KUCHING: Sarawak Premier says the Borneo Opera Festival has a lot of potential to develop into another legendary domestic event that draws in crowds from around the world and provides a stage for developing local talents.
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the festival’s future was promising and expressed excitement about it joining the ranks of other yearly events including the Rainforest World Music Festival, Borneo Jazz Festival, and Miri Country Music Fest.
“By means of these festivals, we Sarawakians can present our culture, adventure, nature, cuisine, and festival offerings to the global audience. Consequently, we can share our knowledge with performers from other countries,” he said in his address at the Borneo Opera Festival Gala Night held at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here on Thursday.
His text of speech was read by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
“The Sarawak government recognises the importance of supporting the arts and ensuring that they continue to thrive, bringing joy and inspiration to generations to come. It has long been my desire to see our future Sarawak Performing Arts Centre become the region’s very own ‘Istana Budaya Sarawak’,” he added.
The goal of the first Borneo Opera Festival Gala is to provide an enthralling journey into the world of opera with both local and international artists.
Italian baritone Maestro Alfio Grasso, Italian conductor Silvano Frontalini, Romanian artist Ioan Vrasmas, Egyptian opera director Abdallah Saad, Italian singer Domenico Menini, and the Teatro d’Opera Italiana, often known as Opera Vox Orchestra, are among the many celebrities on the star-studded roster.
Sarawak’s position on the international opera scene was confirmed when the region’s phenomenon, Jeanne-Marie Druce, received thunderous ovation.
Also present were DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, and event organiser Pauline Peck.
