The Sarawak International Band & Orchestra Festival 2024 (SIBOFest2024) concluded on September 20, 2024, with the Finale Gala Concert held at the State Legislative Assembly building in Kuching. The event featured a wide range of performances from both local and international artists, including ÁT ADAU, the Euroasia Association of Performing Arts (Malaysia), The Strings Lab, and Japan’s Aikodai Meiden Symphonic High School Band.

Over 200 musicians performed at the finale concert and drew a crowd of more than 400 people. Among the distinguished guests was Sarawak’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Yang Berhormat Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who represented the Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg.

In a speech delivered by Abdul Karim, the Premier emphasised the festival’s important role in promoting music, cultural exchange, and fostering international friendships.

Abang Johari also commended The Band Lab for its significant contributions to Sarawak’s music scene and expressed hopes that the organisation would continue to drive the growth of the local music community. He acknowledged the festival’s role in supporting youth music development by providing a platform for bands, orchestras, educators, and musicians from Malaysia and Japan to collaborate and share their expertise.

Among the notable attendees were the Consul General of Indonesia, Raden Sigit Witjaksono, his wife, Lucy Octavia, the Second Secretary/Consul from the Japanese Consular Office in Sabah, Eguchi Takayoshi, and event organiser Jesmond Siew.

A key highlight of the evening was the world premiere of the festival’s theme song, “Cat on the Waterfront,” composed by Keigo Makino of Japan. The piece, inspired by Sarawak’s ethnic music, was performed during the finale concert.

The event also marked the fifth anniversary of The Band Lab and featured a variety of performances, including local vocalists Dell Lawrence and Chien Ng and international acts like KOU from Singapore. The Aikodai Meiden Symphonic High School Band, under the direction of conductor Hiroki Ito, was a standout performer.

SIBOFest2024 served as a platform for promoting cultural exchange and collaboration, further solidifying Sarawak’s position as a centre for music and the arts in the region.