KUCHING: A sold-out audience of more than 700 witnessed ‘Night in Motion’, Kuching’s first multidisciplinary performing arts production of its kind, here on Sunday night (Aug. 2).
Internationally acclaimed musicians joined Sarawak’s finest dancers and choristers in a spectacular celebration of music, dance and choral artistry at the Rainforest Ballroom, Voco Kuching by IHG.
Featuring 110 performers, the landmark production brought together concert pianists, Jacob Nydegger and Esme Wong, the Dolce Chanticleer Choir, and Dolce Children’s Choir under the direction of Sabrina Tnay, as well as The Dance Academy Kuching led by January Chan.
Together, they presented an evening of classical piano masterpieces, choral performances and dance, highlighted by two world-premiere arrangements by Jacob Nydegger, a reimagined rendition of the Sarawakian folk song, ‘Puteri Santubong’, and a ‘West Side Story’ medley arranged for choir and four-hands piano.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who attended the concert, praised the production’s exceptional standard.
“We are very blessed that even in Sarawak we can enjoy these world-class talents. With the completion of the Performing Arts Centre by the end of 2026 or early 2027, Sarawak will have a dedicated venue for concerts, theatre productions, dance, music and other performing arts activities.
“The new facility is expected to provide a larger and more suitable stage for future productions such as ‘Night in Motion’, allowing audiences to enjoy world-class performances in a purpose-built performance venue,” he said.
The concert was the first time the city hosted a large-scale performance that seamlessly integrated live piano, choir and dance into a single production.
Artistic director and Dance Academy Kuching’s Director, January Chan, described the inaugural production as the beginning of a new chapter for the local performing arts community.
“This inaugural collaboration marks a powerful new beginning. Bringing dance, music and voice together on a single stage creates a complete artistic experience that we look forward to building on,” she said.
Artistic director and conductor, Sabrina Tnay, said the collaboration elevated the artistic experience for both performers and audiences.
“Choral music reaches a whole new dimension when paired with live dance and four-hands piano. This production pushed our choir to new artistic heights, and we are incredibly proud to showcase what Sarawakian vocalists can achieve,” she said.
For artistic director and concert pianist, Jacob Nydegger, the evening was also a tribute to Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage.
“I am deeply honoured to have shared two world-premiere arrangements tonight as a tribute to my love and dedication for Sarawak. I hope to continue contributing in my own small way to the rich culture and thriving arts scene here in Sarawak,” he said.
Returning home after building an international career, artistic director and concert pianist, Esme Wong, said the production was an opportunity to give back to the local community while nurturing future generations of performers.
“As a music director working in opera, orchestras and musicals internationally, I’m incredibly proud to come home and share what I have built over the years with my community.
“It has always been my dream to pass on my knowledge and experience to the next generation, and tonight’s production was the perfect opportunity to contribute,” she said.
Also present was Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Sarawak Heritage Society’s President, Datin Rosemarie Wong-Jabu; and Sarawak Arts Council’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Awang Ikhman Awang Sepian.
