Choir Games: Folklore with accompaniment

At the tail end of the festival, choirs in the remaining categories of took to the stage once again
vying for awards in the open competition, the Asia Pacific Championship and the Grand Prix of
Nations. During the morning of October 27, the Nelum Pokuna Theater hosted the Asia Pacific
Championship Competition in ‘Folklore with Accompaniment’ category.

First up on stage was the Indonesian choir UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Choir. Dressed in traditional
garb in the colours of purple and gold, the mixed choir performed three traditional Indonesian
songs. The final song of their performance was an animated one, with dancing and clapping for
added effect. They also seemed to have incorporate a few Latin music elements in their
rendition.

Next the Sri Lankan Choir ‘The Soul Sounds Academy Choir’ took to the stage to perform a folk
music medley. The Choir which is conducted by Lilanka Botejue, was accompanied by Soundarie
David Rodrigo on Piano and two drummers. ‘Tha ka chin thaka” a section chants, as the rest of
the choir breaks into a folk song depicting rural life , from the fields to the shores. The medley
featured both Sinhala and Tamil songs, in a true representation of Sri Lanka.

The mixed gender Iranian group ‘ Parse Choir Group’ followed up with performance of
traditional Iranian songs. The group was accompanied by a violinist and a drummer playing a
hand held ‘ Rabbana’-esque drum. The choir displayed brilliant vocal control , though at times it
seemed prominence was given to the instrumentals rather than the singing.

Performing on stage was also another Indonesian choir PSM Miracle Voices UII With feather
filled headbands and face paint, the choir performed a series of cheerful traditional Indonesian
songs. They also incorporated a skit into the performance as well as Native American-esque
clothing and war cries.

(Shakya Wickramanayake)