As the jolly season approached, the Perak Society for Performing Arts (PSPA) singers crafted a Christmas repertoire named, “The Chimes of Love”. They delivered the piece on the nights of Thursday, December 15 and Friday, December 16 at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church hall.
Spreading the message of love, joy and care, the musical was also aimed at reaching out to the community. The audience donated basic needs like food, toiletries, books, clothes and cash. A sum of RM1476 was collected from those present.
Led by the music director, Marianne Poh (mezzo-soprano), others on the stage were Khoo Wu Ji (tenor), Sirikhwan Buathong (soprano), Salith Dechsangwon (tenor) and accompanists, Zhang Chi and Kang Su Kheng.
Apart from lesser-known Yuletide songs, evergreen Christmas carols resonated in the hall. The audience clapped and swayed to the tunes. Some shed tears, moved by the hauntingly melodious voice of the singers.
Tunes like “Adiemus” by Karl Jenkins, “Preghiera” by Francesco Paolo Tosti, including “Silver Bells” and “Ding Dong Merrily on High” were sung by the 44-strong PSPA singers, excluding the soloists.
“I was mesmerised by the nuance and their combined voices. I didn’t understand some of the songs, as they were Italian but they resonated with me. And you do not need to understand the lyrics to feel it,” said one of the audience.
Divided into two halves, the second half was in the form of a story of a couple who were separated from their child. Melancholic and captivating, the show left an indelible mark in the hearts of those present.
“The performance is like a movie. It enhances the Christmas mood. I’m glad to be here,” said Jonathan, another satisfied patron.
The collected donation and basic needs were given out to five charities and three individuals in Ipoh.
Khaleeja
