KUCHING, Aug 3 – Sarawak’s performing arts scene reached another important milestone as Night In Motion 2026 brought together music, dance and choral performances in a memorable concert at voco by IHG Kuching on Sunday night.
The concert, which started at 7.30pm, featured a special collaboration between talented Sarawak artists and internationally recognised performers. It combined beautiful piano music, choir singing and well-choreographed dance performances on one stage, giving the audience a unique three-in-one entertainment experience.
The event also welcomed several distinguished guests, including Deputy Premier of Sarawak Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Majlis Seni Sarawak (MSS) Awang Ikman Awang Sepian.
Their attendance showed the strong support for Sarawak’s growing arts and creative industry.
Night In Motion 2026 featured four outstanding performers and groups. They were internationally known pianists Esme Wong and Jacob Nydegger, the award-winning Dolce Chanticleer Choir, and dancers from The Dance Academy Kuching (TDAK).
Throughout the evening, the audience enjoyed a mix of classical music, choir performances and dance routines. The smooth combination of these performances created an emotional and enjoyable experience that highlighted the quality of Sarawak’s local talents.
The concert programme included many famous pieces such as When You Wish Upon A Star from Disney’s Pinocchio, Danse Macabre, Spanish Dance from Swan Lake, The Moon Represents My Heart, Puteri Santubong, Music in the Night and a special West Side Story Medley.
One of the biggest highlights of the night was Puteri Santubong, one of Sarawak’s best-known folk songs. The piece was specially arranged by Jacob Nydegger and presented in a fresh classical style while keeping its traditional identity.
Another special moment was when Jacob Nydegger performed the West Side Story Medley for the first time in Kuching as a world premiere. The audience welcomed the performance with loud applause, making it one of the most memorable parts of the evening.
The organisers described Night In Motion 2026 as an important event for the development of Sarawak’s arts and culture. It also supports the state’s efforts to build a stronger performing arts industry, especially with the future opening of the Sarawak Performing Arts Centre.
One of the main organisers, Dolce Chanticleer, is recognised as one of Sarawak’s leading choir organisations. Founded by Golden Kenyalang Award recipient Sabrina Tnay, the choir has won international awards and continues to train young singers through its children’s choir programme.
The choir has represented Sarawak in many international competitions while also promoting local music and culture through its performances.
Meanwhile, The Dance Academy Kuching (TDAK) has been developing dance education in East Malaysia for more than 40 years. Founded by sisters Mary Chan and January Chan, the academy teaches ballet, Chinese dance, contemporary dance, street dance and local ethnic dance.
Over the years, many of its dancers have performed in Malaysia and overseas, helping to raise the profile of Sarawak’s dance community.
Kuching-born pianist Esme Wong, who is now based in Germany, has performed at many famous concert halls around the world. Her return to Kuching for Night In Motion 2026 made the concert even more meaningful for local audiences.
Jacob Nydegger is also an internationally respected pianist who has performed across Europe, Asia and the United States. His arrangement of Puteri Santubong reflected his appreciation for Sarawak’s culture and heritage.
More than just a concert, Night In Motion 2026 showed how music, dance and singing can bring people together. The event celebrated friendship, culture and creativity while giving local artists the opportunity to perform alongside world-class musicians.
At the end of the concert, the organisers thanked the performers, sponsors, volunteers, technical team and audience members for making the event a success.
Night In Motion 2026 proved that Sarawak has many talented performers who are capable of presenting world-class productions. The concert also showed that local arts continue to grow and that Sarawak is becoming an important destination for culture and performing arts in Malaysia.
