GTF 2022: Sensational reception at ‘The Senses’

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IT was an evening filled with a splendid mix of cultural music as festival-goers enjoyed a string of eye-catching performances during the one-of-a-kind concert called ‘The Senses’ at Curtis Crest, The Habitat Penang Hill.

 

 

Hundreds of viewers were seen responding ecstatically to the performances, amid the state’s 130-million-year-old rainforest, 800 metres above sea level.

 

 

What’s more special is that the Curtis Crest is an important part of Penang Hill’s latest accolade as a Biosphere Reserve, a status earned courtesy of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) under its Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme last year.

 

Viewers enjoying the performances during the concert.

 

 

First to kickstart the evening was a Malaysian band called Jumero.

 

 

Consisting of brothers Jared (vocalist and guitarist) and Michael Lim (bassist and backup vocalist), they entertained the crowd with several energy-filled songs.

 

 

They have been making music and jamming together for almost 10 years now, and have performed at several music festivals in Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia and China.

 

 

Later, the audience had a taste of Sarawakian culture through Alena Murang, an award-winning artist from Sarawak, who played the sape, a traditional lute of the Kenyah and Kayan community who live in the longhouses that line the rivers of east Kalimantan and north Kalimantan, Indonesia and north Sarawak.

 

Jumero rocking the stage.

 

 

She was joined by Penangite Sara Heng on guzheng (traditional Chinese instrument), Simmy Lor on keyboard and thin whistle, Joshua Maran on drums and guitar, and Fook on bass guitar.

 

 

Also, not forgetting Fazz, a music band formed in 2011. The audience was treated to electronic, pop and rock-filled music.

 

 

The band consists of members Yonlynn (vocal), RFB (bass), Grace (keyboard/piano), Aabid (saxophone/clarinet) and Ayam (drums).

 

 

While the concert was going on, some visitors toured the renowned tree top walk (which is the highest viewing point in Penang) to take in the amazing 360-degree panoramic views of Penang island and beyond while enjoying the music.

 

 

 

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and wife Tan Lean Kee, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee, The Habitat Penang Hill managing director Allen Tan and George Town Festival (GTF) director Jack Wong were present at the rainforest concert.

 

 

George Town Festival returns for its third edition from July 9 to 24.

 

 

Festival-goers can look forward to a plethora of programmes encompassing dance, music, theatre, film, photography and more during the remaining of the festival.

 

Chow (fifth from right) posing for a photo with state representatives, organising committee members and others.

 

 

GTF 2021 is a project by GTWHI and organised by TLM Event.

 

It is endorsed by the Penang government and fully supported by the Penang Tourism and Creative Economy (Petace), Penang Island City Council (MBPP), and Penang Global Tourism (PGT).

 

Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi