Sape echoes, children’s voices bring Sarawak’s soul to life as International Choral Festival opens in Kuching

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, June 13: The hypnotic strumming of the sape and the sweet voices of children filled the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC) tonight as the Sarawak International Choral Festival and Symposium (SICFest & SICSym) 2025 opened with a dazzling showcase of local sound and spirit.

Kicking off the evening, the 15-member Rampaian Sada ensemble from Persatuan Anak Seni Sape Kuching (PUSAK) mesmerised the audience with a musical medley inspired by the rhythms and traditions of the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu communities.

The Sarawak Children’s Choir later took the spotlight with a performance of Lileng, a haunting folk song of the Kenyah people from the highlands, before joining forces with the St Joseph’s Private Primary School Choir to deliver a lively rendition of Lenggang Kangkung, a well-loved Malay folk song.

Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts II (Creative Industry and Performing Arts) Datuk Snowdan Lawan said Sarawak is a land of many cultures and voices, and the State is proud to share its rich heritage, especially through this year’s performances, including traditional dances, folk songs, and the enchanting 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 when declaring open the second edition of SICFest & SICSym 2025 earlier tonight.

Taking place from today until June 15, SICFest & SICSym 2025 features adjudicated choir competitions, workshops, masterclasses, friendship concerts, and culminates with the Grand Prix Finals and a grand closing ceremony.

Jointly organised by Kuching Choral Society (KCS) and Young Choral Academy (YCA), with the support of Sarawak’s Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) and Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), the three-day festival is expected to bring together over 600 participants from nine countries, in an event poised to elevate the State’s profile as a regional and global hub for musical and cultural excellence.

Also present were MTCP Deputy Permanent Secretary Julin Alen, BESarawak chief executive officer Amelia Roziman, SICFest & SICSym 2025 festival director Benedict Lo Jin Chi, and artistic director Susanna Saw. — DayakDaily

Advertisement