KOTA KINABALU: Three renowned members of Society of Performing Arts Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (SPArKS) lead their music groups to perform in Sunset Music Festival @ Tip of Borneo in Kudat today, 30 June.
It is very unusual to have three members from one organization to be invited by Sabah Tourism to participate in one of its premier events.
The three Sabah’s foremost musicians who would take centre stage at the musical extravaganza are SPArKS president Cheong Kok Ann, SPArKS vice president Roger Wang and 2010 SPArKS exco member Yap Ling.
Cheong leads his nine-piece music ensemble JACKFRUIT to present original composed songs from their two released albums and also a jazzy version of SAYANG KINABALU.
JACKFRUIT is the first Malaysian group to be invited to perform in 10th Nanjing Jazz Festival, China in 2011 and as highlight band in the 8th JB (Johor Bharu) Arts Festival in 2011.
Roger Wang presents ‘Roger & Friends’ – a platform to showcase his beautiful fingerstyle guitar playing, which features many local talents to share this wonderful musical experience with him.
Roger Wang is well known locally and internationally, and has performed in many music festivals worldwide.
He was also an award winner for a song composed for Jacky Cheung.
Yap Ling leads and conducts the Jesselton Philharmonic Orchestra, which has always been the highlight at Sunset Music Festival for a few years.
He has helped to form many orchestras in Sabah and Sarawak, and is also well known for his violin playing.
Yap Ling has also been invited to perform in many concerts and music festivals locally and internationally.
Apart from performing with many international musicians, it is often a family affair for him.
Sunset Music Festival also involves all his family members, namely daughter Yap Qin on violin, Yap Yi on cello and wife Grace Lee on piano.