Kuching selected to host International Choir Competition, Forum and Workshop 2025

From left : Amelia Roziman (BESarawak), Saini Vermeulen (Interkultur), Stefan, Snowdan, Lai Wah Chow (Within Earth), and Oscar Choo (CPH Travel Agency) at the International Incentive Travel, Meetings, and Events (IMEX) Frankfurt 2023 in Frankfurt, Germany on May 24, 2023.

KUCHING, May 25: Kuching has been selected to host the International Choir Competition, Forum and Workshop 2025 event organised by German cultural organisation, Interkultur.

According to Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) in a statement, Interkultur is the world’s leading organiser of international choir competitions and festivals and has been making decisive contributions to the choral world for decades.

Since it was founded in 1988, Interkultur has built bridges between more than 10,000 choirs and 450,000 singers from all over the world.

Intekultur vice president Stefan Bohlander said Sarawak’s rich, multi-ethnic culture makes it the perfect destination for the competition, especially with its reputation for hosting the renowned Rainforest World Music Festival which attracts approximately 20,000 music revellers every year.

“Intekultur’s philosophy is that choral singing is a socially inclusive activity that is free from discrimination and prejudice.

“Sarawak is well known for its peaceful and welcoming attitude which is a priority for Intekultur events. We believe that the International Choir Competition will boost mutual respect and understanding between cultures,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan said music is an inherent part of Sarawak’s culture since the region is a culturally and linguistically diverse part of Asia.

“Traditional and ethnic music is an important part of our cultural gatherings and I hope that Interkultur and their delegates will take the opportunity to explore our music scene and collaborate with local talents on future initiatives,” he added. — DayakDaily