KUCHING: Borneo’s biggest full orchestra concert, ‘An ACG Symphony’, left its audience of more than 1,000 mesmerised with live renditions of beloved anime soundtracks, delighting fans of Japanese film and television animation.
Organised by The Band Lab, the concert featured a 55-piece orchestra and a 30-piece choir from the Kuching Choral Society.
They performed iconic soundtracks from well-known titles such as One Piece, Attack on Titan, Kimi No Nawa, Frieren, works from Studio Ghibli, and game soundtracks from Genshin Impact and Final Fantasy.
Local singers Chien Ng, Dell Lawrence, Christine Chai, and Shann Liaw captivated the audience with their powerful and versatile vocals.
Commencing with the iconic themes from One Piece ‘We Are’, the concert day took place at the Ang Cheng Ho Multipurpose Hall here Saturday night (Aug 10).
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who attended the event, said the concert reminded him of a Star Wars soundtrack concert he once attended, performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
“This is our homegrown Sarawak talent. From the jungles of Borneo, we are as good as anywhere else. If we weren’t, how could we have a sold out concert?
“It’s no longer the ‘jungle of Borneo’ standard but home-grown world class standard. I am more confident than ever of our talents in Sarawak,” he said.
He also noted that this concert was the first-ever night event hosted at the Ang Cheng Ho Multipurpose Hall.
“Thank you for taking the risk of being the first-ever night event held at this brand-new venue,” he added.
Earlier, The Band Lab founder and event organiser Jesmond Siew expressed his commitment to pushing the boundaries of quality concerts and pioneering innovations that would elevate the experience for concertgoers.
He also announced that The Band Lab is planning a Disney-themed flash mob performance at Kuching Waterfront, with dates yet to be determined.
Among those present at the concert were Political Secretary to the Premier Susan Clement Ingun who represented Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Padawan Municipal Council chairman Tan Kai, and Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF) president Audry Wan Ulok.
