Thursday March 26, 2009
By OH ING YEEN
IF YOU think that choir members just stand still and sing at concerts, the Dithyrambic Singers will prove you wrong.
Adding elements of drama to their singing, the group delivered a performance that was an eye-opener, particularly to those new to the choir scene. Many in the audience were stunned when some of the choir members performed a tribal war dance, howling in agony, sobbing hysterically and screaming in madness.
The play of light created a dramatic effect to set the mood for the songs the choir rendered. There were also several costume changes, with the members looking smart in shades of black and red, white and blue, as well as traditional Malaysian motifs.
Titled A Choral Voyage, the performance, held at the KL Performing Arts Centre (KLPac) last weekend, was the choir’s first full recital. The choir was founded in 2005.
The group performed more than 15 songs during the concert, and highlights included the ancient tribal war-inspired Bal-laygi and the thought–provoking A Land Far Away, both of which provided the choir the opportunity to incorporate drama elements.
The latter was composed by the choir’s associate member Ng Shyh Poh with the aim of conveying the message of the brutalities of war through the voice of the victims. Six choir members each took on different roles as victims of war and acted out the emotions that resulted from the horror they had experienced — agony, sadness, fear, and even madness.
The audience was transported to the grasslands of Mongolia by the traditional Mongolian folk song Ba Jun Zan as the choir members mimicked the sound of galloping horses to portray the vigour of Genghis Khan’s famous eight steeds.
A Glimpse of Malaysian brought a sense of familiarity to the audience with its medley of five Malaysian folk songs that showcased the uniqueness of the local culture, including songs we grew up with, such as Geylang Si Paku Geylang.
The Dithyrambic Singers emerged Grand Prix Champion at the 2008 Busan Choral Festival and Competition in November 2008, on the heels of its victorious participation in the 21st Century International Choral Festival, Orientale Concentus, held in Suzhou, China, in July2008.
The choir was also invited by the Singapore Education Ministry to be one of the four choirs selected internationally to perform at the Victoria Hall during the recent 2008 World Youth Choral Festival.
Artistic and music director Ian Lim, who founded and conducts the choir, deemed the Singapore stint an honour and credited the international exposure as inspiration for the choir.
“The lyrics of A Land Far Away came from a Japanese poem. At the 2008 Busan Choral Festival and Competition, one of the judges, who is Japanese, commented that we understood the lyrics very well,” Lim said.
He added, “We’d been thinking of having this concert and it took us three months to prepare and rehearse for this; every one was so nervous! We’ve gone through so much, from zero to a champion choir.”
Producer Vincent Kang, who is also part of the choir, was overwhelmed by the audience’s reaction and support.
“We did not know what to expect as this is our first full recital. Previously, we had only collaborated with other choirs or taken part in competitions,” he said.
He revealed that the choir would participate in the World Choir Games in Europe.
“Competitions are a way to push us to go further and try out more things. It broadens our horizon,” he explained.
With two international accolades under their belt, the Dithyrambic Singers is one choir to watch out for in the international scene.
