Premier commends The Band Lab for fostering youth musical talent

KUCHING: The Band Lab (Persatuan Wind Orkestra Kuching) plays a vital role in providing a platform for young and aspiring musicians to nurture and showcase their musical talents in Sarawak.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg commended the organisation’s dedication and hard work in promoting local arts and music.

“The Band Lab has not only helped to cultivate the next generation of musicians but has also championed cultural exchange and collaboration in music.

“Their efforts have opened up opportunities for young musicians to explore new possibilities, forge lasting friendships, and discover their unique voices through music,” he said.

His remarks were delivered in a speech by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, during the Gala Finale Concert of the Sarawak International Band and Orchestra Festival 2024 at the State Legislative Assembly building here last night.

Abang Johari also highlighted that The Band Lab has established itself as a significant pillar in the local music scene and hoped it would continue driving the growth of Sarawak’s music community.

“The Band Lab has been instrumental in supporting the development of the youth music community in Sarawak.

“From its inception, it has blossomed into a movement that has transformed the lives of young musicians and fostered a vibrant community of music enthusiasts,” he added.

Regarding the concert, he noted that the presence of numerous renowned bands and orchestras at the event demonstrated the unifying power of music, bringing together the unique backgrounds and experiences of all participants.

“Music not only showcases beauty but also serves as a bridge that unites us all,” he said.

Meanwhile, the renowned high school band from Japan, Aikodai Meiden High School Symphony Band led by its conductor Hiroki Ito was the highlight of the concert.

Other notable performances included those by local and international musicians such as At Adau, The Band Lab, KOU from Singapore, and the Euroasia Association of Performing Arts.

The finale concert also saw the world premiere of the festival’s Theme Song ‘Cat on the Waterfront’ commissioned to Japanese composer Keigo Makino, inspired by Sarawak’s ethnic music.

The four-day music festival, which attracted around 230 participants, provided a platform for youth bands, orchestras, industry experts, educators, and musicians from Malaysia and Japan to connect and collaborate.

Among those in attendance were the Consul General of Indonesia Raden Sigit Witjaksono and his wife Lucy Octavia, the Second Secretary/Consul from the Japanese Consular Office in Sabah Eguchi Takayoshi, and event organiser Jesmond Siew.

Aikodai Meiden High School Symphony Band performs a rendition of Pharrell William’s ‘Happy’.