KUCHING: Kuching based choral group Jehté Chamber Choir performed their first public concert titled ‘Music & Words – A Choral Concert’ to a packed crowd at Telang Usan Hotel here on Boxing Day (Dec 26).
The sold-out mini concert was a rousing success, exceeding the targeted number of concert goers.
The highlight was of course the choral group who performed an exciting repertoire featuring eight choral pieces that evoked different moods and emotions – from happy tunes and quirky pieces to a gentle lullaby and a heartening song of hope.
The audience was also treated to a Malaysian folk song in Dikir Barat style and a melodious Māori proverb among others.
In between the choir performances were side acts that included vocalists Lester Geres, as well as Moses and Martina Tie.
Moses Tie also performed a piano solo, followed by a fellow young pianist Marcus Ngieng, much to the crowd’s delight.
Also on piano was Ahmad Deedat, with an iconic theme music from one of the biggest game franchises, while Jonah Lim serenaded the audience with a piano piece from one of Japan’s famous modern-day bands.
Jonah was joined later by his student Jee Yi Jin on a special two-piano/four-hand piano duet.
Audiences were later entertained by dancers from Zephyr Dance Studio as well showcasing graceful movements in a dance choreographed to an iconic Christmas tune.
All the excitement was brought to a calm conclusion as Jehté Chamber Choir ended the concert with a gentle lullaby.
Jehté Chamber Choir was founded in 2020 by George Tay, together with two passionate supporters and devotees of the choral art Ahmad and Chong.
With singers from different walks of life and professions, Jehté Chamber Choir aims to stimulate and energise the local choral scene as well as broaden public perception towards choral singing beyond religious purposes.
Through trying times, such as at the height of COVID-19 pandemic, the choir members had to practice via Zoom and they persevered through it.
When the situation improved, they could finally meet in person to practice and sing together.
Their hard work and determination later led to the choir earning a special mention award at the Medici International Music Competition, a Gold Diploma award at the Malaysian Choral Eisteddfod, and first runner-up at the state-level Unity Choir Competition organised by the National Unity Ministry all within the same year.
