Originally launched in 1992, The Canticle Singers (TCS) has produced 16 musical productions to date and their upcoming show Shining Through, which will be presented in front of live audiences at the Istana Budaya, Jalan Tun Razak will mark their eighteenth production. Favouring a straight conventional or mixed group formation, the group has since come a long way. In 1992, TCS took another drastic change in their style by infusing some acting and movement elements during performances.
“Audiences in Singapore and Manila can accept us just sitting around and performing our pieces together with limited movements. But in Malaysia, things are different,” said Founder and Music Director, Mr HK Chong. “Malaysian audiences can’t accept for the fact that we just sit down and sing. They want to see us moving on stage. Or else they’ll find it boring and will fall asleep!” joked Mr Chong.
This June, their concert celebration Shining Through will be fusing many styles of music. The first half of the repertoire will feature straight choral singing in the seated fashion, while second half will be involving some movement as well as other interesting elements ala Broadway style. Not only that, audiences will be invited to be part of the performances with the members of the chorale.
A member of the chorale, Patricia Ngo said that, “we’ve always been a choral group, singing in parts. At first, we only stage them in churches because they’re easier to maintain and lower in cost. The members who join us usually come from local churches and communities. Since incorporating movements in our performance, I sometimes find it quite hard to adapt. When you sing and then try to put in some movements, you might forget either one. For example, when you move you might forget what you’re singing because you are so focus in your moves and all.”
Shining Through will be staged at the Lambang Sari, Istana Budaya and will feature a chorus of 17 men and women. The group will be joined by guest performer Stefano Chen and host Timothy Ooi. Those interested can catch the group in their evening performances at 8.30pm, starting with the preview on June 2 until June 6. There will also be a 3pm afternoon show on June 5 and June 6.
All the nett proceeds from this show will be channelled to Ray of Hope Children’s Home in Sepang.
