Sarawak Choral Festival Debuts in Kuching
A Melodic Evening to Remember
A Harmonious Beginning
KUCHING: The Sarawak Choral Festival, a landmark event in Malaysia’s choral music scene, made its grand debut last night in Kuching. Jointly organized by the Kuching Choral Society (KCS) and the Young Choral Academy (YCA) of Kuala Lumpur, the festival has already set a high standard, running from June 21 to June 23.
Historic Gathering of Voices
For the first time, twelve local choirs from various states across Malaysia are competing in the festival. These choirs will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of both international and local judges, marking their place in history as the festival’s inaugural participants.
Raising the Bar for Choral Music
Benedict Lo, the president of the Kuching Choral Society, expressed his enthusiasm for the festival. “The first-ever Sarawak Choral Festival will help to raise the standards of the state’s local choirs and musicianship, educate the young, and bring about more awareness for choral music,” he said.
Celebrating Choral Excellence
Friendship Concerts and More
The festival is not just about competition. Part of the choirs will perform at two Friendship Concerts, gracing the opening, closing, and awards ceremonies at the Lecture Theatre of Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak.
The event has attracted prominent choirs, including SMK Kepong Choir, the State Champion of Selangor in 2023, and a Gold Award winner at the Malaysian Choral Eisteddfod (MCE) International Choir Festival 2023. Sarawak’s own La Speranza from SMK Tung Hua Sibu, also a Gold Award winner at the MCE International Choir Festival 2023, will be performing.
An Evening of Musical Magic
Tonight from 7pm to 8pm, the first Friendship Concert will take place at Vivacity Megamall. The concert will feature performances by La Speranza, the YCA Community Choir, St Joseph’s Private School Chamber Choir, SMK Kepong Choir, Choir CH3, Zhi Fou Choir, and the You Ran Ladies Ensemble.
Continuing the Musical Journey
The second Friendship Concert is scheduled for June 23, from 11.30 am to 1.00 pm at Plaza Merdeka Shopping Centre. This event will showcase the talents of the SMK Kepong Choir, Stella Maris International School Damansara Children’s Choir, WInSpiration, Choir SJK Chung Hua No.4, Stardust Crew, and Jehté Chamber Choir.
Beyond the Performances
Promoting Choral Music Awareness
The Sarawak Choral Festival aims to do more than just showcase musical talent. The organizers are keen to foster public awareness and appreciation for choral music through their Friendship Concerts and by offering Choral Workshops to the festival attendees.
Educational Workshops
Three renowned choral experts will lead these workshops. George Tay, a local conductor and instructor, Tommyanto Kandisputra, an international conductor and adjudicator, and Vladimir Opačić, an assistant professor from the Academy of Arts, University of Novi Sad, will share their expertise with the participants.
Joining the Festivities
Members of the public are encouraged to join the workshops or fully immerse themselves in the festival by purchasing event passes. Each event pass, priced at RM50, provides access to the opening ceremony, adjudicated performances, and the closing and awards ceremony. Workshop registrations are available for RM30.
For further details, visit Sarawak Choral Festival.