Saint Angela Choir Pre-Competition Concert "Flying with The Voice to Florence": Biarkan Melodi Terbang Membawa Anganmu ke Florence

"Thank GOD it's Friday!"

Maybe that's one of many humans' thought when the day said "Friday". I think so too. I'm really grateful that I could watch the infamous junior high school from Bandung, Saint Angela Choir. They held a Pre-Competition Concert on Friday, 21st June 2013 in Saint Angela Third Floor Hall. The hall is located at their school, Sekolah Santa Angela (Jl. Merdeka no. 24, Bandung). I almost got lost because the school was too dark. Thank God I could make the way.

The aim for this pre-competition concert is the preparation for the team member to compete in the competition and the existence of Saint Angela Choir. It also told the people nearby so they can give support (material or moral) to Saint Angela Choir. It was a crowded situation. Many people came to the concert.

The Stage and The Crowdness

They also have a unique deign on the ticket too. Maybe the shape it's not too unique but I like the idea though :) So, do you have a 'boarding pass' to the concert?

The Boarding Pass (Ticket)

And this is the programs for the concert.

Session 1

PADUAN SUARA ANAK SD ST. ANGELA

Conductor: Adi Nugroho Soediono

Pianist: Anselmus Angga Purusatama Halim

   1. A Clare Benediction, composed by John Rutter

   2. Canon Gloria, composed by Michael Haydn; arranged by Donald Moore

   3. Sukacita, composed by A. T. Mahmud; arranged by Antonius Dody Soetanto

   4. Aku Anak Indonesia, composed by A. T. Mahmud; arranged by Widya Kristianti

SAINT ANGELA CHOIR

Conductor: Roni Sugiarto

Pianist: Gregorius Aldrin Chandra

   1. Ave Maria, composed by Giulio Caccini

   2. Laudi Alla Vergine Maria, composed by Giuseppe Verdi
   3. Sanctus, composed by Swingly W. Sondakh and Roni Sugiarto
   4. Kotoba-asobi Uta (Word Game Song), composed by Ko Matsushita
   5. The Lord Bless You and Keep You, composed by Alejandro D. Consolacion II

Session 2
SAINT ANGELA CHOIR
Conductor: Roni Sugiarto
Pianist: Gregorius Aldrin Chandra
   1. Sound The Trumpet, composed by Henry Purcell
   2. Burung Kakak Tua, Maluku Folksong; arranged by Lim Fu Yu
   3. O Ina Ni Keke, Minahasa Folksong; arranged by Joshibiah "Butch" de Juan
   4. Funiculi Funicula, Neapolitan Song, composed by Luigi Denza
   5. Yamko Rambe Yamko, Papua Folksong; arranged by Agustinus Bambang Jusana
   6. Tari Sanghyang Dedari, Bali Folksong; arranged by Agustinus Bambang Jusana
   7. Lelo Ledung, Indonesian Lullaby; arranged by Aurelio Porfiri
   8. Sik Sik Sibatumanikam, Tapanuli Folksong; arranged by E. L. Pohan

After their winning in IICC (ITB International Choir Competition) 2010 in Children Category and Youth Choir of Equal Voices Category, they have expanded their wings to Japan with the invitation from Taeko and Haruko Kuwabara (Odawara Children's Choir) as a guest in Kodomo Chorus Festival. It really proofs the quality of Saint Angela Choir is beyond average :)

In 2013, they decided to expand their wings to Europe. They will go to Florence on July 2013. They will compete in two categories; Youth Equal Voices Category and Folklore Category. The songs that they will sing in that competition is marked by Bold (see the programs list).

This pre-competition concert also perform the Saint Angela Elementary School Children Choir. This choir consists of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd grade children in Elementary School. They were really cute that night. Moreover, the member of this choir will continue their singing career in Saint Angela Choir. This is like a preparatory step in Saint Angela Choir. Saint Angela Children Choir was performing also in this concert.

Paduan Suara Anak SD St. Angela

Saint Angela Choir (First Session)

In first session, Saint Angela Choir performed the songs that explores their choral sound. I'm really amazed with how they sang. They sang beautifully and lightly. It's like an angelic choral sounds filling the hall. They have a good material sound especially in Sanctus. Feels like heaven, I think! Owh, I almost forgot the Kotoba-asobi Uta (Word Game Song) by Ko Matsushita. This song was really hard but they could perform well. My heart was racing because of this song. Good job Saint Angela Choir!

Saint Angela Choir (Second Session)

Second Session shows a more relaxing circumstance because they performed folksong (Indonesian Folksong domination). They've changed their costume to ethnic costume. Not only sang, but also they danced in some songs like Yamko Rambe Yamko, Tari Sanghyang Dedari, and Sik Sik Sibatumanikam. Like the first session, they sang and performed greatly. I was really satisfied with their performance. They gave an encore for the audiences because they saw a great enthusiastic with the concert. They sang "I Got Rhythm" by Michael Neaum. They really succeed to 'fly' my soul away. Thank you so much St. Angela Choir!

I think they will win at the competition. I just hope and pray for the best for them. So, don't forget to support them with all you can. If you can't support for material, the least you can do is praying for them. It's so much help. By the way, Saint Angela Choir is the only one representative from South East Asia.

Here is a little sneak peek from the concert for your consideration.

"If I cannot fly, let me sing."

 -Stephen Sondheim-