KUCHING: The Sarawak Choral Festival, jointly organised by Kuching Choral Society (KCS) and the Young Choral Academy (YCA) of Kuala Lumpur, made its debut here last night (June 21).
The inaugural event, which runs until June 23, will see twelve local choirs from various backgrounds and states in Malaysia etch their names into history by being the first batch of choristers to be adjudicated by a panel of distinguished international and local judges.
Kuching Choral Society president Benedict Lo said 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.
Beyond that, part of the choir will perform at the festival’s two Friendship Concerts and grace the opening and closing as well as the awards ceremony at the Lecture Theatre of Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak tomorrow.
The festival has attracted renowned local choirs such as SMK Kepong Choir, whose accolades include being the State Champion of Selangor in 2023 and the Gold Award winner at the Malaysian Choral Eisteddfod (MCE) International Choir Festival 2023.
It also includes Sarawak’s own Gold Award winner at the MCE International Choir Festival 2023, La Speranza from SMK Tung Hua Sibu.
Tonight from 7pm to 8pm, the festival’s first Friendship Concert will take place at Vivacity Megamall. Featured performers include 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.
The second Friendship Concert will be held on June 23, from 11.30 am to 1.00 pm at Plaza Merdeka Shopping Centre. This event will feature 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.
The Sarawak Choral Festival aims to go beyond just showcasing musical talent. The organisers are keen to foster public awareness and appreciation for choral music through their Friendship Concerts and by offering Choral Workshops to the festival attendees.
Besides that, three choral experts will lead the workshops namely George Tay, a local conductor and instructor; Tommyanto Kandisputra, an international conductor and adjudicator; and assistant professor Vladimir Opačić from the Academy of Arts, University of Novi Sad.
Meanwhile, enthusiastic members of the public can sign up for 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 https://www.sarawakchoralfestival.com/home.
