O mio babbino caro, performed alongside the Malaysia Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

Veleria’s artistry has also taken her to international stages, with invitations to prestigious summer academies, including the Berlin Opera Academy in Berlin, Germany, with the Elisavet Chatzivasileiou Memorial Scholarship. There, she continues to refine her craft under the guidance of internationally renowned coaches and directors, preparing herself for the demands of an international career.

 

NEO GEN MOVEMENT

  1. Rodin JS Kumar – Composer/ Producer/Electric Bass
  2. James Ryan – Musical Director/ Arranger/Tenor Saxophone & Flute
  3. Damon Brown – Flugelhorn
  4. VJ Thison – Drums
  5. Teerapoet Pritakul –  Piano
  6. Terdrid Rueangroj – Trumpet
  7. Shaq – Keyboards
  8. Dato’ Aljafri Majid- Vocals

Kenny Shim – Dance Choreographer

STRING ENSEMBLE

  1. Justin Lai-Violin
  2. Daryl Chiew -Violin
  3. Nasirah Nur Ibrahim- Violin
  4. Su Wei Chen -Violin
  5. Ham Kay Li -Viola
  6. Nicholas Chow  – Viola
  7. Lee Pu Yen – Cello
  8. Ryan Lim -Cello
  9. Yoon May – Contrabass
  10. Lee Teck Keong – Contrabass

 

 

Terdrid Rueangroj – Trumpet

Terdrid Rueangroj is one of Thailand’s most promising musicians. He began studying the trumpet at the age of 12 and pursued jazz seriously at 19. Over the years, he has participated in numerous competitions and earned several accolades, including first prize in the Thailand Trumpet Competition (2010), second runner-up in the Thailand Jazz Workshop Trumpet Competition (2019), and first runner-up in the Thailand Jazz Competition (2017). Terdrid has been invited as a soloist and guest musician with prestigious orchestras and ensembles across Thailand and Southeast Asia, including the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra of Thailand, the Royal Thai Air Force Symphony Orchestra, Musica Sinfonietta (Malaysia), and the Twilight Orchestra (Indonesia). Currently, Terdrid is an accomplished musician performing with various ensembles. He serves as Assistant Principal Trumpet with the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, Principal Trumpet with the Thailand Jazz Orchestra, and Lead Trumpet with the Singapore Jazz Association Big Band. Additionally, he performs with the Suntharaporn Band, Brass Wave, and the Yusu Jazz Band, among others.

Kenny Shim – Contemporary Dance Choreographer

Kenny Shim is a multi-nominated Malaysian contemporary dance choreographer based in Kuala Lumpur, known for blending technology, mathematics, fashion, and classical ballet into stylish and theatrical works. His choreography has been showcased at prestigious events, fashion shows, and international collaborations, delivering innovative and captivating performances.

Since launching his debut production Triple Bill of Contemporary Dance Works, Kenny has created works for the BOH Cameronian Arts Awards, collaborated with luxury brands and designers, choreographed for film projects including H&M (with Chicago’s NEON 35 MEDIA), and served as movement director for The Edge, a musical by Nick Choo and Christopher Ling.

His productions range from collaborations with Malaysian institutions such as KLPAC, MyDance Alliance, YKLS, KL Men’s Choir, and KuLT, to international commissions with Marlupi Dance Academy (Indonesia). In 2023, he choreographed Psychosynthesis, a groundbreaking full-length work exploring collective experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic through dance, science, and multimedia.

A seven-time nominee for Best Choreographer at the BOH Cameronian Arts Awards, Kenny is also committed to nurturing future talent as an advisory board member of Canaan Dance, an international platform for emerging dancers. With boundary-pushing artistry and dedication to innovation, Kenny Shim continues to redefine the contemporary dance landscape in Malaysia and beyond.

STRING ENSEMBLE

EXECUTIVE TEAM 

Rodin JS Kumar- Managing Director 

Maizon Omar- Executive Producer & President of the KL Jazz & Arts Centre.

VJ Thison- Co-Producer & Vice President, KL Jazz & Arts Centre.

Md. Noor Hendrix- Music Production.

KC Wong- Sound Engineer.

Shaq- Videos and Website Development.

Haes- Chief Designer. 

Kailash Kumar-Finance.

PAST EVENTS

BLACK SWAN RISES, is a  unique concept-based musical performance that transcends the boundaries of traditional music concerts. It is a Neo Gen music concert based on the original compositions and arrangements by  composer, producer, author, impresario,  bassist   and accountant, Rodin JS Kumar. And unlike the typical focus on a few popular songs, this performance is a fusion of diverse musical concepts  based on a specific  theme-Black Swan Rises, and  promises  an unparalleled experience where ‘Jazz Meets Contemporary Classical Music.’

Black Swan Rises is as a  story  about humanity. We encounter many obstacles, difficulties, and disappointments in our pursuit of achievement and happiness. Inevitably we fall many times.  Our strengths however, is  our ability to pick ourselves up and get back stronger with courage, tenacity, flexibility, creativity,  enthusiasm, and resilience. This is humanity’s essence.  To endure and to achieve apotheosis, or the maximum possible potential in our work throughout this lifetime, by striving and thriving in the face of adversity.

Black Swan Rises is not just a performance.  It’s an innovative art form that boldly unites the worlds of jazz and modern classical music through the medium of improvised music- Jazz. It’s an experimentation and exploration that will leave audiences on the edge of  their  seats.

KL Writers Festival 2024

IN CONJUCTION WITH UNESCO WORLD READING & COPYRIGHT DAY 2024

SATURDAY | 27 APRIL 2024 | 2.00PM – 6.30PM
KL CITY ART GALLERY@ KL JAZZ & ARTS CENTRE

FREE REGISTRATION | KINDLY WHATSAPP: 012-5717759