Miri, Sarawak: Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak (YPS), in collaboration with The Tuyang Initiative, is proud to present the sixth instalment of “Music in Tradition.” This musical programme, which has captivated audiences both online and in person for the past two years, is set to return on
Saturday, November 4th, 2023, at Bintang Megamall.
Three ensembles from Miri, including Apong Beranyut, Miri Youth Chamber Music, and Bamboo Band Wanita Saban, will grace the stage respectively, offering an afternoon of traditional sounds and some with a contemporary twist.
“Music in Tradition” is a celebration of the rich musical tapestry of Sarawak’s diverse communities. The series of events is open to the public, and for this edition, it will be hosted at the popular Bintang Megamall in Miri.
We are proud to curate and close the year with some amazing local talents who will be showcasing their culture with the core purpose of not just highlighting the beauty of their community’s creative expressions but also sharing about who they are and their heritage through conversation.
“Music in Tradition” which combines performances with dialogues with performers, allows for the audience to not just get entertained but to also learn more about a culture that may not be theirs”, says Juvita Tatan Wan, co-founder and producer of The Tuyang Initiative and Executive
Producer of MYY Living Arts.
“That is the beauty of Sarawak and our rich diversity. It will feel like there is always more to uncover and learn, and we deeply thank Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak for this opportunity”, she adds.
Apong Beranyut is an Iban Taboh troupe under the leadership of Martin Dinil. The Taboh ensemble, a cornerstone of Iban culture, features a unique blend of percussive instruments, including Tetawak, Engkerumong, Bebendai, and the Gendang (drum). Traditionally performe during occasions like Hari Gawai and weddings, Taboh music is known for its distinctive rhythms, each bearing the hallmark of a different community or sungai.
The Miri Youth Chamber Music Ensemble is set to deliver a performance of both contemporary and traditional Chinese music. Utilising traditional Chinese instruments such as erhu, dizi, pipa, yangqin, cello, and percussion, this youth band adeptly combines traditional Chinese musical traditions with a modern twist. Their commitment to preserving and popularising Chinese traditional musical instruments in order for them to resonate with today’s generation.
In a spotlight on the Saban community, the Bamboo Band by Wanita Saban, an all-female ensemble established under the Persatuan Masyarakat Saban Sarawak, will mesmerise the audience with a bamboo-infused performance. Employing instruments crafted from bamboo, including the bass and flute, the band plays under the guidance of a skilled conductor. The band’s mission is to champion and safeguard the cultural heritage of the Saban community while nurturing young talents in traditional music.
This event is curated by The Tuyang Initiative, a Miri-based community-led social enterprise and creative arts management company focused on Dayak cultural heritage, and MYY Living Arts, a creative community-driven platform dedicated to the arts in Miri City. With a vision of fostering
an environment that showcases the talents and creativity of local artists, MYY Living Arts spearheads free public arts programmes, making art more accessible to the residents of Miri.
“Music in Tradition” is made possible by Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak, a non-profit organisation dedicated to nurturing and sustaining unity, harmony, and peaceful relationships among Sarawak’s communities. The venue and on-ground support are provided by Bintang Megamall.
Members of the public can come down and catch the performers on Saturday, November 4th, 2023, from 2.00pm to 5.00pm on the first floor, West Court of Bintang Megamall in Miri, as “Music in Tradition” weaves a tapestry of diverse and captivating sounds, bringing together the past, the
present, and the future of Sarawak’s musical and cultural heritage.
