KUCHING: The recently concluded Borneo’s first full ‘An Anime Symphony’ concert has left audiences mesmerised with live renditions of beloved anime soundtracks, delighting fans of Japanese film and television animation.
The 55-piece orchestra performed iconic soundtracks from well-known titles such as Violet Evergarden, Demon Slayer, Detective Conan, Pokemon, Digimon, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and the game soundtrack of Genshin Impact.
Renowned local singers Ng Chien Chien, Mal Imran, Christine Chai, and Shann Liaw also contributed their performances.
Commencing with the iconic themes from Digimon and Pokemon, the concert day took place at the Lodge National Secondary School Hall yesterday evening (Dec 9).
It had featured two shows with the 2pm show attracting 600 attendees, while the 8pm session saw an audience of approximately 700, including attendees who had travelled from Sabah and Kuala Lumpur.
Meanwhile, Political Secretary to the Premier Susan Clement Ingun who represented Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry And Performing Arts Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan, had also officiated at the concert.
Snowdan in his speech had congratulated The Band Lab, Kuching’s very own non-affiliated wind band, for putting on such a successful event that pushes artistic boundaries and showcases the rich tapestry of cultural diversity.
“Most of the musicians seated on stage are made up of the youths. They have worked tirelessly for more than six months to make this event a reality.
“This is testament to the remarkable dedication and talent that our young artists possess, which is crucial in building a bright future in our arts and culture scene,” he said.
He added the event not only entertains, but also provides a platform for local musicians and artistes, offering them a spotlight to showcase their talents on a grand stage.
“Thus, the Ministry stands ready to support initiatives like ‘An Anime Symphony’ that not only showcase the depth of our artistic talent but also contribute to the performing arts scenes in Sarawak.
“May this be the first of many more ground-breaking events that not only captivate audiences but also leave an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Borneo and beyond,” he said, while encouraging more youth to take the lead in organising events that put Kuching on the map.
Earlier, the Band Lab founder and event organiser Jesmond Siew said the event aims to create and bring something new for the music industry.
“The Band Lab is made up of youths mostly, to create music for the community, by the community.
“So, now we are looking to expand our operations, to collaborate with strings as well, to form a new initiative called the Symphony Lab which is what you see today, and this is our debut concert for you,” he said.
Among those present were Political Secretary to the Premier Kho Teck Wan and Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii.
