Kana Yamamoto, a trumpet player from The Band Lab (TBL), recently graced the stage at the "Handel’s Messiah Christmas Concert." The event, organised by Borneo Acapella Singers and Chamber Orchestra under the baton of conductor Esther Ting, featured three soloists, approximately 20 accomplished vocalists, and ten skilled instrumentalists, all hailing from the realms of church and classical music.

The mesmerising concerts took place at two spectacular venues: Nyelong Park Methodist Church in Sarikei on December 2nd and Tien Tao Methodist Church in Sibu on December 4th. The highlight of the evening was an enchanting one-hour performance featuring a selection of over 20 pieces from Handel's masterpiece, "Messiah," followed by a heartwarming encore presentation of "Crown Him with Many Crowns."

This event marks a significant milestone in the advancement of sacred and classical music within East Malaysia. Notably, it was the first live performance of Handel's "Messiah" in Sarikei and the first in Sibu in 18 years. The concert served as a beacon of cultural enrichment for the region.

Kana Yamamoto, a native of Japan and a valued member of TBL, lent her exceptional trumpet talents to the concert, leaving an indelible mark on the audience in Sibu and Sarikei. In her remarks, she stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among musicians in Sarawak. She emphasised that, in order to rejuvenate the musical landscape of Sarawak, it is imperative to engage in joint ventures with musicians from various regions, extending beyond Kuching.

The "Handel’s Messiah Christmas Concert" not only showcased Kana Yamamoto's remarkable skills but also provided a unique opportunity for TBL to connect with like-minded musicians who share their aspirations. As TBL looks ahead, they eagerly anticipate future collaborations that will further enrich Sarawak's musical tapestry.