KUCHING, A top high school band from Japan, Aikodai Meiden High School Symphonic Band will participate in the Sarawak International Band and Orchestra Festival (SIBOFest) from Sept 17 to 19, at the Lodge International School and on Sept 20 at a leading hotel here. Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the four-day music festival would serve as a platform to bring together youth wind bands, orchestras, industry experts, educators, and musicians from Malaysia and Japan. 'SIBOFest 2024 presents a tremendous opportunity to enhance tourism by showcasing Sarawak's cultural richness and artistic talent to the world. 'This festival offers a distinct blend of activities, allowing visitors to engage in both professional music training and local experiences, including traditional music and authentic cuisine,' he said during a press conference here, today. Abdul Karim said the Finale Gala Concert on Sept 20 at a leading hotel here will feature p erformances by both local and international musicians, including At Adau, The Band Lab, and the multi-award-winning Aikodai Meiden High School Symphonic Band. 'Another exciting highlight at the concert is the world premiere of the SIBOFest 2024 theme song, 'Cat on the Waterfront', composed by 20-year-old Japanese composer Keigo Makino. 'This composition is unique as it is the result of a cross-collaborative effort between a foreign composer and local musicians, based on motifs from a Dayak song, 'Bampa Lale' Ame' Tuyang',' he said. He said to date, close to 200 participants and over 15 tutors from all across Malaysia, Singapore and Japan have joined the event. Source: BERNAMA News Agency