Inaugural Sibo Fest to be held in Kuching from Sept 17 to 20

KUCHING (Sept 2): The upcoming Sarawak International Band and Orchestra Festival (Sibo Fest) 2024 will be held for the first time here from Sept 17 to 20.

Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the four-day premier music festival brings together youth wind bands, orchestras, industry experts, educators and musicians from across Malaysia as well as countries such as Japan and Singapore.

“More than 200 participants and over 15 tutors have joined the inaugural Sibo Fest including 60 participants from one of the top high school bands in Japan namely Aikodai Meiden High School Symphonic Band.

“The festival will be held at Lodge Secondary School from Sept 17 to 19 and the Finale Gala Concert at Waterfront Hotel Kuching on Sept 20,” he told a press conference at his office in Baitulmakmur Building II here today.

He said the festival, themed ‘Music, Culture, and Friendship’, will feature a range of interactive workshops and masterclasses led by both local and international music experts, offering invaluable learning opportunities.

“This will help local musicians enhance their skills and adapt to the new post-pandemic landscape, ensuring that Sarawak’s music scene continues to thrive.

“It also helps in building the professional capacities of local musicians, ensuring they stay competitive and continuously improve their craft,” he said.

He also said that the ‘Community Kamek’ workshops and ‘Borneo Adventure’ sessions have been designed to engage both participants and the local community, promoting social responsibility and cultural appreciation.

“These activities aim to educate participants about Sarawak’s traditions, such as preparing local delicacies and performing traditional dances. The festival is an inclusive event that invites participation from all walks of life, helping to build a stronger, more culturally aware community.

“We have made it free for public schools and universities to participate, ensuring broad access to this enriching experience. It is also relative affordable for other participants who are interested in joining, as the festival is designed to be an inclusive event that welcomes individuals and groups from all backgrounds and skill levels,” he said.

On the gala concert, Abdul Karim said this grand event will showcase the talents of both local and international musicians, including performances comprising Sarawak’s very own At Adau, The Band Lab, as well as the multi-award winning Aikodai Meiden High School Symphonic Band.

“Another exciting highlight at the concert is the world premiere of the SIBOFest 2024 theme song, ‘Cat on the Waterfront’, composed by 20-year-old Japanese composer Keigo Makino.

“This composition is unique as it is the result of a cross-collaborative effort between a foreign composer and local musicians, based on motifs from a Dayak song, ‘Bampa Lale’ Ame’ Tuyang’,” he said.

He said the concert will also be a celebration of the hard work, dedication, and creativity shown by participants throughout the four days.

“Audiences can look forward to performances of well-known pieces like Michael Jackson’s ‘We Are the World’ and Pharrell Williams’ ‘Happy,’ alongside classical works such as Karl Jenkins’ ‘Palladio,’ and original compositions by local composers,” he said.

Registration for Sibo Fest is now closed however those who are interested to attend the Finale Gala Concert are welcome to purchase tickets priced at RM30 each via thebandlab.com/sibofest/.