Christmas comes alive with SONS Junior Orchestra performances at The Spring

KUCHING: Sarawak’s harmony in diversity was vividly on display as young musicians and performers brought festive cheer to a bustling shopping mall, demonstrating how arts and culture can unite communities across races and backgrounds.

Deputy Minister for Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan said the SONS Junior Musical Showcase at The Spring Shopping Mall here was a powerful example of Sarawak’s unique social fabric, where cultural traditions and festive celebrations coexist naturally in public spaces.

“The blending of these elements truly portrays Sarawak as the best example of the state where different races live harmoniously and respecting each other and at the same time enjoying the Christmas mood.

“This is our strong element in Sarawak and that makes Sarawak unique,” he said when officiating at the showcase on Saturday.

The event, organised by Majlis Seni Sarawak (MSS) in collaboration with The Spring Shopping Mall, featured performances by the Symphony Orchestra Negeri Sarawak (SONS) Junior Orchestra, dancers presenting the iconic Puteri Santubong as well as a choir rendering Christmas favourites as the finale.

Snowdan commended MSS for taking performances out of enclosed halls and into a public arena where shoppers and tourists could enjoy live music and dance in a relaxed setting.

“Performances like this are usually performed or showcased in enclosed venues and halls.

“But MSS has made it different by having it right in this arena of this shopping mall where the public will be able to see and to be entertained by the performers and at the same time compliment the Christmas mood for the shoppers,” he said.

Touching on talent development, he said the showcase reflected MSS’ commitment to nurturing young Sarawakian talents by providing them with platforms to perform before a wider audience.

“One of the key roles of MSS is to identify and nurture young talents. Giving them opportunities like this helps build their confidence and prepares them for bigger stages in the future,” he said.

Snowdan also reaffirmed the Sarawak government’s commitment to the creative industry, describing it as a vital component of the state’s transition towards a high-income, innovation-driven economy.

“Major investments, including the transformation of the old Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) building into a Performing Arts Centre (PAC), show the government’s bold vision to position Sarawak as a regional creative powerhouse,” he said.

According to him, MSS programmes this year alone have involved 1,488 participants across Sarawak, providing them with technical skills, creative confidence and opportunities to perform at state-level events.

“Today’s performances are testimony to these initiatives. Congratulations to Majlis Seni Sarawak for continuously investing in our young talents and strengthening Sarawak’s cultural future,” he said.

The showcase featured a total of 76 performers, comprising 40 SONS Junior musicians, conductors and singers, 16 dancers and 20 choir members.