Thursday, 3 July 2025

Choral festival ends on high note: Penang choir champs

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FUN... Performance at the International Choral Festival & Symposium 2025 in Kuching yesterday. Photo: Ghazali Bujang

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KUCHING: The Sarawak International Choral Festival and Symposium (SICFES) 2025 drew to a moving close with choirs from across Malaysia and the world united in song, friendship and cultural exchange.

The closing ceremony at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here Sunday (June 15) was marked by heartfelt performances and inspiring messages on the role of music in shaping individuals and connecting communities.

The festival, which featured 17 participating choirs, ended on a high note with eight teams advancing to the finals on Sunday afternoon, culminating in SMJK Jit Sin Choir from Bukit Mertajam, Penang, being crowned the overall champion and winning a cash prize of USD2,500.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Snowdan Lawan, praised the festival’s success and reaffirmed the state government’s support for perfroming arts.

“Over the past few days, Kuching has come alive with joyful harmonies and heartfelt performances.

“As we look ahead, I’m pleased to share that our Sarawak Performing Arts Centre, valued at nearly RM300 million, is expected to be ready by late 2026 or early 2027.

“It will be one of the best facilities in Malaysia and a hub for cultural tourism,” he said.

Snowdan emphasised the significance of events like SICFES in uniting people through music and fostering talent.

“Choral competitions require not only vocal strength but musicality, emotional interpretation and discipline.

“What we witnessed here is a testament to that dedication,” he said.

He also extended appreciation to Benedict Lo, Festival Director and Chairperson of the Kuching Choral Society, and the team of volunteers who made the event possible.

“To all the choirs, conductors, and supporters, thank you for making this festival truly special.

“You are not only shaping the future of music, but of global understanding and unity,” he said.

Lo echoed those sentiments, expressing gratitude to participants, educators, parents, sponsors, and government agencies for their unwavering support.

“This festival reminds us that music is not just an extracurricular activity, it’s essential to holistic education,” he said.

He emphasised how choral singing teaches young people discipline, emotional intelligence, teamwork and appreciation for cultural diversity.

“It empowers our youth to find their voice, both literally and figuratively, and instills values that go far beyond the stage,” he said.

The event also featured a guest performance by the Kinderchor der Staatsoper Unter den Linden Berlin from Germany.

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