Kuching's St Joseph Private School's (SJPS) Chamber Choir has made Malaysia proud by clinching the first prize (Gold) at the 2021 Busan International Choral Festival and Virtual Choir Competition last Saturday (Oct 23).
Dressed in batik and kain pelikat, the choir wowed judges with its performance of the Malay traditional folk song, Ikan Kekek, arranged by Dr Tracy Wong with Benedict Lo Hin Chi as the conductor.
Members of the jury comprised renowned conductors such as Anton Armstrong (the United States), Zoltán Pad (Hungary) and Soon-Jung Kim (South Korea).
SJPS was the only Malaysian representative in the virtual competition, which is open to non-professional choir members aged 18 and younger. It posted the good news on their Facebook page on Oct 21.
Formed in 2017, the choir also staged musical drama The White Rajah Of Sarawak in 2017 and 2019 in Kuching.
Their past achievements include clinching a silver medal at the 11th Orientale Concentus International Choral Festival in Singapore (2018) and a gold medal at the 2nd World Virtual Choir Festival in Bandung last year.
Earlier this year, they chalked another milestone after winning the Gold B Award at the Malaysian Choral Eisteddfod (MCE) National Virtual Choir and Vocal Festival 2021.
The choir's Ikan Kekek video has received positive feedback on Lo's YouTube channel (Benedict JC Lo). For many Malaysians, it served as a walk down memory lane for those who grew up listening to this traditional folk song.
Alicia K. said: "It's a very comfortable rendition of this popular childhood song. You've all done a wonderful job. Nobody can imagine the hard work (and) effort each (and) every member put into this video. Bravo, (and) congratulations on the award!"
Mokhtar Halim commented: "Refreshing rendition of an old folk song! Congratulations everyone..makes me feel proud again to be Malaysian!"
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