SANDAKAN: The inaugural 'Bakat Sepilok Jazz' competition aims to develop budding musicians in Sabah, drawing significant interest and participation.
Music director Cheong Kok Ann said all competitors who reached the final stage had undergone stringent auditions before renowned Malaysian jazz pianist and composer Wilson Quah.
"The response was encouraging, especially for a jazz competition, as about 85 candidates turned up for the auditions held in May 2024.
"The finalists competed in the students' and open categories for solo and group events, which comprised about 45 individuals," said Cheong during the finals held at Trinity Arts and Music Academy here.
The top three winners in both categories earned a spot to perform alongside top-notch musicians, including Soul Cuts from Australia, at the Sepilok Jazz 2024 on Sept 6 and 7, at the Rainforest Discovery Centre.
In the student category, the top three winners were Hiew Jia Shuen, Cheng Jing Yee, and Cheong Tze Look (instruments); Chrishyelle Elly Earnie (vocal); and Fermata Band (vocal and instruments).
Suave Swings, Unison Band, and Reverb Band took the top three spots in the open category.
"Imagine… before this, their profile is only known in Kota Kinabalu. Now, with the chance to perform with international artists, their profile is instantly elevated," said Cheong.
He added that the event aimed to create a platform for the younger generation and working adult professionals to showcase their musical talents with a purpose.
Friends of Sea Turtles Education and Research (Foster) founder Alexander Yee said the jazz festival was an effort to raise funds to maintain the sustainability of sea turtle conservation at the award-winning Walai Penyu Conservation Park on Libaran Island, off Sandakan town.