The press conference for the inaugural Sarawak International Band & Orchestra Festival (SIBOFest) 2024, held on September 2, 2024, marked the official launch of this exciting new event, which is set to take place from September 17-20, 2024, in Kuching, Sarawak.

The festival, with its theme of ‘Music, Culture & Friendship,’ aims to be an inclusive platform that brings together musicians, educators, and enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds and skill levels to celebrate the universal language of music.

During the press conference, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, highlighted the significance of SIBOFest 2024 in promoting Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage and artistic talent on an international stage. He emphasised the festival's role in boosting tourism and fostering cultural exchange through music. The event was also attended by Desmond Douglas, Deputy Permanent Secretary of MTCP, and Jesmond Siew, founder of The Band Lab and the organiser of SIBOFest, who expressed their enthusiasm for the festival’s potential to create lasting connections among participants and the local community.

SIBOFest 2024 will feature a variety of interactive workshops and masterclasses, such as the ‘Community Kamek’ workshop and the ‘Borneo Adventure’ sessions, designed to engage participants and promote cultural appreciation. These sessions, held at Lodge Secondary School from September 17-19, will also educate attendees on Sarawak’s unique traditions, delicacies, and dances.

The festival will culminate in a spectacular Finale Gala Concert on September 20, 2024, at The Waterfront Hotel, showcasing performances by ÁT ADAU, The Band Lab, and the Aikodai Meiden High School Symphonic Band.

The concert will include the world premiere of the SIBOFest 2024 theme song, ‘Cat on the Waterfront,’ composed by 20-year-old Japanese composer Keigo Makino, alongside popular and classical pieces. Tickets for the concert are available for purchase online.

Supported by a range of organisations, including the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, and various educational and cultural institutions, SIBOFest 2024 promises to be a landmark event in the region's cultural calendar.