Choir and concerto

The closest I can get to a Broadway musical here in KK, was last Sunday night at UMS (University Malaysia Sabah) for 'Music Across Borders by a World Class Choir'.

Featuring the Carmina Slovenica choir, from Slovenia. Before I could come back home to google more about it (maybe I should have googled them before going), a few adjectives - haunting, european, mystical,.....hairography - popped into my mind while watching and trying to interpret the message/story from their movements, clapping, hooting, wailing and singing. It wasn't what I expected from the usual standing-in-one-spot-singing type of choir, although I did enjoy it all. Reading through the wikipedia entry helped to make sense why it didn't make sense, because their whole performance that night was actually a combination of some of their recent performances. From what I can recall and identify: Musica Inaudita, Vampirabile, Scivias (this one reminded me of the Kecak performance in Bali, minus the fire), Drum Cafe, Adiemus, Na Juris in the Mood (swing and blues, which the audience seemed to prefer more).

After the break, it was time to 'Support local product!'. The Malaysia Operafest Children's Choir was pretty impressive. Conducted by Mdm Kam Sun-Yoke (can sing soprano kau kau!) and accompanied by the pianist, Ng Teck Yeong (I wouldn't be surprised if he could play with his eyes closed, he's so very the geng!). They did a Broadway number from West Side Story, The Yellow River Concerto, etc. There was a part where the children went backstage to change costumes and came out looking ready to fight in a kungfu movie, which they did (acting lah)...before lining up to sing a famous Chinese song. I don't know the title, but I remember Kevin from TOA sang it like this "Long one~~~~ Short one~~~ Long one Short one~ Which one do you want?~~". It's okay if you're clueless at the moment...haha.

The finale was when both choirs combined to sing a Kadazan song (no, I don't know which one).

The second finale was when it was time to go home and clean-up; a few of the backstage crew syok sendiri on stage while Eagles - 'Love will keep us alive' was playing over the PA system.

Thank God for the night to just be part of the audience without worrying about the whole running of the show, although I'd automatically perk up at the times when there's a hiccup somewhere...lol. But it was a good night. So, good night~