Dithyrambic Singers

Christmas with MPO - Sat 10 December 2022

2023-01-23T23:34:00.003+08:00

Christmas with Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra

Gerard Salonga, conductor

Dithyrambic Singers, choir

While sleigh bells jingle and tree lights twinkle, the MPO spreads Christmas cheer with a dazzling holiday program and onstage festivities! From lush symphonic renditions of popular carols to nostalgic winter favourites, let’s count down the days until Christmas with the merry voices of KL’s renowned Dithyrambic Singers! Conducted by Gerard Salonga.

2019-10-07T23:50:00.002+08:00

A SPECTACULAR OPERA CHORAL CONCERT that you should not miss!

Since 2012, Dithyrambic Singers had collaborated with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra to perform in various operas and concerts. For this concert, we have selected an ARRAY of WELL-KNOWN CHORUSES to share with you. In addition, we will be performing these selected pieces in their ORIGINAL LANGUAGES. These classics are exclusively chosen from prominent composers - Wagner, Verdi, Bizet, Tchaikovsky and Puccini.

【歌海漫游】- 世界著名歌剧合唱曲

一场你绝不容错过的歌剧音乐会！
自2012年起，狂热的歌者曾多次受邀与马来西亚爱乐管弦乐团（Malaysia Philharmonic Orchestra) 携手进行歌剧演出。这次的歌剧合唱曲音乐会，我们精选出一系列悦耳动听的作品，并以原文演唱。本次的歌剧曲目皆选自著名作曲家威尔第、瓦格纳、比才、柴可夫斯基以及普契尼的经典之作。

Distant Worlds: Final Fantasy - Dithyrambic Singers

2019-04-19T14:40:00.001+08:00

Distant Worlds brought near

Azizul Rahman Ismail /

19 Apr 2019

THE MALAYSIAN Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) proved that it can perform more than just the classics with its recent presentation of Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP), KLCC.

After 12 years of great music from the videogame series Final Fantasy by composer Nobuo Uematsu, Distant Worlds holds few surprises. Nevertheless, it was still a treat for admirers of both good music and the Final Fantasy video games alike.

But first, a little bit of background. Final Fantasy was intended to be the swan song for videogame company Square, which at the time was on the brink of closure, hence the name.

Thirty-two years, 15 main-numbered entries in the series, and innumerable spinoffs later, it is one of the most well-known and beloved videogame franchises.

The DFP has played host to Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy twice before: once in 2012 and again in 2014.

Always a crowd-pleaser, the concert doubles as the perfect introduction to those new to the orchestral experience, and showcases the DFP and the MPO’s full range.

The hall was packed on the first day of the concert. There were as many people there to enjoy the music as they were people who were there to be seen, and people dragged there by their children or significant other.

Never have I seen so many in the concert hall taking selfies, and pictures of each other.

There was even someone who brought out a professional mirrorless camera. It was quite a spectacle. The atmosphere in the DFP was out of the ordinary.

Leading the MPO that night was none other than Grammy award-winner Arnie Roth, the conductor who worked closely with legendary composer Uematsu to make Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy a reality.

This year’s Distant Worlds presentation comprised 20 songs and medleys that took the audience on an adventure through the many worlds of Final Fantasy and not just the favoured few.

The concert was enhanced by a large screen that hung above the orchestra displaying clips, cut-scenes, and names of the game from which each piece of music came from.

The extraordinary Dithyrambic Singers added its magic to the whole atmosphere.

However, most of the time, I just closed my eyes and enjoyed the beautiful music.

Distractions aside, the MPO was brilliant. Honestly, I am not a fan of Final Fantasy. I was firmly in the Xenogears camp when the Final Fantasy bandwagon took off. That said, I still enjoyed the show.

Although most of the compositions played that night were by Uematsu, some (especially the newer pieces) were composed by other greats such as Hitoshi Sakimoto, Yoko Shimomura, Masayoshi Soken, Yasunori Mitsuda, Naoshi Mizuta, and Masashi Hamauzu.

The lineup was a fantastic mix of melancholic pieces like Uematsu’s Theme of Love from Final Fantasy IV, to Sakimoto’s heroic Flash of Steel, to the fun Chocobo Medley 2012 by Uematsu, Mizuta and Hamauzu.

There were also crowd-pleasers like Uematsu’s Zanarkand from Final Fantasy X, as well as new pieces to the concert, including Uematsu’s Balamb Garden from Final Fantasy VIII.

Concerts such as this do not happen very often, and it is hoped that it would open the hearts and minds of new and loyal fans to what the DFP and MPO can do.

There is something special about a performance by the MPO in this particular concert hall.

The cosy surroundings, the excellent acoustics, and the talented orchestra, all cumulate into a unique experience where the conductor could speak directly to the audience about the music, get feedback, and even get the audience to participate in the performance.

Distant Worlds - Music from FINAL FANTASY - Dithyrambic Singers

2019-04-10T13:15:00.001+08:00

Queen of Spades Opera

2019-02-10T18:01:00.002+08:00

We are so very honoured to be collaborating with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra to perform the ‘Queen of Spades Opera’ under the baton of Maestro Stanislav Kochanovsky.

Christmas Caroling 2018

2018-12-31T00:34:00.000+08:00

It's the jolliest season of 'em all!

Let's take a look at where the Dithyrambic Singers performed during this lovely festive season!

Choral Spectacular - Carmina Burana

2018-12-31T00:17:00.000+08:00

“O Fortuna!” Carmina Burana’s explosive first movement arrives like a thunderbolt, ushering in a celebration of life and love which brims with exuberance and raw energy. Such was the success of this choral tour de force that it propelled Orff to worldwide fame. Likewise, the “Drumroll” Symphony, with its unmistakable timpani opening, represents Haydn at the peak of his career. With veteran maestro Roberto Abbado and DFP’s magnificent acoustics in the mix, this is one sonic spectacle you won’t want to miss.
SAT 24 NOV 2018 8:30PM
SUN 25 NOV 2018 3:00PM
Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra
Roberto Abbado, conductor
Matthias Rexroth, tenor
Ying Fang, soprano
Wang Yunpeng, baritone
Dithyrambic Singers
UCSI Chorale
Dá Capo Voice Choir
HAYDN Symphony No. 103

歌海漫游－天籁 · 地咏 · 山谣（台湾当代歌曲）音乐演唱会系列二

2018-05-20T19:22:00.000+08:00

After a very well-received first installment, we have decided to continue this series of "Contemporary Taiwanese Songs" this year. Returning with more evergreens with beautiful arrangements, this concert will definitely cater to the taste of all!

承蒙大眾踴躍支持與口碑，使得上一屆的「歌海漫遊之天籟 · 地咏 · 山謠」系列獲得了空前成功。今年，為了回饋大家對我們的厚愛，我們決定延續此系列，為大家獻上更多炙熱人口的經典歌曲。曲目包括家喻戶曉的《再別康橋》，《聽泉》，《月亮代表我的心》以及《新望春風》。此演唱會是由隆雪華堂合唱團協辦。

希望各界人士踊跃出席觀賞，有關演唱會索票詳情，請聯絡林淑儀（016-6511775）或楊偉傑（016-6767703）。

Jolly December Christmas Caroling 2017

2018-03-27T21:09:00.002+08:00

It has been a fun season of cheer for our singers this Christmas!

Come and take a look at the beautiful photos taken during our caroling performance!

OUR "CONTEMPORARY TAIWANESE SONGS" CONCERT WAS A SUCCESS!

2017-06-02T16:30:00.001+08:00

thank you all for your continuos support in making this concert a full house!

Thank you China Press for the article!

Feel free to click on the link below for some of our concert photos!

https://www.facebook.com/dithyrambic.singers/media_set?set=a.1346633608730986.1073741840.100001530803449&type=3&pnref=story

「歌海漫遊」之「台灣當代歌曲」

2017-02-19T21:04:00.001+08:00

Dithyrambic Singers presents

"Contemporary Taiwanese Songs"

狂熱的歌者呈獻「台灣當代歌曲」

As our friends and fans know, we the Dithyrambic Singers have been presenting series of Chinese concerts over the past few years. This year we are proud to present to you a concert comprising beautiful contemporary Taiwanese songs. You will be hearing a kaleidoscope of sounds in this concert, in which includes Mandarin songs, Hokkien songs and even Hakka songs!

眾所週知，為了回饋諸位支持本合唱團的朋友們以及推廣中文歌曲，我們「狂熱的歌者」這些年來為大家呈獻了不少精彩的「歌海漫遊」中文系列音樂演唱會。

今年的演唱會系列（五）取為「天籟 · 地咏 · 山謠」，我們將為大家演繹多首台灣當代歌曲，

其中除了中文曲子之外，也包括了閩南語及客家語的曲子，讓您聆聽到色彩斑斕、婉轉悠揚的歌聲！

The concert details are as follows:

Venue: The Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall

Date: 11th March 2017 (Saturday)

Time: 8pm

For more information, do not hesitate to contact our members:

Ms Eunice (016-6511775)

Ms Sylvia (019-4346089)

Christmas Carolling 2016

2017-02-19T20:43:00.003+08:00

It's the jolliest season of 'em all!

Let's take a look at where the Dithyrambic Singers performed during this lovely festive season!

Click here for the performance taken by ICON Malaysia !! :)

Beyond Borders 音樂無涯津 : A Fundraising Concert 籌款演唱會

2016-09-01T18:47:00.001+08:00

For the last decade, the Dithyrambic Singers has unceasingly cultivated the seeds of love for music and nurtured vibrant voices.

With this concert, we hope to raise funds for our member, Soo Yi Yun to pursue her Bachelor of Arts in Music at the University of Oxford, UK.

Echoing the theme of our concert, young musicians of the choir with various musical backgrounds will come together and perform - from classical voice solo, choir ensemble, to piano and saxophone.

An aspiring choral conductor, Yi Yun will pursue and share music across international borders, and return home with new experiences in the future.

___________________________________________________

過去十年，狂熱的歌者一直不遺餘力地培育新進的聲樂人才。
此次，我們將為即將前往英國牛津大學主修音樂學士深造的團員—苏瑜韵舉辦籌款音樂會。

配合這次籌款音樂會的主題：[ 音樂無涯津 ]，團員們將一同為籌款音樂會帶來多元化的演出，曲目包括獨唱、合唱、鋼琴獨奏、薩斯風演奏等。

此音樂會所籌得款項將作為苏瑜韵追求音樂旅程的留學費用，並呼籲熱愛音樂者踴躍出席。

To enquire for ticket price, kindly contact ：
欲知詳情，歡迎致電洽詢：

Ms. Yvonne Soo Yi Yun (017-643 4828)
Ms. Eunice Ling (016-651 1775)

風華雜誌－天使在唱歌

2016-04-01T02:55:00.002+08:00

We are honoured to be featured in ICON Magazine Malaysia March issue 2016.

Thank You for the lovely write up!

2016-02-18T00:31:00.000+08:00

This January, experience the final masterpiece of Wolfgang Mozart as the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra takes on the powerful composition with Andreas Delfs conducting. 

By Karmun Ng on Jan 26, 2016  

Wolfgang Mozart has composed many beautiful musical pieces that have moved people from all over the world but none remains quite an enigma as his last albeit incomplete piece – ‘Requiem’. 

Capturing the very essence of his musical genius, the suite expresses intense emotion, both powerful and serene.  

This year, as we approach the 260th anniversary of the maestro's passing, experience the masterpiece as the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra takes on the magnificent final composition with Andreas Delfs conducting. 

Accompanying him will be Aga Mikolaj on soprano, Jennifer Johnston on mezzo-soprano, Benjamin Hullet on tenor and Paulo Szot on baritone. Completing the suite will be the Dithyrambic Singers & UCSI University Chorale, promising a compelling and impactful show.  

Playing for two days only on 30 and 31 January, tickets are now on sale beginning at RM80 per ticket for stall seats. Suite seats are also available at RM288 and RM324 per seat. 

Dithyrambic Singers, UCSI University Chorale with Maestro Andreas Delf after the final show on 31st of January 2015.

Christmas Carolling 2015

2016-01-24T01:18:00.001+08:00

Christmas is one of the loveliest festival of the revolving year. In 2015, Dithyrambic Singers was invited to perform around the Klang Valley - KLCC, Sunway Putra, The Curve, IPC, Ikea ( Cheras & Damansara ),The Gardens, Viva Home, Citta Mall and etc.

A Decade Of Excellence 2015 by Dithyrambic Singers

2016-01-24T01:10:00.000+08:00

If there’s something Dithyrambic Singers can boast about, this KL-based semi-professional choir should be pointing at the fact that they have to come to a decade in their running now. Having a wealth of experience in performances and competitions locally and internationally garnered in the ten years since their start, the choir have taken to showcasing this in their recent concert with the telling title A Decade of Excellence at the Damansara Performing Arts Centre on October 17th and 18th.

And what a fascinating concert it was--a performance in two hours with an array of songs, each one an delight to the senses, bout audio and visual, with performers decked in costumes in movements to the music. Just as how choral music in history were shaped by songs of praise to a higher power, the concert began first with a hymn--Exultate Deo-- as if to first set the mood with a subtle beginning.

From there we were swept through various pieces. On top of hymns there were songs with Southeast Asian roots such as Suriram and Balaygi, as well as contemporary pieces. I imagine this was as though Dithyrambic Singers were trying to make a statement, in aiming to be an active model choir that is proud of its Malaysian identity. And truly a statement they should be proud enough to claim, as the performance was delivered beautifully, as if to say the ten years traced by the choir has forged them into the force they are today.

Perhaps my favorite piece was the final one which drew the curtain, entitled A Land Far Away. As a dark, somber piece, emotions ran wild with members of the choir going that extra mile in tending expressions; this lending itself to a very unique piece. As I’m told, the song was based off a Japanese poem and was composed by a previous member of the Dithyrambic Singers as well. How marvelous!

It was certainly a night to be remembered; and with a decade on their backs, this choir won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

Congratulations Dithyrambic Singers on a successful concert and on your tenth year anniversary! Do continue to serenade us with sweet music for decades to come!

BY MARCEL CHIN ON 30 OCTOBER 2015

Mozarts' Requiem

2016-01-02T22:10:00.000+08:00

Upcoming Event

30-31 January 2016
Mozart's Requiem with conductor Andreas Delfs, Malaysia Philharmonic Orchestra, Dithyrambic Singers and UCSI University Chorale

For more information, please login to http://mpo.com.my/39-mozarts-requiem/

‪A Decade of Excellence‬ Concert Series

2015-10-14T18:00:00.000+08:00

Our ‪A Decade of Excellence‬ Concert Series has just started! Fret not if you have missed the first concert in the series - We will be having 3 more concerts next weekend at the Damansara Performing Arts Centre! Join us and be immersed in the beautiful world of choral music!

For more information, do not hesitate to contact:
DPAC (03-40650001/2)
Eunice Ling (016-6511775)
Esther How (012-7435128)

Dithyrambic Singers 10th Anniversary Concert Trailer 2.0
Our #ADecadeofExcellence Concert Series has just started! Fret not if you have missed the first concert in the series - We will be having 3 more concerts next weekend at the Damansara Performing Arts Centre! Join us and be immersed in the beautiful world of choral music! For more information, do not hesitate to contact: DPAC (03-40650001/2)Eunice Ling (016-6511775) Esther How (012-7435128)
Posted by Dithyrambic Singers on Saturday, October 10, 2015

A Decade of Excellence

2015-08-27T19:28:00.000+08:00

Since its inception, the Dithyrambic Singers has dedicated unceasing energies to cultivate the seeds of love for music; nurturing vibrant and radiant voices which will definitely ignite the musical sense of its audience. Echoing the very theme of this concert, the Dithyrambic Singers is eager to share its passion for choral music through its wide range of repertoire. Join these singers as they relive their journey of choral exploration while creating an enriching and kaleidoscopic musical experience with you.

PERFORMANCE DATES

1. Venue : The Chinese Assembly Hall

Date : 9 October 2015 (Friday)

Time : 8pm

2. Venue : Theatre, DPAC- Damansara Performing Art Centre (DPAC)

17 October 2015 (Saturday) -8pm

18 October 2015 (Sunday) – 3pm & 8pm

For more information, please contact
DPAC (03-40650001 /2), Ms Eunice Ling (016-6511775), Ms Esther How (012-7435128)

Boston Philharmonic conductor Benjamin Zander encourages expression from his orchestra by The Star Newspaper

2015-03-31T23:21:00.000+08:00

The maestro will be helming the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra with Gustav Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony.

MOVIE character Terence Fletcher is a terrible chap. If there was a word to describe him, it would undeniably be monstrous.

In the movie Whiplash, Fletcher is the intimidating jazz instructor at New York’s Shaffer Conservatory. He abuses his students at every opportunity.

All Fletcher is concerned about is perfection.

Teacher-conductor: Benjamin Zander says classical music speaks to the most elevated part of our spirit and soul. Photo: BRIAN MOH/THE STAR

Real life maestro Benjamin Zander is the total opposite of American actor J.K. Simmons’ character from the Oscar-winning movie Whiplash.

The British-born conductor of the Boston Philharmonic is in Kuala Lumpur to helm the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) for Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No.2 happening tomorrow and Sunday (for ticket bookings, call 03-2051 7007 or visit www.mpo.com.my).

The 76-year-old, who began composing music at the age of nine, tells us that he abhors a person like Fletcher.

“Everything about him was inauthentic. He never would have gotten the results doing what he did. It’s the exact opposite of what I believe in,” says the co-author of The Art of Possibility during a recent interview at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP).

Zander, who is based in Boston, the United States, wrote the self-improvement book together with his former second wife, psychotherapist Rosamund Stone Zander, in 2000.

“Music is the expression of the human soul and if you close it down by violence, rudeness or sarcasm, you are closing down all the sources of expression. Our job as conductors is to bring them out,” he adds enthusiastically.

Zander, who studied under orchestral luminaries such as English composers Benjamin Britten and Imogen Holst, and Spanish cellist Gaspar Cassado, believes that in any and every situation, one can create possibilities and he practices that in his own work as an orchestra conductor.

He says ordinarily, an orchestra reacts with resistance, doubt and cynicism when a new conductor comes in.

“But I say a cynical person is a passionate person who doesn’t want to be disappointed again. Now, instead of having 100 cynical people, I have 100 passionate people and immediately, I have turned it around and I can relate to them as passionate and not cynical people,” says Zander.

Zander is also a sought-after speaker around the world for leadership conferences.

Oozing with an infectious passion, the veteran, with his wispy white hair and wrinkled face, does not seem to be slowing down.

He kicked off his visit here with an Art Of Possibility demonstration at the DFP last Sunday to a packed hall. What was interesting about it was that both the orchestra and the audience had no clue what would be taking place.

Throughout the event, the orchestra played Beethoven’s thrilling Coriolan overture andOde To Joy, Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet overture and for every piece of music, Zander stopped the orchestra and gave small and effective suggestions to unlock the possibilities in them and in the scores.

Aga Mikolaj will assume the role of the soprano in Mahler's Symphony No.2.

Of course, the highlight of Zander’s visit to KL is Mahler’s Symphony No.2, also called the Resurrection Symphony. Written between 1888 and 1894, the symphony consists of five movements, progressing from a funeral march to a time of joyful remembrance, a cry of despair and a struggle with an angel.

A group photo of Dithyrambic Singers before the premiere of Mahler's Symphony No. 2.

Dithyrambic Singers, UCSI University Chorale with Maestro Benjamin Zander after the final show on 22nd of March 2015, together shouting "how fascinating".

Zander calls it the pinnacle of the classical orchestra repertoire, together with Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. “The piece is all about the great issues like life and death. It goes deep and has some of the loudest music but also some of the most intimate notes,” he explains. The MPO orchestra this weekend will be accompanied by Polish soprano Aga Mikolaj, English contralto Claudia Huckle, the KL-based choirs The Dithyrambic Singers and the UCSI Chorale.

On March 24, Zander will give a masterclass called The Art Of Interpretation at the DFP (for details, visit www.mpo.com.my).

“Classical music is not arbitrary. It’s not subjective. The composers were very clear about what they wanted and how to realise their music. And I can actually teach that and I have done that for 45 years at the New England Conservatory at Boston.

“It’s a chance to go a little deeper into the musical interpretation, tempo, phrasing, musical character and the whole way music is built,” shares Zander.

Finally, Zander will lead the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra on March 25 with Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante In E Flat and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.5 at the DFP. This is part of DFP’s effort to train and build the young musicians under the tutelage of visiting conductors.

It is not always that you get to witness such a passionate conductor helming an orchestra. And it is not always that you get to immerse yourself with music that speaks of high emotions. You might have avoided classical music once but what Zander says next could not be closer to the truth.

“Classical music speaks to the most elevated part of our spirit and soul and lifts us up and that’s what it is designed for,” the maestro concludes.

Love and betrayal in MPO’s treatment of Carmen by The Star Newspaper

2015-02-02T17:14:00.000+08:00

THAT night on Jan 28 at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) in Kuala Lumpur felt like, from its onset, an evening already on the edge of calamity. The air was still, the populace went about their apportioned affairs but there was a sense of an impending end. Of course, it began, as any night would, unassumingly, filled with hope, joy, merrymaking and sinful rendezvous.

Dark, red roses were strewn across the floor in a display of passion. Nightlight candles lit the square like teardrops on a virgin’s face. It was set then ... the grand entrance for that mistress of love, the sultry creature of the night.

Echoes of “We don’t see La Carmencita!” clamoured in the streets from amongst the young men pining for her beauty.

Patricia Bardon's deep musicality and ability to conjure the emotions of the songs were admirable and mesmerised the audience.

And then, with an air of blithe disregard and utter indifference, Carmen, the gypsy seductress, sauntered in. Her dress was as black as the night, with a single rose crowning that seat between her bosoms.

“Love is a gypsy child, he has never heard of law. If you don’t love me, I’ll love you; if I love you, look out for yourself!” she sang with a tantalising lilt in her voice.

And for the rest of the evening, a whole three-hours, the audience at DFP were stirred and mesmerised, just like her lover Don Jose, with Carmen’s soaring voice.

Helmed by the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra’s (MPO) new principal Brazilian-born conductor Fabio Mechetti, the three-weekend Carmen festival at DFP closed yesterday with its grand finale offering of the renowned French opera.

The festival began with a ballet performance, followed by a family concert and finally the opera itself, which was performed on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Love is like a gypsy child: Patricia Bardon, who plays Carmen, captivated the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas audience last week with her commanding register. Dario Solari played the bullfighter Escamillo.

Composed by French composer Georges Bizet in 1875, Carmen tells the love story of Carmen and Don Jose, a soldier. The gypsy, however, betrays him for the love of another man, the bullfighter Escamillo. Hot with fury and jealousy, Don Jose stabs the love of his life.

Leading this abridged version of one the top operas of the world is Dublin-born Patricia Bardon. The Irish mezzo-soprano, whose repertoire includes works by Monteverdi, Handel, Glück, Rossini and Verdi, proved from the very beginning that she is a force to be reckoned with.

To begin with, her commanding register did not allow anyone to escape into the land of their imaginations. Her lyrical and dramatic colouring transported the audience through Carmen’s ups and downs and passions vis-a-vis her love affairs.

More than that, Bardon, who had played the titular role many times before, was a skilful elocutionist. Her phrasing was precise, evocative and potent, so much so that albeit this writer not being a French speaker, he was able to grasp the words and take in the intentions behind the words.

James Valenti plays the love-struck Don Jose.

Bardon was also playful in her modulation, lending the right degree of devil-may-care demeanour to her character. Of course, the opera requires its main character to do just that. But Bardon stripped it of its technicality and the rise and fall of her voice was natural and even cheeky.

This was particularly evident in the famous Habanera. One would just forget for that moment all vows to love and be incited to the threshold of frolicking. After all, theHabanera is a song about wild and untamed love. And all credit goes to Bardon for her deep musicality and ability to conjure the merriment of the song.

Playing the love-struck Don Jose is American tenor James Valenti. His towering presence and deep register was magnetic and Valenti simply exuded the Herculean charisma inherent in his character. More than that, the subtle inflections in his voice was endearing and one cannot help but pine or feel betrayed with him.

Dithyrambic Singers with James Valenti (in pink) who played Don Jose in the opera and our conductor Fabio Mechetti.

Dithyrambic Singers with Patricia Bardon as Carmen, James Valenti as Don Jose, Dario Solari as Escamillo, Mariana Ortiz as Micaela, Licio Bruno as Zuniga, and Gabriella Pace as Frasquita

If Bardon and Valenti were the heartbeat of the opera, the Dithyrambic Singers, who formed Carmen’s chorus line, were the blood that pumped the heart. Their virtuoso performance infused the opera with zest and vivacity, keeping the audience tuned in.

At the end of the three-hour performance, after Don Jose murders his beloved, the premonition present in the beginning, of a looming doom, came to be. Why should a woman die for her choice of a lover? Why must passion curdle to impetuous rage, driving a man to murder?

One may not have understood the words but one would almost definitely have the left the hall with such questions lingering in their minds. And perhaps, that’s what makesCarmen one of the best operas in the world.

Christmas Caroling 2014

2015-01-02T17:37:00.000+08:00

Christmas is one of the loveliest festival of the revolving year. In 2014, Dithyrambic Singers was invited to perform around the Klang Valley - KLCC, Pavilion, IOI City Mall, Sunway Pyramid, The Curve, The Curve Borders, Ikea, Ikano Power Centre, The Gardens, and Viva Home.

Dithyrambic Singers featured in The Star newspaper

Christmas caroling featured in The Malay Mail

Asian Youth Choir for One (AYCO)

2014-12-07T18:14:00.000+08:00

AYCO is an international youth choir composed of 40 musicians representing 10 nations of ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) and Korea, founded by Music for One Foundation, sponsored by Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Korea.

The Artistic Director of Dithyrambic Singers, Assoc. Prof Ian Lim, and two of our members Sia Pei San and Gan Kee Huong, were selected as the representative of Malaysia through a competitive audition by the AYCO committee.

In December of 2014, two weeks of cultural arts and performance symposium was held in Jeju Island, Korea and a final grand concert was performed by the members of AYCO with an orchestra at KBS Hall in Seoul, South Korea.

Sia Pei San (left), Assoc Prof Ian Lim (center), and Gan Kee Huong (right)

A group photo of the AYCO members with the conductor, Prof. Eui-Joong Yoon, and the chairperson of Music for One Foundation, Dr. Mijung Im

Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy (2014)

2014-08-19T23:41:00.001+08:00

August 2014: Another thrilling experience for the Dithyrambic Singers with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) and conductor Arnie Roth as the latter is back for Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy concert again.

Choir repertoire this time around was increased; challenging but yet beautiful music:

Prelude

Liberi Fatali

Dancing Mad

Chocobo Medley

Fisherman's Horizon

Hymn of Fayth

Battle & Victory Theme Medley

Opera "Maria & Draco"

One Winged Angel (Encore)

Group photo, consisting of members of Dithyrambic Singers and also several guest singers. :)

Group photo with conductor Arnie Roth after the final performance.

A big THANKS from the bottom of our hearts to Arnie for his guidance during the rehearsals; it was our honor to work with you again!

Also, many thanks to MPO administrators Kartini, Shao Min, Faris and librarian Chin Yang for your help throughout the concert.

Nonetheless, to all of you Final Fantasy fans out there who attended the concert, thank you for all of your kind compliments. It was our pleasure to sing such beautiful music and we are very glad that you all enjoyed our performance!