Sarawak International Festival of Music & Arts to be held from Dec 3-4 at Sarawak DUN

Abdul Karim (middle) and others in a photo-call after the SIFMA press conference today (Nov 23, 2022).

By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, Nov 23: This year’s Sarawak International Festival of Music & Arts (SIFMA) will take place on the weekend of Dec 3 and 4, 2022, at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building in Kuching, Sarawak.

This was announced during a press conference attended by the Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, MTCP permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee, SIFMA founding chairperson and artistic director Dr Geraldine, and SIFMA stage and programme director Florida Law, which was held today at the Bangunan Baitulmakmur II here.

According to a press release, SIFMA is organised by the International Music House (IMH) Kuching and supported by MTCP Sarawak.

SIFMA brings together performers from all corners of the globe for two nights of enchanting musical and dance performances.

SIFMA serves as a launching pad for both local and international creative communities, unlocking a world of opportunities for talents in music, performing arts, fashion, and visual arts to shine on a global stage, all while helping the less fortunate through music.

SIFam, SIFMA’s own team of volunteers, is part of SIFMA’s commitment to giving back to the community.

SIFMA 2022’s lineup includes the classical sounds of US-based Sarawakian pianist, Esme Wong, distinguished Belgian pianist, Dr Gilbert de Greeve, recipient of the Most Outstanding Ballet School in Asia, the Halili-Cruz School of Ballet from the Philippines, and the SIFMA Choir, comprising the Lodge National School Choir led by Anthony Wong, St Joseph’s Chamber Choir led by Benedict Lo, and Dolce Chauticleer led by Sabrina Tnay.

Also performing during SIFMA is the Victoria Chorale led by Nelson Kwei, Shilp Maitri Studios, the UiTM Chamber Choir led by Prof Madya Dr Masashi Kishimoto, the Sarawak Chinese Ensemble led by Kenwy Ho, Kuching’s own La Danse Studio, the India Fire Dance Group, and Ganesh Kriti.

Furthermore, SIFMA Fringe promises exciting workshops and performances leading up to the event, with a Rhythms of Sarawak workshop on percussions and drums, a Bamboo Ethnic on bamboo instrument making, a Choral Concert Night, as well as a Music Heals conference by the Malaysian Society for Music in Medicine (MSMM). These programmes will run from Nov 24 to Dec 2.

Moreover, back this year is the SIFMA Forum: Let’s Talk, which will feature incredible actress from the United Kingdom, Emma Lau, who plays Kiko in Netflix’s The School of Good and Evil, as well as other talented musicians, artists, designers, and performers.

For ticket bookings, SIFMA Fringe and everything else SIFMA, check out https://sifma.com.my/. — DayakDaily