In light of the recent APAC Choir Festival, a group of 66 student musicians came together from 4 international schools across Asia (SASPD, SASPX, CISS, and AISG) to perform a series of pieces in celebration of their passion for singing and music. With the guidance and cooperation of choir directors Karolina Pek, Allison Lyso, Emma Tattarakis, and Meg Ideker, a performance was staged in Concordia’s Rittmann Theatre on November 20, 2021, in collaboration with the APAC Orchestra. The SAS Pudong APAC Choir sang a total of 8 compositions; let us take a closer look at the diverse song choices.At the recent APAC Choir Festival, a group of 66 student musicians came together from four international schools across China (SASPD, SASPX, CISS, and AISG) to perform a series of pieces in celebration of their passion for singing and music. With the guidance and cooperation of choir directors Karolina Pek, Allison Lyso, Emma Tattarakis, and Meg Ideker, a performance was staged in Concordia’s Rittmann Theatre on Saturday, the 20th, in collaboration with the APAC Orchestra. The SAS Pudong APAC Choir sang a total of 8 compositions, as detailed below:
- Coronation Anthem No. 1 ‘Zadok the Priest’
Between September and October 1727, Handel composed his four coronation anthems, producing some of the most spine-tingling choral music of the Baroque period. Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened, The King Shall Rejoice, and My Heart Is Inditing, and this piece, were originally written as four individual works, but are now frequently published as a collection. Zadok the Priest is the most well-known of the four. Its adrenaline-pumping opening, with its tempting promise of relief, just to restart, is simply a taste of what is to come. The choir bursts onto the stage with their victorious outpouring of delight as the regal strings grow, gradually climaxing in a full six-part chorus singing ‘God save the King!’ and a flurry of semiquavers over the word ‘Alleluia.’ Since its inception, Zadok the Priest has been sung before the anointing of the sovereign at the coronation of every British monarch, and has become a British patriotic anthem.
- O Love
The words of Scottish minister George Matheson in 1882 inspired the song “O Love.” His fiancée called off their engagement when he was blinded at the age of nineteen, and his sister took care of him as he faced new obstacles. Years later, as he penned the words to this song on the day of his sister’s wedding, he was confronted with the poignant remembrance of his own anguish and loss. This SATB choir and optional cello setting uses hopeful rising lines to signify renewed trust, given a new melody. Despite residual dissonances that remind us of past pain, the lovely promise remains: “morn shall tearless be.”
- Magnificent Horses
Traditional Chinese melodies inspired this finely constructTraditional Chinese melodies inspired this finely constructed tune. The song honors horses’ beauty, grace, and strength, as well as their unique relationship with humans throughout history. All who share a love and appreciation for these lovely creatures whose power and loyalty we are privileged to enjoy will be delighted by the magnificent melody.
- Sisi Ni Moja
The title, composed by Jacob Narverud, translates to “We Are One,” with the premise being that humanity is alike in many ways. The title, composed by Jacob Narverud, translates to “We Are One,” with the premise being that humanity is alike in many ways. This song resonates powerfully with each of us since we live in a community where many of our members come from many cultures with distinct languages, backgrounds, and personal stories. Despite our differences, we share the same needs and desires: to enjoy the joy of communion with one another and to be surrounded by love and support from one another, our community, and God. The energetic djembe sets the tone, the piano adds its own rhythmic pattern, and the singers deliver the message, sounding at times as if they should be singing around a campfire.
- Juntos
“Juntos” is a Jim Papoulis original in the style of a Spanish folk song, performed by three part treble voices, two percussion players, and piano singing in a Latino style. The composer’s original text highlights the strength and power that comes from learning to work and walk together. The word “Juntos” means “together,” and it develops to a tremendous “Unidad” through Latin dancing rhythms.
- Water Fountain
“Water Fountain”, a 21st century piece originally by the Tune-Yards blends the aesthetics of drought politics, dance hall dub, and teenage zeal to produce something that is both structured and chaotic at once. A water fountain along Oakland’s Lake Merritt inspired this unique song. “Water Fountain,” Garbus says, “is about my anxiety over the collapse of our societal infrastructure and the lack of drinkable water. It’s a childlike chant, but the words are about heavy topics.”
- Hold Me, Rock Me
Brian Tate successfully mixes the texts from a number of well-known spirituals to produce a completely new choral melody. As performed in this a capella composition, the need for belonging is immediately apparent and softly rocks to a gratifying conclusion. The SAS Pudong APAC Choir group sang this as an individual song.
- Can You Hear?
“Can you hear my cries? I am calling out to you.” Again performed by the SAS Pudong APAC Choir, this dramatic song sings in advocacy for a better future, as the global community of children speaks together, using worldbeat sounds, united chordal harmonies, and occasional solos for a startling effect. This tune establishes the tone for a lively new season of music-making.
With each song symbolizing a piece of humanity, each singer poured their heart and soul into the performance. To listen to the live performances, click here.
** The author, Cindy Chen, participated in the APAC Choir performances.