Keble Choir on Tour

*Keble Choir performing at the Victoria Hall in Singapore*

Jemima Kinley, Graduate Choral Assistant and Choir Social Media Secretary, writes:

After a busy and highly successful term, including its annual appearance at the Keble Early Music Festival, Keble Choir jetted off on tour, performing in Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore, singing Evensong, concerts, and more. The Choir was also delighted to be hosted at two Keble Alumni receptions across the eight-day period. Read more about the trip below.

Hong Kong: 21-23 March

On 20 March, the Choir embarked on a long-haul flight to Hong Kong, landing at lunchtime the next day. With some free time in the evening, tired yet eager Choir members took some time to explore the city. They enjoyed local street food for dinner together, marking the night before the start of their music-making abroad.

The following day, the Choir and Alumni attended the Warden’s first reception, hosted at the China Club. The Choir performed a short selection of music, ending with Charles Wood’s ‘Hail, gladdening Light’, whose text was translated by John Keble. Afterwards, the Choir was incredibly grateful to be hosted by alumnus Richard Orders (1973 English) for a delicious eight-course meal at the Club.

On 23 March came the Choir’s first performance in a religious venue on tour: St John’s Cathedral. To a packed congregation, the Choir sang a service of Evensong, including some musical highlights from the previous term. The service was followed by a short recital of music through the ages.

Macau: 24 March

*Performing at St Joseph’s Seminary and Church in Macau*

After a quick stop at the hotel breakfast buffet, Choir members hopped on the bus for a day trip to Macau, culminating in an evening performance at St Joseph’s Seminary and Church. Arriving in the early afternoon allowed for a spot of tourism and a taste of the city (and its food), before the rehearsal and performance. The ‘Meditation to Music’ was sung to a full house once again, with another programme of music through the ages, from Byrd to Jonathan Dove, with Bach’s magnificent funeral motet, ‘Komm, Jesu, Komm’ at the centre. It also featured a solo organ performance by Organ Scholar Freddie Frostwick, and a piece in collaboration with a local children’s choir. Watch this snippet from the evening on Instagram (originally shared by Macau Diocesan Social Communications Centre).

Singapore: 25-28 March

Buzzing from a fabulous first leg of tour, the Choir set off for Singapore bright and early on the 25th. Touching down with just enough time for a quick freshen-up (or splash in the hotel’s rooftop pool!), the Choir joined Alumni that evening for a second reception, this time at Bar-A-Thym, generously hosted by alumnus Sutat Chew (1993 PPE). The following day marked the Choir’s final performance, ending the tour on a real high with a concert at the impressive Victoria Hall, home to the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. The concert featured some tour favourites, and another solo organ performance.

The final day of tour allowed Choir members some well-deserved R&R, including a guided tour of some of the city’s best known tourist and food spots. Together in the evening, they attended the Supertree Grove light show at the famous Gardens by the Bay; the perfect round-up to their time in the city.

The Choir extends a huge thank you to the Warden and its donors for making this tour possible, and to its audiences, congregations, and more for continued support. We look forward to seeing you again soon for a thrilling Trinity Term!

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Instagram: @keblechoir

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