Terlebih dahulu saya ucapkan setinggi penghargaan dan terima kasih kepada pihak pengelola kerana sudi menjemput saya bersama untuk menyaksikan persembahan oleh sebuah orkestra yang terkenal di negeri ini, iaitu orkestra Traditional Oriental Kuching.
What is culture? I looked it up in a book and it says this: the customs, civilization and achievements of a people at a particular time in history. It is in a way, a form of an identification mark of the development of a people. Culture is also the ways people perform various activities, the reasons for the doing so, their beliefs and understanding or perception of life. Usually these are reflected in the music they play, the dances they perform, the songs they sing or the articles and crafts they make. We are proud of the richness and the diversity of the people of many different cultures in Kuching.
The development of cultures in many parts of the world is often taken with great civic pride. To a large extent, they form a rich heritage of the history of the particular country. In the context of the modern world, the display of this heritage is a high potential for tourism. Our keen affinity for leisure is actually a manifestation of our innate desire to get to know and enjoy the multitude of cultures of the world.
In Sarawak, our society is composed of many different people each with its own unique culture. Consequently, we are ned to disregard or take little notice of our own local culture.
There is consolation, nevertheless, in that in recent years a with the promotion of tourism, we have seen a growing awareness for our rich cultural heritage. I am appreciative of the efforts taken to promote this interest among our own citizens and I believe that the future would see greater development of our varied cultures.
This is evidence of the increasing awareness of local culture. Oriental traditional music is a language that transcends the limitation of spoken word for it touches the senses where it matters most the heart and soul of the listeners. Although oriental traditional music consists only of sound that is basically just the vibrations of air upon the eardrums, its greatest effect on the human spirit is a well-known fact.
Just simply consider the soothing effect and melodious note of a musical instrument such as a flute. The impact of an oriental traditional orchestra on the audience would be manifold.
Insofar as this music reflects the culture of the Chinese, it would be tragic if it should disappear from our society. There is a real danger of it being so, especially among the younger generations, who are more exposed to the lure of the more appealing forms of modern dances.
Thus, any attempt at passing on the significance of these oriental traditional music deserves the full encouragement and support by the particular community themselves.
This is an important step toward preserving our culture and traditions. The music may not necessarily be appealing for all occasions, but there must be some relevance for it at some cultural festivals.
Indeed, with the development of tourism, the prospects of popularizing this music look bright. I hope that those responsible for the maintenance and promotion of culture will not allow this opportunity to be missed and so ensure the continuity of a of our rich cultural heritage.
The Kuching oriental Traditional orchestra was formed in 1982 and has since then gained much popularity. has been performing in the other towns in the state and in the Festival for the last 20 years. I am also given to understand that a few members of the orchestra have been sent for overseas training; particularly in China. It is also recruiting young members to join the orchestra.
I would like to thank everyone for their support and participation in the Kuching Festival and many other celebrations that the state government has organized.
Music has no boundaries, it is international.
I congratulate the organizers of this oriental traditional orchestra and I believe that they will have experienced the satisfaction of their efforts and that this will urge them on to continue with their noble cause. I also wish to extend my gratitude to the participants who are in an even better position to appreciate such traditions.
I hope that this new understanding and skill will continue to be nurtured and fostered as a leisure activity. It is also a possible source for some entrepreneurial ventures, which I must leave to your own initiatives. I am convinced that the youths of today are really quite receptive to new and good ideas.
Tuan-tuan dan puan-puan yang dihormati sekalian, sebelum mengakhiri ucapan izinkan saya sekali lagi saya mengucapkan setinggi penghargaan dan terima kasih kepada pihak penganjur kerana sudi menjemput ke ini. Dengan i saya dengan rasminya merasmikan konsert "Kuching Festival Oriental Traditional orchestra" dimulakan. Sekian kasih
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