The Kuala Lumpur Madrigal Singers and Players are no strangers to pre-Christmas shows, but this year, they embraced the challenge of performing on Christmas Eve to share their music. Photo: The Star/Chan Tak Kong
For most, Christmas Eve is a time for cosying up at home with family and friends, and doing last-minute holiday prep.
Not so for the Kuala Lumpur Madrigal Singers and Players, whose love for choral and classical music has the members trading yuletide lounging for the main stage.
This Christmas Eve, the singers will be at Bobo KL in Bangsar, delivering a special programme to spread the holiday cheer.
Scott Woo, the ensemble’s director and tenor, shares that the Candlelight Christmas Eve performance was first proposed by the jazz club.
The Kuala Lumpur Madrigal Singers and Players are no strangers to pre-Christmas shows, but this marks the first time the members are stepping into Christmas Eve itself.
“They brought up the interesting idea of having a classical-themed Christmas performance set in a jazz joint, so we thought it would be a great opportunity to incorporate some lesser-performed gems into the programme,” says Woo.
“Our goal is to bring classical music out of the concert halls and closer to the public,” he adds.
This evening’s show offers more than classic carols, featuring classical masterworks, enchanting “4-hands piano duets”, and the intricate beauty of motets.
Alongside beloved carols, the programme features enchanting works by Bach and Poulenc, including motets – complex, polyphonic choral compositions – performed with or without instrumental accompaniment. Photo: The Star/Chan Tak Kong
No grinches here – the group members eagerly embraced the challenge of performing on Christmas Eve.
“We chose to perform on Christmas Eve because it was a wonderful opportunity for us to spread the joy of Baroque and Renaissance music in such an intimate venue. While spending time with family is precious, bringing joy and warmth to an audience at this time of year is a perfect way of spreading Christmas cheer,” says soprano Asha Menon.
With a sold-out show, the group anticipates a festive evening ahead. Serene Chng, who sings contralto, adds that being able to share music with others during this festive season is very meaningful to her.
“My family are all overseas and we don’t particularly celebrate Christmas, so for me, carolling with my singing friends is the most ‘Christmassy’ thing I do!” she says.
Technically demanding
Woo envisioned Candlelight Christmas Eve as a distinctive Christmas showcase, transcending the usual seasonal fare.
Alongside beloved carols, the programme features enchanting works by Bach and Poulenc, including motets – complex, polyphonic choral compositions – performed with or without instrumental accompaniment, adding depth and sophistication to the evening’s repertoire.
Darrel and Jo Yee will perform ‘4-hands piano’ renditions of Bach. Photo: The Star/Chan Tak Kong
Motets, with their intricate structure, can be challenging to perform and interpret, particularly for less seasoned musicians. However, the KL Madrigal Singers and Players is ready for Candlelight Christmas Eve, polishing its performance during a fine-tuning rehearsal last Sunday.
“We devoted considerable focus to preparing the motets, as they are technically demanding,” says Woo.
“These pieces are typically performed by larger ensembles, like the Netherlands Bach Society or the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra, due to their complexity.”
“However, a few smaller ensembles, like Voces8, Solomon’s Knot, and Vox Luminis, perform these works in more intimate settings with minimal manpower,” he adds.
“We’re taking the same approach, showcasing our very own Malaysian talents.”
He adds that the ensemble meets weekly for rehearsals, typically holding around five sessions in preparation for a show.
Pianists Darrel Chan and Iau Jo Yee have a special treat in store for concert-goers – performing “4-hands piano” renditions of Bach. This unique duet style, where two pianists play the same piano simultaneously, is a captivating experience to witness live.
Bringing everything together
This year, the ensemble has focused on bringing in new talent and building a stronger Early Music community. As part of the Verses Music Ensembles, it is committed to performing and promoting a diverse range of choral, opera, and chamber music, with a particular emphasis on the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
In May, the group performed Radiant Dawn in Melaka, collaborating with Melaka Classics. The event, held at the Chapel of St Mary in Ayer Salak, showcased European sacred music traditions, spanning from the Renaissance to the 20th century.
'We devoted considerable focus to preparing the motets, as they are technically demanding,' says Woo. Photo: The Star/Chan Tak Kong
The series was also performed at the Holy Rosary Church in KL in October.
The KL Madrigal Singers and Players also organised two successful community outreach programmes, Choral Jam!, aimed at promoting classical music to the public.
The group, with a balanced mix of experience and youth, has developed an independent approach to preparing for their showcases.
“We prepare by learning our parts individually before rehearsals. During rehearsals, our director (Woo) helps bring everything together. We focus on blending our voices, refining cadences, and balancing dynamics to ensure the music sounds its best,” says Asha.
Going beyond the commercial norm, Candlelight Christmas Eve is a deeply meaningful gathering for the group, allowing the musicians to display their diverse talents in a collective celebration of artistry and passion.
“We’ve dedicated a lot of time to preparing for this show, especially the motets and Christmas carols, which have such joyful and heartfelt lyrics. I believe that when you sing from the heart, the audience will feel it too,” concludes William Kow, baritone.
