KUCHING: The two-day Sarawak International Music and Art Festival (Sifma) 2022, which was held at the State Legislative Assembly’s auditorium here, concluded Sunday night with mesmerising live musical, dance and choir performances.

Performances featuring the fusion of bands and performers including Belgian pianist Dr Gilbert de Greeve, Malaysia’s UiTM Chamber Choir, Halili Cruz School of Dance from the Philippines, as well as Sugapriya Ashok and Shilp Maitri Studio from India left the audience enthralled.

Also performing were Sarawak’s renowned Sifma Choir, The Kenvy Music and Arts Academy, and Singapore choir group Victoria Chorale.

In her welcoming remarks, Sifma chairman Geraldine LawLee expressed her appreciation to the state government and the performers as well as all the behind-the-scene crews for their contribution and support in making the event a success.

“So when you see tonight’s performances, this is all because of the wonderful team that works behind the scenes.

“At this moment, not many people understand the needs and differences because we are still unable to bring to light all that we are hoping to build.

“But given the support and cooperation, understanding and chances, you will be surprised what levels of confidence and numbers that we can bring in from the world to Sarawak,” Law-Lee said.

She added that the organiser plans to extend more programmes for Sifma in the coming year.

Themed ‘Music that Illuminates’, the festival aimed to illuminate the dynamic field of music and art and served as a platform for the creative industry to strengthen, empower and inspire people through arts and cultural interactions while unlocking new talents.

Among those present were Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, his deputy minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan and ministry’s permanent secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee.