KUCHING: The inaugural Borneo Opera Festival (BOF) 2023 took the stage in Sarawak, and the concert was impressive and prestigious.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah acknowledged that the hosting of BOF 2023 in Sarawak successfully elevated the state’s profile in the arts and culture scene.
According to him, BOF 2023 was a bold initiative by its organisers to place Sarawak on the world map as a hub for opera music in the Southeast Asian region.
“This is an event or opera that I have seen for the first time coming from Europe. I believe that other audience members might be equally excited because it’s the first time such an opera is brought to the eastern region, especially in Borneo,” he said.
He made these remarks when interviewed by reporters after BOF 2023 gala night at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly building on Thursday.
Given the positive response among opera enthusiasts in the city, Abdul Karim is considering making this concert an annual event.
“It seems that this event has received a warm reception and has fans, as seen in Sarawak. If we were to compare musical events here, like the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF), it started on a smaller scale initially.
“Over the years, it gained more acceptance from the community. Insha-Allah (God willing), we will be able to organise this festival in the coming years,” he said.
