Premier hails Sarawak International Band and Orchestra Festival 2024 for uniting global cultures through music

Musicians perform a moving rendition of the Theme from Schindler's List during the Sarawak International Band and Orchestra Festival (SIBOFest) 2024 Finale Gala Concert held at Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) in Kuching on Sept 20, 2024.

By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, Sept 21: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has praised the Sarawak International Band and Orchestra Festival (SIBOFest) 2024 for its success, highlighting music’s unifying power in fostering global friendships and cultural exchanges.

Abang Johari highlighted how the festival, themed ‘Music, Culture, and Friendship’, served as a platform for cultural exchange and collaboration, bringing together musicians from around the globe.

“The presence of so many distinguished bands and orchestra groups in this year’s event has shown us the unifying power of music, bringing together the unique backgrounds and experiences of every participant in creating something wonderful for us to see, hear, and cherish,” he was quoted as saying in his speech.

Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP), represented Abang Johari at the SIBOFest 2024 Finale Gala Concert official launch ceremony held last night (Sept 20) at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) here.

Furthermore, the Premier took the opportunity to recognise and congratulate The Band Lab for its pivotal role in nurturing Sarawak’s next generation of musicians.

Marking its fifth anniversary, The Band Lab has transformed into a vital force, supporting young artists and promoting cultural exchanges through music.

“The band has not only helped to build and nurture the next generation of musicians but have also championed the importance of cultural exchange and collaboration in music.

“The band members’ efforts have provided opportunities for young musicians to explore new possibilities, build lasting friendships, and find their own voices through music,” he said.

Abang Johari went on to say that SIBOFest 2024 has proven to be a significant testament to the value of cultural exchange and collaboration, particularly among the youth of Sarawak and their counterparts from beyond its borders.

“The various music development workshops and local immersive activities, such as the ‘Collaborative Mural Art’ project and ‘Community Kamek’, have provided valuable learning experiences and forged bonds that will last a lifetime,” he added.

As the festival’s final concert began, the Premier praised the participants’ passion and hard work, stating, “The performances we are about to witness this evening are the result of hard work, passion, and collaboration of our young folks and their peers from different backgrounds.

“Each note played, and each melody shared tonight will resonate with the memories and experiences gathered over these four incredible days.”

The SIBOFest 2024 Finale Gala Concert, which featured performances from various bands and orchestras such as Japan’s Aikodai Meiden High School Symphonic Band, led by conductor Ito Hiroki, as well as local and international musicians such as At Adau, The Band Lab, KOU from Singapore, and the Euroasia Association of Performing Arts, marked the culmination of a memorable event that celebrated the harmony between different cultures and the enduring power of music.

Raden Sigit Witjaksono, Consul General of Indonesia, and his wife Lucy Octavia, as well as Eguchi Takayoshi, Second Secretary/Consul of the Japanese Consular Office in Sabah, were also in attendance. — DayakDaily