2015 was a very eventful year for the choir. We were the recording choir for the 2015 South-east Asian (SEA) Games’ theme song, “Reach”, and were given the privilege to perform the song alongside Cultural Medallion recipient Mr Dick Lee, during the SEA Games Opening Ceremony. The choir was also the recording choir for NDP 2015’s theme song, “Our Singapore”. Additionally, the choir performed for school events such as Founder’s Day and Prefect’s Installation, and at Performing Arts Night, the choir performed three technically challenging pieces to rave audience responses. Another highlight this year was the opportunity to have an exchange programme with the La Salle College Choir from Hong Kong. We ended the year with a bang and managed to clinch two gold awards, 1st in Section B2 Youth category (U24), and 2nd in Section A1 Children’s Category (U16), in the International Federation of Choral Music (IFCM) World Choral Expo Choir Competition held in Macau. During our trip there, we were also blessed with a multitude of new and exciting experiences such as attending several Masterclasses held by internationally renowned maestros, attending several choral concerts and performing in St Lawrence’s Church, one of Macau’s oldest churches and a UNESCO world heritage site. We were also treated to a truly unique experience as we sang al fresco on the terrace in the University of Macau! It was truly a wonderful conclusion to 2015 for the MGS choir.
Recording Of Reach for SEA GAMES and Minister Heng Swee Keat
In 2014, the MGS choirs recorded ‘Reach’ for the 2015 South East Asian Games (SEA Games). Opening Ceremony on the 5th of June.We then were asked to perform the song alongside Cultural Medallion recipient Dick Lee. We went through rehearsal after rehearsal at the Singapore Sports Hub, anxiously waiting for the big day to come. In a live broadcast to over 200,000 people, we performed Reach with all our hearts and went home satisfied and grateful for the wonderful experience. In 2016, we were given the opportunity to re-record ‘Reach’, this time as a “get-well-soon’ card for Minister Heng Swee Keat, which gave some of us the chance to record something for the first time.
International Federation of Choral Music (IFCM) World Choral Expo (Macau)
- Gold medal (only 2 were awarded!)
- 2nd place, Section A1 Children’s Category (U16)
- Gold Medal, 1st Place, Section B2 Youth Category (Under 24)
From the 9th to 17th November, the MGS Choir flew to Macau to participate in the International Federation of Choral Music’s World Choral Expo. During the 8 days in Macau, the choir attended several Masterclasses, concerts and performed in St Lawrence’s Church which is one of Macau’s oldest churches and a UNESCO world heritage site. During the competition, we rehearsed al fresco on the terrace in the University of Macau. After all our hard work, we were awarded 2 golds, 1st in Section B2 Youth category (U24), and 2nd in Section A1 Children’s Category (U16)! We were extremely proud of what we had achieved and spent the rest of our time exploring Macau and its heritage.We came home, thankful for the opportunities given to us and had even more of a burning desire to achieve greater things.
2016
Orientale Concentus
- Special award - Best Performance of a Singaporean Composition (Ecce Crucem Domini by Albert Tay)
- 1st in Equal Voices (Junior) Category
In July 2016, the choir competed in the 9th Orientale Concentus, an international choir competition and festival. The qualifiers were held at SOTA concert hall, and we spent a whole day there, participating, attending masterclasses and watching other choirs perform. We were proud that we participated, and were even more delighted when we were told that night that we won our category (Equal Voices Junior) and qualified for the Grand Prix. We were given the amazing privilege to perform and compete at the Esplanade. It was an extremely valuable experience and we walked off stage singing praises of joy. Although we did not come in overall champion, we were awarded for the Best performance of a Singaporean Composition for Ecce Crucem Domini by Mr Albert Tay, our conductor. Overall, we were taught so many valuable lessons throughout the course of one weekend and it was truly unforgettable for every single one of us.
Performance at State Court for Singapore Chief Justice
In January 2016, the MGS Choir was invited by the State Courts perform for the Chief Justice and international juries at a conference. We performed The Wind by Zechariah Goh, Reach by Dick Lee and Bruremarsj Fra Verdal by Henning Sommerro. It was an amazing privilege to share choral music with juries and judges and we gained much experience from the opportunity given to us.
