KUCHING: The Sarawak Orchestra Symphony (SONS) classic is actively spreading its wings to various locations.
These include areas outside this city and done through additional open concerts.
According to Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, this arrangement is to popularise the SONS and the Sarawak Arts Council (MSS) to the public.
“It is different from any other previous concepts before where the old orchestra performances were originally performed in for private or closed events only.
“Among the locations that have been listed for the performances include Asajaya, Simunjan, Betong, Spaoh, Sibu, Miri and Kapit districts.
“Regarding this, the MSS and the ministry will also continue their efforts in formulating strategies to ensure everyone is ready to face the challenges of developing our local tourism, arts and culture industry with our mould as well as not rely too much on other resources,” he said.
Abdul Karim said this while giving his speech at the Sarawak Musical Harmony Performance known as ‘Sejambang Budi, Daripada Anak Seni’ with SONS (Classic) in the new State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on last Friday (Oct 16).
He again added that the idea of SONS came from the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud in the middle year of 1988s, where he wishes Sarawak having the ability to have the state-owned orchestra and choir group that composed by the local children.
“SONS was officially formed on March 30, 1989, at Kuching Civic Centre by Tun Taib himself when he was the chief minister.
“Even until now, SONS is still growing with the existence of three main components, namely SONS Classic, Pop Jazz Orchestra and SONS Choir.
“The objective to present the music from the various genres is to meet the tastes of listeners and viewers,” he explained.
The young talents are also allowed to participate in SONS Junior that consists of the young generation, thanks to the Music Guidance Course (Kursus Bimbingan Seni Muzik) organised by MSS over the past few years, Abdul Karim added.
“ This group will only give musical performances but there will be also dance performances involving the trainees from the Performing Arts Guidance Class and the Traditional Dance of MSS,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, the performance on Oct 16 was done perfectly by 60 pieces of Classic SONS as well as five pieces of Combo led by its conductor Victor Leong and Datuk Marcus Leong as the guest conductors.
This programme aims to introduce the MSS to the public, as well as to perform “Sejambang Budi, Dari Anak Seni” specially dedicated to Tun Taib in conjunction with his 84th birthday.
