KUCHING: The Sarawak International Choral Festival & Symposium (SICFest) 2025 opened in grand fashion here, bringing together choirs, conductors and music enthusiasts from Malaysia and around the world for a celebration of musical excellence, cultural exchange, and community spirit.
The festival, officially launched on Friday night by Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, offers a vibrant programme of adjudicated competitions, masterclasses, workshops, and friendship concerts.
Performers include local groups such as the Sarawak Children’s Choir and the young musicians of Sarawak Centre for the Arts and Creativity (PUSAK), as well as international ensembles like the renowned Kinderchor der Staatsoper Unter den Linden from Berlin, Germany.
“This festival is more than just a musical gathering.
“It is a platform for unity, learning and collaboration, where music connects people beyond language, borders and backgrounds,” Snowdan said.
The participants were from across Malaysia, including Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Sibu and Sabah, as well as from countries such as Austria, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Germany.
“We are truly honoured to host such a diverse and talented gathering here in the Land of the Hornbills,” he added.
He noted that SICFest not only offers opportunities for performance and competition but also creates space for conductors, educators and singers to deepen their craft through the symposium’s workshops, masterclasses and dialogue sessions.
Highlighting Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage, Snowdan said visitors can look forward to experiencing the state’s traditional dances, folk songs, and the enchanting sounds of the sape.
“Music is embedded in the soul of Sarawak’s people and this festival is a wonderful opportunity for you to experience our hospitality, traditions and rhythms,” he said.
The festival, organised by the Kuching Choral Society in collaboration with Business Events Sarawak, runs from June 13 to 15, aiming to foster friendship among choirs and audiences through its varied events, and concluding with the Grand Prix Finals and Closing Ceremony.
