Symphony Of Voices 2023

Our Choir Our Choir Our Choir

Founded in 1985, Victoria Junior College Choir has won numerous awards and accolades, in both local and international choral competitions, under the leadership of its conductor and music director, Mr Nelson Kwei. These include but are certainly not limited to the "Singapore Youth Festival Arts Presentation", the "Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod" in Wales, and the "World Choir Games".

More recently, the Victoria Junior College Choir attained various category awards and clinched the Grand Prize at the "Asia Cantate" held in 2018, Hong Kong. Just last week, the Choir came back with a Distinction at the recently concluded "SYF Arts Presentation". As of December 2022, Victoria Junior College Choir is ranked 5th in the world in the Mixed Choirs category of the INTERKULTUR World Rankings.

After 3 years of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Victoria Junior College Choir is truly excited to finally be able to perform in a public venue for our annual Symphony of Voices. We are greatly honoured to be granted such an opportunity once again, and we hope that you will enjoy the performance today!

Our Conductor Our Conductor Our Conductor

The premier choral director of Singapore, Mr Nelson Kwei is the founding conductor of our very own VJC Choir since its inauguration in 1985. He is an internationally acclaimed conductor, conservatorium lecturer, editorial advisor, international adjudicator, music arranger and vocal clinician in the music scene. He is a Fellow from the London College of Music and Advanced Post-Graduate in Choral Conducting from the Royal Academy of Music (London).

Mr Nelson Kwei currently holds the record in Singapore of garnering an unprecedented 254 international gold awards and champion titles. In 2018, Mr Nelson Kwei led the NUSChoir to win the “Choir Of The World Award – Pavarotti Trophy” in the "Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod", becoming the first and only Singapore choir to achieve this honour. Mr Kwei also holds six individual conductor awards from Italy, Austria, Germany and Czech Republic.

Mr Nelson Kwei was the first choral scholar in Singapore and won the National Youth Award Culture. In 1999, he was awarded with the “Culture Award” by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and in 2001, the Rotary Club honoured him with the “Ambassador of Music” Title.

Presently, he is the Artistic Director of the “Singapore Choral Festival”, "Jubilate, Festival of Choirs", “A Voyage of Songs” and “Asia Cantate”, the latter two of which are prominent international choral competitions. He is also the Founding Director of the Asian Choral Association and the First Chairman of the Musicians Society (Singapore).

Victoria Chorale Victoria Chorale Victoria Chorale

Founded in 1988, Victoria Chorale is the home of singers from Victoria School and Victoria Junior College. Under the guidance of our esteemed conductor, Mr. Nelson Kwei, our voices have voyaged to prestigious international festivals, including those in Llangollen, Pohlheim and Bournemouth.

Notably, the choir emerged category champions in the Musica Sacra A Capella category in the 2006 "World Choir Games" in Xiamen, China. In 2017, the choir emerged Grand Champions at the "Inaugural Manado Cantat International Choral Competition", sweeping the top prizes in the Equal Voices Open, Chamber as well as Sacred categories.

The choir has also been invited on concert tours to prominent performance arts venues and festivals like the Seoul Arts Center, South Korea (2009), Lionel Wendt Theatre in Colombo, Sri Lanka (2014) and most recently to the Sarawak International Festival of Music and Arts (2022).

Through the years, Victoria Chorale has served as a haven for us to grow as musicians and friends. Every year, generations of singers return for our homecoming carolling session known fondly as our “Grand Reunion”. This, along with our annual concert, In Song, are testaments to our choral family’s commitment to kinship and good choral singing.

1st row (from the left): Kannamball, Roshini, Anushka, Asha, Julia

2nd row (from the left): Rui Yang, Elizabeth, Sam, Zarah, Charis

Altos Altos Altos

1st row (from the left): Angelica, Shuen Ying, Jenna, Chyenne

2nd row (from the left): Xuen Lynn, Qiao Enn, Mrudani, Muxi

Tenors Tenors Tenors

1st row (from the left): Kaydren, Rui Yi, Kelvin, Isaac

2nd row (from the left): Aaron, Linao, Ray Kit

Basses Basses Basses

1st row (from the left): Nathan, Brandon, Asher, Zhiren

2nd row (from the left): Kaizer, Shatiesh, Zac, Lester, Dylan, Sebastian

Stars Stars Stars

Fire of Hope Fire of Hope Fire of Hope

Io Mi Son Giovinetta Io Mi Son Giovinetta Io Mi Son Giovinetta

小时候 小时候 小时候

(Yesterday, I Was (Yesterday, I Was (Yesterday, I Was Young) Young) Young)

Misterium Misterium Misterium

Mirabile Mirabile Mirabile

How Can I Keep From How Can I Keep From How Can I Keep From

Sunrise, Sunset Sunrise, Sunset Sunrise, Sunset A Thousand Years A Thousand Years A Thousand Years Trees Trees Trees In My Life In My

Life In My Life

Remember Me Remember Me Remember Me I Dreamed a Dream I Dreamed a Dream I Dreamed a Dream Itsumo Nando Demo Itsumo Nando Demo Itsumo Nando Demo (Always With Me) (Always With Me) (Always With Me)

Stars Stars Stars

Composed by: Ēriks Ešenvalds

A choral composition by Ēriks Ešenvalds, ‘Stars’ is one of his most widely performed works. Reflecting the beauty and mystery of the night sky, this song captivates audiences with its hauntingly beautiful sound. Tuned glasses are also used to create shimmering, ethereal sounds that evoke the twinkling of stars, creating a magnificent atmosphere.

Fire of Hope Fire of Hope Fire of Hope

Composed by: Darius Lim

Written as the set piece for SYF 2023, composer Darius Lim, wrote ‘Fire of Hope’ to remind singers of the importance of resilience, unity, strength and hope through its lyrics. He intended to encourage students to reflect on the different experiences in the past 3 years during COVID, while allowing an exploration in musical and textual nuances. The very last part of the song is left intentionally open-ended, and it was our very own choir students who decided they wished to end the piece on a powerfully contemplative note.

Io Mi Son Giovinetta Io Mi Son Giovinetta Io Mi Son Giovinetta

Composed

by:

Claudio Monteverdi

’Io Mi Son Giovinetta' is a traditional Italian ballata from the Renaissance era, with the original text written by Giovanni Boccaccio in the 14th century. Its light-hearted tune captures an ultimately unsuccessful courtship between a love-lorn shepherd and the object of his affection, mirroring the back-and-forth dialogue between the would-be lovers. Monteverdi composed the fast-moving harmonies of this song to bring out the lively nature of the dramatic commotion.

小时候 小时候 小时候 (Yesterday, I Was Young) (Yesterday, I Was Young) (Yesterday, I Was Young)

Composed by: Nelson Kwei

is a piece written by our very own conductor, Mr Kwei. As someone who believes childhood memories are the sweetest and wants to express that into music, Mr Kwei has incorporated the deepest and most lasting impressions of his stories into this piece. From stargazing in his night garden to recalling the Tang Dynasty poem his mom used to recite to him, Mr Kwei hopes to bring everyone on a journey down a bittersweet memory lane, as they enjoy the melodious sound and tune of his composition, evoking a sense of nostalgia.

Misterium Mirabile Misterium Mirabile Misterium Mirabile

Composed by: Nicola LeFanu

A captivating composition by British composer Nicola LeFanu, the song is based on a poem by LeFanu's mother, Ruth Moutrie. It tells the story of a woman named Mirabelle who lives in a world of mystery and intrigue. With its haunting melodies, dramatic contrasts, and vivid imagery, the piece is a testament to the power of music to transport listeners to other worlds and evoke deep emotions.

How

Can I Keep From How Can I Keep From How Can I Keep From

Singing Singing Singing

Composed by: Robert Lowry

Arranged by: Ronald Staheli

This song is a beloved piece that has been cherished for its timeless message of hope and perseverance. Originally written by Robert W. Lowry in the late 19th century, Staheli’s melody is based on an old American folk tune. The song continues to be a source of inspiration and comfort for people of all faiths and backgrounds as the lyrics speak to the idea of finding joy and peace in the midst of life's trials and tribulations.

Sweet Suffolk Owl Sweet Suffolk Owl Sweet Suffolk Owl

Composed by: Thomas Vautor

’Sweet Suffolk Owl’ is a madrigal for five voices composed by Renaissance composer Thomas Vautor. The song is structured as a conversation between the singer and the titular owl. While the singer eagerly asks advice to deal with love and loss, the owl responds cryptically. The lyrics of the song are rich with imagery and wordplay, and the melody is characterised by its delicate and intricate ornamentation.

Sunrise, Sunset Sunrise, Sunset Sunrise, Sunset

Composed by: Sheldon Harnick & Jerry Bock

Arranged by: Nelson Kwei

This song is one of the most recognizable numbers from the musical “Fiddler on the Roof”. Its poignant lyrics and simple melody have touched the hearts of audiences around the world, and it continues to be a beloved and timeless classic. The song expresses the bittersweet emotions of joy and sorrow that come with the passing of time, and the beauty of experiencing life's precious moments with loved ones.

A Thousand Years A Thousand Years A Thousand Years

Composed by: Christina Perri

Arranged by: N. Arnel A. De Pano

Written by American singer-songwriter

Christina Perri,

this song was featured in the soundtrack of the 2011 film “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1”. The song is a romantic ballad that expresses the depth of love and devotion between two people. It features a simple, yet memorable melody and powerful lyrics that continues to touch the hearts of listeners around the world.

Trees Trees Trees

Composed by: Oscar Rasbach

Arranged by: Bruno Huhn

A timeless and beloved song written by American composer Oscar Rasbach. The song is a simple and heartfelt tribute to the beauty and majesty of trees, expressing deep appreciation for the natural world, and the way that trees provide a sense of stability, comfort, and connection to the earth. The song's lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time, when the natural world was more accessible and tangible.

In My Life In My Life In My Life

Composed by: The Beatles

Arranged by: Roger Emerson

’In My Life’ is a classic song by The Beatles, arranged by Roger Emerson for choirs. The arrangement retains the wistful and nostalgic character of the original song, while adding texture through the use of close harmonies and lyricism that showcase the emotional depth and complexity of the piece. Emerson's adaptation includes both the original verses and the iconic instrumental break, which the song has been known for.

Remember Me Remember Me Remember Me

Composed by: Robert Lopez & Kristen Anderson-Lopez

Arranged by: Efraime Mallari

This song is a heart-wrenching piece from one of Disney’s most renowned hits, “Coco”. The piece expresses a longing to be remembered by loved ones after one's passing, to recall fond memories of people that one cherished and realising the fear that we will be forgotten over time. ’Remember Me’ has become one of the most popular songs from the Disney-Pixar film, resonating with audiences of all ages around the world and touching the hearts of many.

I Dreamed A Dream I Dreamed A Dream I Dreamed A Dream

Composed by: Claude-Michel Schonberg & Herbert Kretzmer

Arranged by: Alain Boublil

From the musical “Les Misérables”, this song is an emotional soliloquy in which Fantine, a single mother who is forced into poverty and prostitution to support her young daughter, reflects on her shattered dreams and lost youth. The song has a slow, mournful melody and dramatic orchestration, and the chorus describes the dangers and uncertainties that haunt Fantine's life. The song's themes of loss, hopelessness, and resilience continue to make it a powerful and moving piece of musical theatre.

Itsumo Nando Demo Itsumo Nando Demo Itsumo Nando Demo

Composed by: Youmi Kimura & Wakako Kaku

Arranged by: Nelson Kwei

’Itsumo Nando Demo’ is a fan-favourite from the award-winning animation, “Spirited Away” produced by Studio Ghibli. The song is set to a beautiful and melancholic ballad that ends the film. It awakens a sense of longing and a desire to find one's way back home, even if it means going through challenges and hardships. It is a song that strikes a chord with anyone who has ever experienced the bittersweet feeling of holding onto memories and connections.

(Always With Me) (Always With Me) (Always With Me)

Acknowledgements Acknowledgements Acknowledgements

Victoria Junior College Choir would like to thank the following people for making this event possible:

Our Conductor, Mr Nelson Kwei, for his constant guidance in nurturing us up to this day and inspiring us to discover our love and passion for choral music.

Our Principal, Mr Jeffrey Low, our Vice-Principals, Ms Grace Lee, Mr Koh Weining & Mr Kyle Lim, for granting us the opportunity to perform in such a grand venue for this year’s performance.

Our Subject Head of Aesthetics, Ms Ding Yih for her understanding and support.

Our Teachers-in-Charge, Ms Sandhya, Mr Quek and Ms Cheri, for their advice and encouragement, for taking care of us and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Our beloved Ms Jancy, Mr Teo, and the staff from our General Office for assisting us during our countless CCA sessions.

The Victoria Chorale, for their generous support for all our endeavours, but especially for taking time off their busy schedules to lend us their voices on this special night.

Photographers of Photography Society and Videographers of Studio V, for helping us capture the special moments during our performance.

Our lovely emcees, Saasha Naidu (23A11) and Siti Umairah bte Mohd Rafique (23A13) for being our Emcees for tonight.

Our Student Council, for providing us with ushers for the event.

And last but certainly not least, our Victorians, friends, families and the public for being present to enjoy tonight’s performance and supporting us for the concert. We are so grateful for this opportunity to come out from our long hiatus to perform in public and we hope that you have enjoyed this year's Symphony of Voices!

NO MAN IS AN ISLAND NO MAN IS AN ISLAND NO MAN IS AN ISLAND