KUCHING: The biennial Rhythm and Colour concert by St Joseph’s Private Schools delighted audiences over two nights with its 2025 theme, “Wonder – Seeking Truth, Goodness and Beauty.”
Held on Aug 2 and 3 at Dewan Majma Kuching, the concert featured a range of award-winning performances by students from the schools’ primary, secondary, and international streams.
Supported by Majlis Seni Sarawak (MSS), the production served as both a celebration of the arts and a fundraiser for the schools’ new performing arts facility.
St Joseph’s chief executive officer Christopher Chua said the concert exemplified the school’s belief in holistic education, adding that performing arts is integral to their curriculum and that true learning happens not only in the classroom but also outside of it.
He also said their school productions serve as platforms that nurture young leaders, not just in the performing arts but also for society at large.
The event was graced by Archbishop Datuk Simon Poh and MSS acting chief executive officer Awang Ikman bin Awang Sepian on the first night, while Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian attended the second.
From start to finish, the concert lived up to its theme, guiding audiences through moments of awe, reflection and celebration.
Opening the evening was the award-winning Chinese Music Club with “春华秋实” (Spring Flowers Autumn Fruits), setting the tone for a night rich in cultural texture and emotional resonance.
Among the standout items was a dramatic dance titled “镜·界” (Border of Reflection) by the secondary school dancers, which blurred the lines between traditional and contemporary choreography by incorporating Chinese opera elements such as masks and flags.
Another poignant highlight was “未被听见的滴答” (Untold Ticks of Time), an emotional dance centred on filial piety.
Adding to the diversity of the programme were performances by the primary school dancers (“Little Wonders, Beautiful Together”) and the SJPS Contemporary Dancers with “Breakthrough.”
The OG Wonder Boys electrified the hall with crowd-pleasers like “Nobody”, “Shut Up and Dance”, and the Sarawakian classic “Bekikis Bulu Betis.”
Traditional elements remained strong throughout the evening with “The Rhythm of Warriors”, a cultural dance, and a gripping performance by the SJPS Lion Dancers, whose acrobatic duel captivated the crowd.
The vocal talents of the school were also on full display as the Primary School Choir, fresh off their gold win at the Sarawak International Choral Festival, performed “May a Rainbow Run Beside You” and the playful “If You’re Happy and You Know It.”
Their seniors, the Secondary School Chamber Choir—also gold award recipients—touched on themes of life and death with “天黑黑” (Dark Clouds), “Pek Ketipak Ketipung”, and “Mon Nee Joh.” Their rendition of the Latin hymn “Cantate Domino” brought the audience to a reflective hush.
The instrumental ensembles, too, stood out. The Concert Band delivered favourites like “Puteri Santubong” and “Concert March No. 1 – Joyous Life!”, while the String Ensemble played evocative arrangements of “Getaran Jiwa” and “Chan Mali Chan.”
In a grand finale arranged by the concert’s creative director Benedict Lo, all performers and the Chamber Choir came together to perform “Sparkle” from the animated film Your Name (Kami no Nawa), leaving the audience visibly moved.
Proceeds from the concert will go towards the School Building Fund, which will support the construction of a new facility equipped with learning spaces and rooms tailored for the performing arts.
Chua also expressed his appreciation to MSS for their continued support, noting that their recognition and backing allow young leaders to achieve greater heights.
