About Us
Kota Kinabalu Music Society, established in 1973 with a mission to promote classical music appreciation to the local community through concerts of local and visiting artists. It has expanded its vision over the last few decades and has birthed an annual music festival in which we are celebrating its 30th edition this year.
Such musical affairs have raised many young talents at the same time allowing many from far and near to connect and beautiful friendships and liaisons were made. The noble objectives of promoting awareness of high and fine standards of the arts have always been the heart of the society.
Kota Kinabalu Music Society Office Bearers 2025-2026
Chairman
Audrey Chin
V. Chairman
Ann Sham
Secretary
Ho Yee Li
Treasurer
Clare Chu
Committee members:
Ku Sim Yee
Valarie Liau
Jeorgein Oh
Rebecca Ho
Tay Su Yee
Cecilia Lee
Sharon Tsen
Sheila Teo
Kota Kinabalu Music & Dance Festival
A little story of how it began:
It’s good to dream big however it’s wiser to be humble and start small. The idea of such a festival was a vision some 40 years ago but at that time the idea was not well received because the community did not have the mindset for this yet but it did not deter those who had the passion and heart for this to happen.
With some creative thinking, we started small christmas party gatherings with food and music for a few years in our homes until the number of teachers and students grew, we then used public venues instead. Then came a point where there were overwhelming list of students wanting to perform at our Christmas gatherings hence we started to have selection sessions to pick the finalists to perform and it has evolved to what we have today.
With wisdom, humility, patience and team spirit we garnered enormous support from many many like minded professional artists, together we have formed friendships from all around the world.
The aim of the festival has always been Kota Kinabalu centred and this has attracted not just the locals but many international participants. It’s a festival for everyone far and near. The beautiful Sabahan harmonious spirit of unity in diversity has always been the high point in the festival organisation where everyone is a volunteer.
Kota Kinabalu Music Society has remained focus to the club’s mission and purpose of it’s formation. This 52 year old club is celebrating its 30th edition of a public festival and we couldn’t be prouder as we also initiated our very first music pedagogy conference which reflect the commitment and progress we have made as a non profit organisation. We hope these activities will continue to bring about good for the community and raise the standards of the arts.
