Celebration Concert- Europe meets Asia

The gala final celebration concert of the 4th South Asia Pacific Choir Games 2017 “Europe meets Asia” took place on Wednesday October 26 at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre.

The first performance of the evening were the children’s choir “Alie Parusa of the Art School #1 in
Vladivostok” from Moscow conducted by Elena Petukhova. Adorned in festive costumes these bite sized performers reminded us of life size matryoshka dolls (Russian nesting dolls)! The children’s choir were balls of energy whilst maintaining enviable technique in their fresh young voices summing up a performance filled with childish innocence and admirable showmanship.

Representing China was the“Shenzhen Yuanling Jiujiu Choir” conducted by Qianning Zhu. Their
performance earned much kudos with the audience as the theater filled with a gentle balance of male and female harmonies.

Bringing diversity to the genre’s this evening were the Folk song group “Jane” from Croatia. A rustic and raw interpretation of the folk music native to Coratia the choir was accompanied by lively instrumentals establishing these talented performers as no ‘plain Janes’.

Another young choir to take the stage “The British School in Colombo Choir” conducted by Shamistha de Silva brought out their inner soul as they belted and beatboxed their way through medley of Sinhala and English songs.

Ending this festive evening was the Riga Orthodox Chamber Choir "Blagovest" from Latvia, conducted by Aleksandrs Brandavs. The choir showcased their dexterity and vocal prowess in their performance with their exalting voice and breath control.

The blend and balance of male to female choristers concluded the Celebration of Europe meets Asia with a goosebump worthy end.