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Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Nation's rich heritage showcased at music, cultural exchange in Nagoya
Ting interacts with the musicians at the Sarawak-Japan Music and Cultural Exchange. KUCHING (Aug 12): Sarawak's The Band Lab showcased the nation's rich heritage at the Sarawak-Japan Music and Cultural Exchange 2025 in Nagoya, Japan last Sunday. The vibrant display of musical unity and cultural exchange unfolded at Aikodai Meiden High School in the event, which marked a significant milestone following the success of last year's Sarawak International Band and Orchestra Festival (SIBOFest), according to a press release. Organised and coordinated by its sister branch, The Band Lab Japan, the performance was a key highlight of the exchange trip, which also included participation in the Ninth Gamagori City International Band Festival and further collaborations with other renowned Japanese high school bands. The afternoon's grand performance featured approximately 70 musicians, including members from Aikodai Meiden High School Symphonic Band, The Band Lab Japan, and The Band Lab Kuching. A distinguished delegation from Sarawak, coincidentally in Japan for the Osaka Expo for Sarawak Week, also attended the event. Among them were Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah's wife Datin Sri Zuraini Abdul Jabbar; Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Sebastian Ting; Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor, and Business Events Sarawak chief executive officer Amelia Roziman. The musicians highlighted local Malaysian and Sarawakian music such as 'Bunga Raya Concert March', composed by up-and-coming local composer Yeo Chow Shern; the patriotic 'Tanah Pusaka'; and a captivating rendition of the traditional Kenyah folk song, 'Leleng', composed by local composer and The Band Lab Kuching member Anthony Wong. The afternoon concluded with an energetic performance of 'Deep Purple Medley', arranged by Toshihiko Sahashi. The performances were conducted by The Band Lab founder and president Jesmond Siew, and Aikodai Meiden High School Symphonic Band resident conductor Maestro Hiroki Ito. Ting, who represented Abdul Karim, commended the unwavering efforts of the organisers, and expressed gratitude to The Band Lab Japan founder and president Kana Yamamoto and Siew for facilitating this invaluable cultural exchange. He remarked: 'The ministry remains committed to supporting initiatives and bilateral exchanges between Sarawak and Japan, such as SIBOFest, which foster deeper cultural understanding and strengthen international ties through the universal language of music.' cultural exchange Japan lead Sebastian Ting The Band Lab
Borneo Post
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Kuching Waterfront comes alive with orchestral Disney tribute
Vocalist Christine Chai serenades the crowd during 'A Waterfront Spectacular' at the Kuching Waterfront on Saturday night. – Photo by Kris Chai KUCHING (July 15): The Band Lab's 65-piece orchestra brought the Kuching Waterfront to life on the night of July 12 with 'A Waterfront Spectacular', a dazzling public concert featuring beloved Disney classics performed with a Sarawakian twist. The free event captivated thousands with a stunning fusion of orchestral arrangements, traditional Sarawakian instruments, soulful vocals, and a grand pyromusical fireworks display, delivering an evening of music, culture, and community celebration. The performance featured renditions of iconic Disney songs, including Disney 100 Years of Wonder, Beauty and the Beast, A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, a Frozen II medley, and The Circle of Life. These were accompanied by graceful dance performances from Iris School of Ballet and vocals by Dell Lawrence, Ng Chien, Christine Chai, Taylor Louise, Ashwaree, and Shann Liaw, backed by The Voice Lab, The Band Lab's vocal initiative. The iconic Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building served as an illuminated backdrop, while the waterfront skies lit up with a fireworks show by PyroMaster Pyrotechnics & Events. State Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato, Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, praised the event organisers for delivering a vibrant and inclusive celebration of music and culture. 'Thousands of Kuching city residents flooded the Kuching Waterfront tonight to enliven the musical concert and fireworks display organised by The Band Lab, supported by the State Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts. 'Congratulations and well wishes are extended to the organisers who have delivered a quality and entertaining musical performance to the many visitors who came with their families, despite the rain earlier this evening,' he said following the event. The event showcased a creative blend of orchestral music with traditional Sarawakian elements, reflecting the state's rich cultural heritage while offering a fresh, contemporary soundscape. Thousands gather for 'A Waterfront Spectacular' at the Kuching Waterfront on Saturday night. – Photo by Kris Chai Adding to the festivities was the appearance of LABBIE, The Band Lab's newly introduced semibreve mascot, who made its debut during the performance. According to The Band Lab founder and conductor Jesmond Siew, 'A Waterfront Spectacular' was envisioned as more than a performance – it was a call for the community to connect through shared artistic expression. 'Seeing the joy and inspiration on the faces of thousands tonight, and witnessing our local talents shine on such a grand stage, truly affirmed our belief that by blending diverse elements, we can ignite imaginations and celebrate the rich talent of our community. This event was a powerful realisation of that dream,' he said. The event was supported by the Ministry of National Unity and the State Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, with strategic partners including Century Music School, AOrchestra, Hero AVL, Averlution Live Streaming, KTT, Praise Million Sdn Bhd, MG Couture, Lucia Martina, Iris School of Ballet, Sunnydale 1928 Events, Old Court House, Dalieyfazdly Collection, SJ Borneo and PyroMaster Pyrotechnics & Events. Special partnership support was provided by Ai-CHA Malaysia. A Waterfront Spectacular Disney Kuching
