MALAYSIANS are set to embrace a month filled with activities encompassing everything from performing arts, visual arts, heritage, traditional games to literature and language when the much-awaited KL Festival 2008 kicks off on Tuesday.
“This festival is an important platform to showcase the beauty, culture, arts and heritage elements of the different races in the country, whether it is for the appreciation of the locals or foreigners,” said Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal during the launch on Saturday at KLCC.
Perfect timing: The Pangkuliang group, comprising schoolchildren aged between seven and 10 years from Tambunan in Sabah, performing a traditional dance from the state. Shafie added that since the festival’s inception in 2006, the KL Festival had united Malaysians of all generations and races through the spirit of creativity and unity.
The launch on Saturday was also the first time that the organisers had chosen an outdoor location for the occasion and the concept for the night was to incorporate a park atmosphere with elements of water and wind for its Nature theme.
Floral touch: Shafie (third from left) sprinkling flowers on the audience to mark the launch of the fest. Ushers for the night were dressed in bright colours with headgear of flowers and leaves, and they proved to be a favourite among foreign tourists.
During the launch, guests were given a glimpse of what they could expect to see this month, through several performances at the ceremony.
The national choir kicked off the night with City of Arts, the theme song for this year’s festival.
It was followed by performances by local artistes, schoolchildren from Tambunan, Sabah, and an Indian classical music performance by Grammy award winner Vishwa Mohan Bhatt.
Activities for this year’s programme have also increased, from 68 last year to 82 this year, giving the public more choices and a wider range of activities to look forward to.
All together now: Dancers from Istana Budaya, the Temple of Fine Arts, the Petaling Jaya City Council and Dua Space Dance Theatre performing the Unity Dance. The KL Festival 2008 is jointly organised by the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry, the Tourism Ministry, the Information Ministry and the Federal Territories Ministry through Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
For the full listing of the KL Festival 2008 activities, visit www.klfestival.org.my.
Source : STAR
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