SARAWAK INTERNATIONAL CHORAL FESTIVAL & SYMPOSIUM 2026
The Sarawak International Choral Festival & Symposium (SICFest & Sym) 2026 returns for its second edition as one of the region’s exciting choral events, bringing together choirs, conductors, composers, educators, and music lovers from Malaysia and around the world.
19 – 21 June 2026 | Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
The Sarawak International Choral Festival & Symposium (SICFest & Sym) 2026 returns for its second edition as one of the region’s exciting choral events, bringing together choirs, conductors, composers, educators, and music lovers from Malaysia and around the world.
Following the successful inaugural edition in 2025—which welcomed 23 choirs and over 1,400 participants—the 2026 festival is set to grow further, with an expected 30 to 35 choirs representing schools, community groups, and international ensembles.
Set in the vibrant city of Kuching, Sarawak, SICFest & Sym 2026 celebrates artistic excellence, cultural exchange, and the joy of singing together.
Festival Highlights
Enjoy three days of inspiring performances and meaningful connections through:
- Choral Competitions
- Adjudicated Performances
- Friendship Concerts
- Cultural Exchange Activities
- Community Showcases
A major highlight is the Grand Prix – Premier Cup, where category winners return to compete for the festival’s top honour in an exciting final round.
Symposium Highlights
The Symposium offers valuable learning opportunities for singers, conductors, teachers, and students through:
- Workshops by invited local and international experts
- Masterclasses with participating choirs
- Conducting & Leadership Sessions
- Vocal Technique & Ensemble Training
- Repertoire Interpretation & Musical Development
Featured jury members and presenters include Dr. Paul Head, Dr. Darius Lim, Dr. Pawasut Jodi Piriyapongrat, Esther Ting, Dr. Ken Steven and Koh Tian Yi.
Join the Celebration
SICFest & Sym 2026 is more than a festival—it is a gathering of voices, cultures, and communities united through music. Join us in Kuching, Sarawak from 19 – 21 June 2026 and experience the power of choral harmony.
PASSES & SESSIONS
Opening Ceremony & Adjudicated Performances
Join the official opening of SICFest & Sym 2026 with a celebratory launch followed by exciting adjudicated performances featuring participating choirs from Malaysia and abroad.
Adjudicated Performances
Enjoy competition performances across various categories as choirs present their best repertoire before an international jury panel. A showcase of talent, artistry, and cultural diversity.
Grand Prix & Closing / Festival Award Ceremony
Witness the festival’s top choirs compete in the prestigious Grand Prix – Premier Cup, followed by the Awards & Closing Ceremony celebrating winners and participants.
Workshops
BEING BETTER TOGETHER: Understanding the Voice within the Choral Ensemble
Explore how individual voices blend to create a unified choral sound through vocal technique, listening, and ensemble skills.
INDIGENOUS VOICES OF SARAWAK: Exploring Orang Ulu Song Traditions
Discover the rich musical heritage of Sarawak’s Orang Ulu communities through songs, culture, and vocal traditions.
ESSENTIALS IN CHORAL REHEARSAL: Helping Singers Understand Technique through Activities
A practical session using engaging activities to develop vocal technique, rhythm, and musicianship in rehearsals.
EXPLORING ESSENTIAL THAI MUSICAL ELEMENTS AND BASIC DANCE MOVEMENTS for Thai Choral Music
Experience Thai musical style, rhythm, and simple traditional movements for authentic choral performance.
Acknowledgement
We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the collaboration and support we have received from all our esteemed partners and organizations.
A special thanks to YCA for their invaluable collaboration, as well as the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak for their support in making this event possible.
We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to our Official Airline Partners, Malaysian Airlines and Firefly Airlines, for ensuring smooth travel for all our attendees.
Our deep thanks go to our Official Partners: Trienekens (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, The Waterfront Hotel, voco Kuching by IHG, Riverside Majestic Hotel - Astana Wing, Telang Usan Hotel, Hotel 98, whose generous support and partnership have been instrumental to the success of this event.
We are truly grateful for all your contributions and look forward to future collaborations.
Contact Details
Sarawak International Choral Festival & Symposium Secretariat
- WhatsApp: wa.me/60107670969
- Website: sic-fest.com
- Email: kuchingchoralsociety@gmail.com
- Facebook: kuchingchoral
- Instagram: kuchingchoral
Concert & Ticketing Policy
1. Venue Accessibility: Due to the limited parking spaces available at the venue, we highly encourage patrons to consider carpooling.
2. Age Limit: Admission for children aged 6 and above only. Parents may be asked to remove disruptive children from the hall during the show.
3. Admission: Patrons are recommended to arrive 20 minutes prior to the performance. Late arrivals will be admitted only during suitable breaks in the show.
4. Recording/Photography: Audio recording, non-flash photography, and video recording are permitted during performances, provided they do not distract the performers or the audience.
5. Official Media: Official images and videos will be captured during the event, and you may be included in them. These visual materials may go on the press, social media, publications, and other promotional materials. Your attendance at the event implies your consent for the use of these media materials.
6. Liabilities/Refunds: The Promoter/Venue Owner, their agents, and employees are not liable for death, personal injury (unless due to their negligence), loss, or damage within the venue. They also bear no responsibility for complaints, claims, refunds, or exchanges, including show cancellations or postponements.