Kudat: Saturday's resounding success of the first Sunset Symphony performance at Tanjung Simpang Mengayau - the Tip of Borneo, about 190km from the State capital - has prompted Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat, to make it an annual event.
More than 500 people, including over 200 tourists from Australia, the United States and Europe as well as Sarawak and Brunei, enjoyed the hour-long superb performance by Sabah's home-grown Kota Kinabalu Symphony Orchestra (KKSO).
The show was a joint effort by Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd (wholly-owned subsidiary of Sabah Tourism Board) and KKSO.
"The response from the public was fantastic as well as turnout of music lovers. The enthusiasm displayed by them was great.
"On top of it, the orchestra staged a superb performance. The weather was great too. So, why wouldn't I want to make it an annual affair to showcase Sabah's talents?" said Chong, who was the guest of honour. Chong, who is Kudat Assemblyman, said:
"Even the Czech Ambassador was present. There was a big group from Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide. I was shockedÉthe Japanese and Koreans were there, too. All of them music enthusiasts."
During the launching ceremony for KKSO in March last year, Chong threw a challenge to the orchestra to perform at the Tip of Borneo.
"I am glad that they took up the challenge," he said.
He said he would now consider bringing in foreign artistes, given the overwhelming response.
Tourists also described the show as a stunning performance, saying they had never seen one like it before.
"What is extraordinary about it is the sunset backdrop. The setting sun filled the sky with an orange glow," one of them said.
Remarked a newly-wed couple from Australia on honeymoon in Sabah: "We enjoyed every minute of the performance. Our experience here is one of the most memorable moments in our life."
Though on a business trip, a businessman from the US took time off to witness the event. "It was worth the trip to this spectacular destination."
Also present were Puan Sri Ivy Chong, State Assembly Deputy Speaker Datuk James Vitales, Banggi Assemblyman Datuk Amir Kahar Tun Mustapha and KK C Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim.
Chong, his wife and the guests performed the Sumazau to the accompaniment of KKSO which played a popular Harvest Festival number as an encore.
Courtesy of Daily Express
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