Evocation 2019: The Art of Giving

EVOCATION 2019 THE ART OF GIVING

01 JUNE 2019 07:30PM SOTA CONCERT HALL

Prog ra m m e Pathlight Youth Choir (joined by EVOKX)

Song of Peace (A Partner Song With “Dona Nobis Pacem”) George Strid Follow Your Dream Mary Donnelly

Pei Hwa Voices

Shalom Chaverim Mark O’Leary Koudjay Sydney Guillaume

East Spring Chorale

EVOKX

Recollections of Early Childhood Darius Lim Little Birds Animal Crackers Vol. I & II The Seal Lullaby Eric Whitacre

Indodana Ralf Schmitt & Michael Barrett Londonderry Air Ben Parry

Pasir Ris Secondary School Choir The Pioneer Voices

Dreams of Thee Eric William Barnum Ubi Caritas Ola Gjeilo

NTU CAC Choir

Glaspolskan Ale Möller Exultate Justi Lodovico Grossi da Viadana Lighten Our Darkness Alexander L’Estrange Aesop’s Fables Bob Chilcott Omnia Sol (Let Your Heart Be Staid) Z. Randall Stroope

EVOKX Tutti

E VO C A THE ART OF GIVING

2019

AT I O N Since our inception in 2010, EVOKX has staged Evocation: The Art of Giving, an annual concert series in line with our mission and vision to engage youths in community and social work through choral singing and performance. Every year, we invite guest choirs from various schools to perform with us in concert.

Through Evocation: The Art of Giving, we embark on a shared journey to raise funds and promote awareness of social and charitable causes in Singapore. Our past beneficiaries include The Red Pencil (Singapore), Rare Disorders Society (Singapore) and Riding for the Disabled Association of Singapore. To help our beneficiaries extend their reach, we invite representatives from the beneficiaries on stage to speak about their cause and spread awareness to our audiences.

Evocation 2019: The Art of Giving will feature choirs from East Spring Secondary School, Nanyang Technological University, Pasir Ris Secondary School, Pathlight School, Pei Hwa Secondary School and The Pioneer Voices - alumni choir from Jurong Pioneer Junior College.

We afford our singers the unique opportunity to volunteer with various organisations throughout the year, and share year-end festivities through Christmas carolling. We have also collaborated with charity organisations outside of our concert series.

MUSIC & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Terrence Toh Terrence Toh is a Singaporean choral director, music educator and chorus master. He holds a Master of Music from Boston University and has studied under Dr. André de Quadros, Dr. Owen Brian William and Dr. Diana R. Dansereau. Terrence’s research interest is in the transformative powers of music, music education and music-making.

In his international debut as a conductor, Terrence led the choirs of National University of Singapore (NUS) and Tanjong Katong Secondary School to four gold awards in four competition categories at the 21st Century International Choral Festival in Genting, Malaysia. The NUS Choir was awarded the “Best Interpretation Award” and Terrence was honoured with the “Most Promising Conductor Award” in the same festival.

Choral programs under Terrence’s direction have consistently garnered gold awards and distinction certificates in the annual Singapore Youth Festival. He has also led the Anglican High School (AHS) Choir and Nanyang Junior College Choir to gold awards and diplomas at the Festival of Songs 2008 in Olomouc, Czech Republic, 11th and 12th Consorso Corale Internazionale in Riva Del Garda, Italy. The AHS choir also participated in Orientale Concentus 2014, Singapore and emerged winner in the Mixed Voices Junior Youth category.

On top of being a regular feature in Esplanade’s Limelight, a concert series that showcases the best school choirs in Singapore; Terrence has also been actively involved in Esplanade’s Voices – A Festival of Song, as performer and clinician. He has also served as a choral specialist for Ministry of Education’s World Youth Choral Festival (2008) and Singapore International Youth Choral Festival (2011).

Terrence is the founder, artistic and music director of EVOKX, a non-profit community youth choir based in Singapore. EVOKX engages youths in volunteerism through Evocation: The Art of Giving, an annual concert series that raises awareness for social and charitable causes; and promotes the choral art through Resonance, The Heart of Singing, a flagship concert series. Terrence is also the Chorus Master of the Singapore Lyric Opera and has prepared the chorus for the company’s recent productions of Turandot (2016), L’elisir d’amore (2017) and Aida (2018). As a music educator, he directs the choral programs at Anglican High School, CHIJ Katong Convent, Nanyang Junior College, Pasir Ris Secondary School, Jurong Pioneer Junior College and Zhonghua Secondary School.

WHO ARE WE? EVOKX, a portmanteau of the words ‘evoke’ and ‘vox’, was founded in 2010 as a non-profit choral group by music and artistic director Terrence Toh. At the heart of EVOKX, our singers share a passion to inspire our audiences with choral music that resonates with the soul, and instill empathy and charity through community engagement and choral performance.

We stand strong in our pursuit for artistic excellence, and strive to nurture our singers’ love for choral music by giving them an avenue to further pursue their interest in choral singing. In evoking the senses, emotions, and memories through the music we make, we hope to bring meaning and purpose to the community at large, and stay steadfast to our fundamental belief that music can bring people from all walks of life together to do good.

E VO K X We Sing & Love

Soprano

Alto

Tenor

Bass

Angela Heng

Brenda Lai

Alden Pong

Chan Poh Chin

Angelia Lim Ann Qi

Cheng Jingling

Chin Hong Jie

Chong Zi Hao Joe

Chan Pei Ee

Chin Yi Siew

Joseph Sunny Mathews

Liew Kai Keeve

Chua Hui Ming

Clara Lee

Keane Ong

Ryan Lim

Isabella Tian

Debbie Ooi

Rasyidi Samad

Teo Chuan Yi

Jeanette Choong

Elizabeth Goh

Zachary Lim

Wilson Koh

Karyn Liow

Faith Khong

Yeo Zhe Hao

Kiew Chi Wei Anika

Lim Yuen May

Yeow Lih Wei

Laura Lee

Poh Wei Lin

Leong Wan Xuan

Vanessa Ronald

Li Peishan Michelle Loo Michelle Ramachandran Rachel Xiong Sherilyn Lim Shirley Mu Sok Mun Au Yeong Tang Kuan Yee

ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR Sherilyn Lim Sherilyn Lim believes in the vital role that music plays in bringing people together to make positive changes in the community. EVOKX is where she finds joy in making music with like-minded musicians.

As assistant conductor of EVOKX under the guidance of Music and Artistic Director Terrence Toh, Sherilyn rehearses and prepares the choir for their performances, and has led them during the Christmas season and at the choir’s annual concert, Evocation: The Art of Giving. She is also the assistant conductor of Zhonghua Secondary School choir.

Sherilyn sings with the Singapore Symphony Youth Choir, the Singapore Lyric Opera Chorus and EVOKX. Highlights of her chorus performances this year include Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony in January and Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy in November with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.

Sherilyn is a Master of Architecture graduate from the National University of Singapore, and is currently working with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra as their Graphic and Digital Designer.

In August 2017, she completed a Continuing Professional Development Programme for Choral Conducting from the Conservatory of Music and Drama at the Dublin Institute of Technology.

ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR Ong Wei Shen Keane Lauded for his impeccable musicality, expression, and lyricism, Singaporean lyric baritone Keane Ong is one of today’s most promising soloists, choral directors, composers and pedagogues from Asia.

As a pedagogue, Keane believes in helping his students bring out their natural voices healthfully and tap into their inner potential. He helps his students quell the insecurities that the increasingly competitive world has instilled in them and encourages them to engage in continuous lifelong learning. Keane has taught many students privately and on internships with the Peabody Institute in Maryland, USA, and as a voice student in the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory in Singapore. Some of his students have also gone to pursue undergraduate studies in vocal performance.

Keane is also a choral conductor who emphasises healthy vocal production and an attitude to active learning to his choristers. In Singapore, Keane is the music director of The Pioneer Voices, conductor of the Pei Hwa Voices, and is an assistant conductor with EVOKX. He took minor lessons in conducting with Dr. Harlan Parker at the Peabody Institute and has trained in conducting workshops with Professor Julian Su and Dr László Norbert Nemes, director of the Kodály Institute of the Liszt Academy of Music. Keane will also be continuing his conducting studies with Singaporean conductor Terrence Toh. Keane has been coached in master classes taught by world-class artists and groups including, Roger Vignoles and The King’s Singers. He obtained his Masters in Voice Performance and Pedagogy from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, studying with American baritone William Sharp, and was awarded the George Castelle Memorial Award for Voice. He graduated from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music with a Bachelor of Voice Performance where he studied under lyric tenor, Alan Bennett. He is now also a trainee of the Singapore Lyric Opera Leow Siak Fah Artist Training programme.

OUR BENEFICIARY Very Special Arts Singapore (VSA) Very Special Arts Singapore Ltd (VSA) is a registered charity under the National Council of Social Service in Singapore.

Founded by Professor Tommy Koh, Singapore’s Ambassadorat-large, on 27 September 1993, VSA Singapore is also affiliated to VSA International in the United States.

Our vision is a world in which people with disabilities are empowered through the arts, contribute to and integrate with the community. Our mission is to create and provide access as well as opportunities for people with disabilities in the arts sphere.

To achieve this, VSA promotes visual, performing and literary arts for people with disabilities. We hold classes and workshops, and host platforms and events towards this goal. In recent years, VSA has established pathways for talented participants to excel in their chosen fields and become career artists.

In March 2018, VSA Singapore produced and presented the inaugural Asia-Pacific performing arts festival, True Colours, which featured disabled dancers and musicians from Asia Pacific together with other local and international performers.

VSA has also tied up with local arts institutes to offer training and programmes to our artists.

For more information about VSA, please visit: Website: www.vsa.org.sg Facebook: @vsa.singapore Instagram: @vsasingaporeltd

NICHOLAS THAM

Conductor of Pathlight Youth Choir Nicholas graduated from the Kodรกly Institute of the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, Hungary.

In 2017, he obtained a Masters of Arts in Kodรกly Music Pedagogy with highest honours, with a specialisation in choral conducting. In 2018, he completed a Diploma in Vocal Pedagogy with a 2nd year of specialisation in choral conducting with the Institute. Before he embarked on his studies in Hungary, he had extensive experience in teaching and conducting school choirs at all levels. He enjoys working with people of different ages, ranging from elementary, youths and young adults.

Currently, Nicholas teaches music classes at Pathlight School and is the acting conductor for her youth and junior choirs.

PATHLIGHT YOUTH CHOIR Conducted by Nicholas Tham

Pathlight Youth Choir was set up around 2013 by Pathlight School, the first autismfocused school in Singapore that offers Singapore’s mainstream academic curriculum together with life readiness skills. It aims to provide a platform for students with autism of ages 11 to 21, who have passion for music and singing, to come together to learn choral skills and perform in school and public arenas. Pathlight Youth Choir has performed in various recent events such as The Annual NCSS Day 2017 and A Very Special Walk 2018. They also collaborated with 4 mainstream secondary school choirs to perform in Voices in Harmony 2018. These events provided precious opportunities for the Choir to showcase the choral abilities of youths with autism and to advocate for more opportunities for youths with autism to participate in public events.

EAST SPRING CHORALE Conducted by Chong Wai Lun

The East Spring Chorale (ESC) is a youth choir from East Spring Secondary School.

Since 1999, the ESC has grown to become one of the most well-regarded school choirs in Singapore. It comprises more than 70 members across the soprano, alto, tenor and bass voices. The choir fosters teamwork and nurtures good character through the meaningful and engaging weekly practices. ESC has won numerous awards locally and internationally such as the Gold Award and Certificates of Distinction at the 2011, 2013 & 2015 Singapore Youth Festivals, Gold Award and Category Winner at the 2nd Voices of Asia International Choir Competition and Gold at the 2015 Winter Choral Festival in Hong Kong. ESC performed at the Esplanade Concert Hall for the SYF 50 celebrations in 2016 and also participated in the National Day Parade at the Marina Floating Platform in 2018.

CHONG WAI LUN

Conductor of East Spring Chorale Malaysian born Chong Wai Lun self-taught his way to a full scholarship at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Singapore, majoring in trumpet performance. In 2005 he joined the SYC Ensemble Singers - a pioneer community choir championing the cause of contemporary and newly commissioned choral works – and found his passion for choral music. From 2005 to 2013, he served as the assistant to conductor Jennifer Tham, and had the opportunity to prepare the choir for and work with guest conductors such as Vytautas Miškinis, Ko Matsushita and Corrado Margutti. As an active chorister himself, Wai Lun also represented Singapore in the inaugural sessions of Asia Pacific Youth Choir held by International Federation of Choral Music (IFCM) in Macau (2011) and Beijing (2012), led by conductors Saeko Hasegawa, Jonathan Velasco and Hak Won Yoon.

Wai Lun obtained his Master’s Degree in Kodály Music Pedagogy at the Kodály Institute of Liszt Academy of Music, where he studied music pedagogy under its director, Dr László Nemes, choral conducting under Peter Erdei and sang with the award-winning Ars Nova Vocal Ensemble conducted by Katalin Kiss. His pursuit of musical excellence also took him to international masterclasses such as studying with Bo Johansson at the 8th World Symposium on Choral Music in Copenhagen, and with Volker Hempfling at the 11th Chamber Choir Competition in Marktoberdorf. In the summer of 2014, Wai Lun was one of the few masterclass students of Simon Halsey and Grete Pedersen chosen to conduct the Berlin Radio Choir.

In 2015, Wai Lun completed his Master’s Degree in choral conducting at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. Besides assisting Neil Ferris in conducting the RWCMD Chamber Choir, he is also an active member of BBC National Chorus of Wales under the direction of Adrian Partington.

CINDY CHIA

Assistant Conductor of Pasir Ris Secondary School Cindy started her journey as a chorister in 2004 as part of the CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School Choir.

After which, she took on the role of the student conductor in Anderson Junior College Choir where she honed her choral technique and skills. Throughout these years, she has had the privilege of training under some of the best conductors that Singapore has to offer. This will be her 10th year working in partnership with Mr Terrence Toh. She is currently assisting with several of his choirs, notably Katong Convent Choir as well as Pasir Ris Secondary School Choir.

PASIR RIS SECONDARY SCHOOL CHOIR Conducted by Cindy Chia

The PRSS Choir aims to build a family of choir members with character and beauty, who are self-directed to achieve a high standard of performance that celebrates cultural diversity. The choir prides herself by working together as a family where no member is left behind, as the choir supports one another to overcome difficulties and celebrates successes as one cohesive unit.

Since 2009, the choir has found new direction under the baton of Mr Terrence Toh. He led the choir to a SYF Gold award in 2011 and a 2nd runner up showing at the International Krakow Choir Festival “Cracovia Cantans� in 2012. The choir has been awarded Certificates of Distinction in the SYF Arts Presentation since 2013, establishing itself as a performing arts group with immense potential and promise.

NTU CAC CHOIR Conducted by Lim Enhui

The Nanyang Technological University Cultural Activities Club Choir (NTU CAC Choir) was established in 1989 as a platform for university students with a passion for singing and choral music to gather. As per tradition, we share our music through our annual concert series, Cantemus (Latin for “let us sing�). Apart from the yearly concert, the NTU Choir also engages in various activities throughout the academic year, from participating in school events to spreading the Christmas cheer carolling around Singapore. The NTU Choir also gives back to the community with events such as annual carolling sessions at HCA Hospice Care.

In striving for choral excellence, the choir has taken part in various local and international competitions. Just recently in 2018, the NTU Choir took part in the 10th World Choir Games in Tshwane, South Africa and was awarded a Gold Medal in the Champions Competition - Pop Choirs and a Silver Medal in the Champions Competition University and College Choirs under the guidance of our conductor, Mr. Yong Chee Foon. In the Singapore International Choral Festival 2017, the NTU Choir, led by our Student Conductor, Ms. Nicolette Foo, was awarded Category Champion of the Under 25 Category. In 2015, we claimed the title of Category Champion and Gold Diplomas in two separate categories at the 5th Anton Bruckner Choir Competition and Festival in Linz, Austria.

LIM ENHUI

Student Conductor of NTU CAC Choir Lim Enhui is a student conductor in the Nanyang Technological University Choir. His love for music was first sparked when he joined the Anglo-Chinese Junior College Choir in 2013. Upon graduating, he continued to nurture his passion by joining the ACJC Alumni choir, where he performed in at least two concerts a year. During his time there, the choir embarked on a recording project that resulted in the release of their album, “Prayers and Poems�, and performed a series of Advent-season concerts in London. Enhui was also a guest singer in the debut concert of the Singapore Symphony Youth Choir in 2017. Besides studying Mathematics in NTU, Enhui is also pursuing a Minor in Music under the National Institute of Education.

PEI HWA VOICES Conducted by Ong Wei Shen Keane

Pei Hwa Secondary Choir (aka Pei Hwa Voices) was formed in 2007. Since our formation, the choir’s membership has increased from 18 to 48. Many of our members join the choir with little to no singing and music experience. Through the passion for singing and diligence, many of our singers have grown to become confident young ladies and men. With a repertoire from different cultures and genres, we continue to broaden our perspectives and stretch our potential in the choral scene. The choir actively performs in various events in and out of school. Over the years, we are thankful to have had some achievements that we worked hard for. Even more so, what the members of Pei Hwa Voices are most thankful for, is the opportunity to come together to make music with our voices. “We Sing as One!”

THE PIONEER VOICES Conducted by Ong Wei Shen Keane

The Pioneer Voices (TPV), alumni of Pioneer Junior College (PJC) choir, was formed in 2010 with the support of the school.

Despite being a relatively young choir, they have successfully staged their very first concert ‘Journey To A New Beginning’ in 2015 to mark their 5th anniversary, and their first Christmas concert ‘Journey into The Heart of Christmas’ in 2017. They have also joined their junior choir in numerous key concerts such as Limelight@Esplanade, as well as in two international choral festivals.

Besides being an avenue for those with a love of singing to perform together, TPV is also a family for every choir member from PJC. Bonded by a common history and experience in the PJC choir, members get to come together once again, to create a community that can continue singing even after they have graduated.

WORDS TO THE MUSIC

Song of Peace (A Partner Song With “Dona Nobis Pacem”) Arr. George Strid Additional Words and Music by Mary Donnelly If I could have one wish come true, It would be peace for me and you.

Peace in our hearts and peace of mind.

Peace now and ever for all mankind.

So may our voices never cease.

So may we sing our songs of peace.

Dona nobis pacem, pacem.

Dona nobis pacem.

Follow Your Dream

Arr. George Strid Words and Music by Mary Donnelly Everybody needs a star to wish on when things you want seem far, far away.

But you must always strive to keep your dream alive.

‘Cause what you long for can be yours someday.

(If you follow your dream ‘tho the road seems lonely.

Follow your dream no matter how far Give it your best, you’ll find success, if you just keep your eye on that star!

If you follow your dream, ‘tho you’re tired of trying.

Follow your dream whatever you do.

There’ll come a time when you’ll find you can make all your dreams and your wishes come true.

It’s the dream within your heart that keeps you going, when nothing in the world seems right.

But hold on to your dreams, however things may seem.

That shining star will guide you through the night.)

Follow your dream tho’ the road seems lonely.

Follow your dream no matter how far, Give it your best, you’ll find success, if you just keep your eye on that star!

If you follow your dream, tho’ you’re tired of trying Follow your dream whatever you do There’ll come a time when you will find you can make all your dreams, and your wishes come true, Just follow your dream.

Shalom Chaverim

Traditional Israeli Song Arr. Mark O’Leary (1991) Shalom chaverim, Lehitraot, Shalom.

Shalom (peace) my friends, Till we meet again, Shalom.

Koudjay

Sydney Guillaume (2008) Text by Gabriel T. Guillaume Yon lè pou plante Yon lè pou rekòlte.

Yon lè pou travay Yon lè pou koudjay.

Jodi-a se repoze.

Jodi-a se banboche.

Majòjon, pran devan, Mizisyen annavan!

A time to sow and a time to reap.

A time for work and a time for leisure.

Today we rest.

Today we celebrate.

Drum major, lead on, Musicians, play on!

Bat tanbou joue tronpèt, Violon ak clarinet.

Mizisyen, kantado, an nou taye banda An nou chante, danse merenge, kalinda, Jodi-a se koudjay.

Nap fete tèt kale San danje, san traka Nap chante, nap danse La vi-a mande sa.

Beat the drums, blow the trumpet, Play the violin and clarinet.

Musicians, singers, let’s show them what we got.

Let’s sing, dance meringue and kalinda, Today is the big feast!

We will party like there’s no tomorrow With no fear, nor danger We’ll sing and dance As life requires it.

Tout la sent jounen nap travay Nap redi, nap fè bèl bagay.

Nou plante, nou plante, Nou simen, aroze.

Kouniea, an nou repoze, Nou dwe repoze, danse merenge

All day long we’ve been at work Laboring, making a difference.

We sowed and planted, We scattered and watered.

Now it’s time to relax, We must take a break and dance meringue.

Kouniea, an nou banboche, Danse kalinda, danse, zouke Annatandan nou rekòlte.

Now it’s time to let go, Time to kalinda and ‘zouk’ While we await the harvest.

“Un temps pour chaque chose, et chaque chose en son temps” Se yon pawol sakre ke nou dwe obsève

“A time for everything, and everything in its time.”

That is a sacred quote that we must observe!

Mizisyen annavan, jodi-a se koudjay Taye banda, danse, zouke, Jodi-a se koudjay

Musicians, play on, it’s party time!

Dance and ‘zouk’ like there’s no tomorrow, Today is “Koudjay”!

Recollections of Early Childhood Darius Lim Text by William Wordsworth & Darius Lim There was a time when meadow and stream, the earth and all sight to me did seem Appareled in light, a celestial light The glory and freshness dream (Dominus) Come!

Life in a glimpse of sunlight Ad astra per as pera (hardships through the stars) Hear the bells through time ring Sol omnibus lucet (the sun shines upon us all) Hinc spes effuget (hence hope shines forth) Waters on a starry night are beautiful and fair The sunshine light! is a glorious birth Dominus Lux! Now, while birds sing a joyous song and while the young lambs bound to the tabor’s sound To me alone came a thought of grief a timely utterance gave that thought relief Kyrie eleison Sanctus Dominus Deus Sing ye! Sing ye a joyous song Ye that pipe and ye that play (Canto, Dominus) Celestial light Glorious birth (Sanctus Dominus Deus) Sky in abundant light And I again am strong!

Little Birds

Eric Whitacre (2001) Text by Octavio Paz (1914-1998) La luz no parpadea, el tiempo se vacía de minutos, se ha detinido un pájaro en el aire.

Light unblinking, time empty of minutes, a bird stopped short in air.

Se despeña la luz, despiertan las columnas y, sin moverse, bailan.

Light flung down, the pillars awake and, without moving, dance.

La hora es transparente: vemos, si es invisible el pájaro el color de su canto.

The time is transparent: even if the bird is invisible, let us see the color of his song.

Animal Crackers Vol. I

Animal Crackers Vol. II

The Panther The panther is like a leopard Except it hasn’t been peppered.

If you behold a panther crouch Prepare to say, “Ouch!”

Better yet, if called by a panther, don’t anther.

The Canary The song of canaries never varies.

And when they’re moulting, they’re pretty revolting.

Eric Whitacre (Between 2002 and 2006) Text by Ogden Nash (1902-1971)

The Cow Moo. The cow is of the Bovine ilk; One end is moo, the other milk.

The Firefly The firefly’s flame Is something for which science has no name.

I can think of nothing eerier than flying around with an unidentified glow on a person’s posterior.

Eric Whitacre (2009) Text by Ogden Nash (1902-1971)

The Eel I don’t mind eels, except as meals, and the way they feels.

Eew, eew, eew, eew, yuck.

The Kangaroo O kangaroo, O kangaroo, be grateful that you’re in the zoo.

And not transmuted by a boomerang into zestful, tangy kangaroo meringue!

The Seal Lullaby

Eric Whitacre (1970) Text by Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) Oh! hush thee, my baby, the night is behind us, And black are the waters that sparkled so green.

The moon o’er the combers, looks downward to find us At rest in the hollows that rustle between.

Where billow meets billow, there soft be thy pillow; Ah weary wee flipperling curl at thy ease!

The storm shall not wake thee, nor shark overtake thee, Asleep in the arms of the slow-swinging seas.

Indodana

Arr. Ralf Schmitt & Michael Barrett Women: Ngob’umthatile umtwana wakho, uhlale nathi hololo helele Indodana ka nkulunkulu bayi’bethelela hololo helele

Women: The Lord has taken his son who lived amongst us The son of the Lord God was crucified.

Men: Hololo Baba Jehova Zjem zja baba

Men: Hololo* Father Jehovah Zjem zja** father *Hololo represents crying and has no translation **Zjem zja is expressive with no meaning

Londonderry Air

Arr. by Ben Parry (b.1965) Text by Fred E. Weatherly (1848-1929) Oh Danny boy, the pipes, The pipes are calling From glen to glen, And down the mountain side The summer’s gone, And all the flowers are falling ‘Tis you, ‘tis you Must go and I must bide But come ye back When summer’s in the meadow Or when the valley’s hushed And white with snow And I’ll be here In sunshine or in shadow Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so But when ye come, And all the flowers are dying If I am dead, As dead I may well be Ye’ll come and find The place where I am lying And kneel and say An “Ave” there for me And I shall hear, Though soft you tread above me And all my grave Will warmer, sweeter be And you will bend And tell me that you love me And I shall sleep in peace Until you come to me

Dreams of Thee

Eric William Barnum (b.1979) Text by Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822) I arise from dreams of thee In the first sweet sleep of night, When the winds are breathing low, And the stars are shining bright: I arise from dreams of thee, And a spirit in my feet Has led me - who knows how?

To thy chamber window, Sweet!

The wandering airs they faint On the dark, the silent stream The Champak odours fail Like sweet thoughts in a dream; The nightingale’s complaint, It dies upon her heart; As I must die on thine, O belovèd as thou art!

Oh lift me from the grass!

I die! I faint! I fail!

Let thy love in kisses rain On my lips and eyelids pale.

My cheek is cold and white, alas!

My heart beats loud and fast; Oh! press it to thine own again, Where it will break at last.

Ubi Caritas

Ola Gjeilo (2001) Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.

Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor.

Exsultemus et in ipso jucundemur.

Timeanus et amemus Deum vivum.

Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero.

Amen.

Where charity and love are, God is there.

The love of Christ has gathered us together.

Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Let us revere and love the living God. And from a sincere heart let us love one another.

Amen.

Glaspolskan

Arr. by Ale Möller Möller‘s Glaspolskan is an arrangement of a tune from Swedish Polska music. Such kinds of music were often used in conjunction with dancing, hence the piece’s liveliness and graceful lilt.

Exultate Justi

Lodovico Grossi da Viadana Exsultate justi in Domino, rectos decet collaudatio.

Confitemini Domino in cithara, in psalterio decem cordarum psallite illi.

Cantate ei canticum novum, bene psallite ei in vociferatione.

Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.

Sing to him a new song; play skilfully, and shout for joy.

Lighten Our Darkness Alexander L’Estrange

Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Aesop’s Fables

Bob Chilcott (2008) Text by Aesop (6th century BC) Translation by George Fyler Townsend (1814–1900) 1. The Hare and the Tortoise ‘The Hare and The Tortoise.’

A Hare one day ridiculed the short feet and slow pace of the Tortoise, who replied, laughing: ‘Though you are swift as the wind, I will beat you in a race.’

The Hare believing her assertion to be simply impossible, assented to the proposal; and they agreed that the Fox should choose the course and fix the goal.

On the day appointed for the race the two started together, The tortoise never for a moment stopped, but went on with a slow but steady pace straight to the end of the course.

The Hare lying down by the wayside fell asleep.

At last, waking up, and moving as fast as he could, he saw that the tortoise had reached the goal, and was comfortably dozing after her fatigue.

‘Slow but steady wins the race.’

2. The Mountain in Labour ‘The Mountain in Labour!’

A Mountain was once greatly agitated, Loud groans and noises were heard, and crowds of people came, and people came from all parts to see what was the matter.

While they assembled, in anxious expectation of some terrible calamity, out came a Mouse.

‘Don’t make much ado about nothing.’

3. The Fox and the Grapes ‘The Fox and the Grapes.’

A famished Fox saw some clusters of ripe black Grapes hanging from a trellised vine.

She resorted to all of her tricks to get at them, but wearied herself in vain for she could not reach them.

At last she turned away, Hiding disappointment and saying: ‘The Grapes are sour, and not ripe as I thought.’

‘Sour Grapes.’

4. The North Wind and the Sun ‘The North Wind and the Sun.’ The North Wind and the Sun disputed as to which was the most powerful, and agreed that he should be made the victor who could first strip a wayfaring man of his clothes.

The North Wind first tried his power and blew with all his might, And the keener his blasts, the closer the traveller wrapped his cloak around him, until at last, resigning all hope of victory, the Wind called upon the Sun to see what he could do.

The Sun suddenly shone out with all his warmth.

The Traveller no sooner felt his genial rays that he took off one garment after another, and at last, overcome with heat, undressed and bathed in a stream that lay in his path.

‘Persuasion is better than Force.’

5. The Goose and the Swan ‘The Goose and the Swan.’

A certain rich man bought in the market a Goose and a Swan.

He fed the one for his table and kept the other for the sake of its song.

When the time came for killing the Goose, the cook went to get him at night, when it was dark, and was not able to distinguish one bird from the other.

By mistake, he caught the Swan instead of the Goose.

The Swan, threatened with death, burst forth into song and made himself known by his voice, and preserved his life by his melody.

Ah… ‘Music can delay death.’

Omnia Sol (Let Your Heart Be Stead)

Z. Randall Stroope (1953) Text by Stroope, latin adapted from Carmina Burana Somewhere far from nowhere, I grew both strong and tall Longing to become, but knowing not the path at all.

But the footprints of the winter melted to fields of spring; One last embrace before I cross the threshold: To life we sing!

O stay your soul and leave my heart its song!

O stay your hand; the journey may be long!

And when we part, and sorrow can’t be sway’d Remember when, and let your heart be staid.

Omnia sol temperat, (The sun warms everything) Absens in remota. (even when I am far away) Ama me fideliter, (Love me faithfully) Fidem meam noto. (and know that I am faithful) Weave the dance and raise the chorus; grieve no more Through the strength of Orion, find refuge from the shore!

Let courage be your oar; let passion be your sail; Wisdom and truth will guide your deep heart’s yearning, through all travail!

Little Birds

By Karyn Liow, Soprano Sometimes I get questions about why I’m so attached to choral music - and the answer’s very simple. Music speaks when words aren’t able to, and it allows room for imagination.

Eric Whitacre’s “Little Birds” is one such example. The piece marries the cacophonic evocation of birds gathering and Octavia Paz’s lyrical poem in Spanish. It’s beautiful, how the music moves from one section to the next. It’s exciting, how so many voices can come together to create a song. It’s remarkable, how the passion and love for musicmaking are shared between people.

“Se despeña la luz, despiertan las columnas y, sin moverse, bailan.”

Happiness is singing with EVOKX. They’re my second family.

Aesop’s Fables (The Hare and the Tortoise)

By Lim Yuen May, Alto In life, run your own race comparing yourself to no-one seeking only to be a better version of yourself today than you were yesterday. Every day.

Let neither naysayers nor setbacks deter you but trust that you’ve got this, and half the battle’s already won & whenever possible, help others along Because truth be told, in life we aren’t in a competition against each other; victory is always that much sweeter when achieved together.

Aesop’s Fables (The North Wind and the Sun)

By Li Peishan, Soprano 勉强是没有幸福的。方法用错了，做什么都是徒劳无功。 (There’s no joy in forcing, and no reward in using the wrong method.)

This is probably one of the things we inevitably learn (usually the hard way) as we grow up, and this song puts this difficult principle across in a light yet plain manner, easy for even children to understand.

Listen out for the contrast as we transition from the quick and impatient North Wind to the calm and warm Sun, and remind yourself to always be the Sun in your daily dealings with others.

Aesop’s Fables (The Goose and the Swan)

By Debbie Ooi, Alto Of feathers, bills and quacky things, oh my!

A big, white bird floating on water could either be a swan or a goose (or just a really round duck, but not the point). It’s not really hard to distinguish between the two as a swan is generally larger in size, with a longer neck and a wider wingspan than its fellow aquatic bird.

But when you buy a goose for your meal and a swan for its song, and you cleverly decide not to turn on the lights before figuring out which bird to off, well. The swan’s song may be what saves the swan’s song from being its swan song.

The Seal Lullaby

By Jeanette Choong, Soprano When I think of baby seals, I imagine them flopping around in their clumsy, blubbery figures; and at times, playfully toppling over with a splash…only to be ensnared by their greatest nightmare - sharks. inserts gory natgeo moment In a sea of uncertainty (literally), a mother seal coaxes her little one with the comforting words of The Seal Lullaby. In its gentle and almost-tranquillising melody, the song is sealed with the assurance of undisturbed rest “in the arms of the slow-swinging seas”.

And don’t we all need that, especially after long and challenging days?

So come excited to listen to this beautiful piece by Eric Whitacre. It definitely has our seal of approval!

Acknowledgements MUSIC & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Terrence Toh

GUEST PERFORMERS East Spring Chorale dir. Chong Wai Lun NTU CAC Choir dir. Lim Enhui Pasir Ris Secondary Choir dir. Cindy Chia Pathlight School Choir dir. Nicholas Tham Pei Hwa Voices dir. Ong Wei Shen Keane The Pioneer Voices dir. Ong Wei Shen Keane

MUSIC COMMITTEE Assistant Conductor Sherilyn Lim Ong Wei Shen Keane Soprano Section Leader Quyen Hoang Alto Section Leader Brenda Lai Bass Section Leader Alden Pong

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Alden Pong Secretary Lim Yuen May Treasurer Kiew Chi Wei Anika Executive Associate of Finance Li Peishan Publicity Officer Sherilyn Lim Assistant Publicity Officer Zachary Lim Logistics Officer Chua Hui Ming Executive Associate of Operations Angela Heng

IN APPRECIATION OF Pianist Stage Manager Alden Pong Chng Chee Hian Photography Elgin Ting

Backstage Crew Calista Mar & Payaal Upadhya

Videography SL Production

Front of House Lim Yuen Ying & Wong Ju Lih

Venue School of the Arts, Singapore

Supporting Organisation National Youth Council & National Youth Fund

Programme Booklet Design Zachary Lim

Photos of EVOKX in booklet Elgin Ting, Melissa Anne Lim

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