Celebrating 20 Years of Choral Excellence

Since its inception into the Ministry of Education’s Choral Excellence Programme in 1988, the Anglo-Chinese Junior College Choir has distinguished itself both internationally and at home.

To commemorate its 20th year of founding, the ACJC Choir embarked on an exciting year of music-making.

In June this year, the choir toured Vienna and Slovakia and took part in the 3rd Festa Choralis International Choir Competition in Bratislava, Slovakia. As the only Asian choir at the competition, the ACJC Choir competed alongside choirs from Poland, Great Britain, Czech Republic, Russia and Slovakia in the Mixed Choir (Adult), Youth Choir (up to 19 years old) and Folk Song Categories. In all 3 categories, the ACJC Choir clinched gold medals with top marks and was the only choir in the competition whom the adjudicators accorded a rare perfect score (Folk Song).

Choral Exchange with and visit to the University of Vienna

Choral Exchange with and visit to the University of Vienna

Upon its return, the choir saw the reunion of principals, teachers, family, alumni and parents at the choir’s Thanksgiving Service at the ACJC Faith Centre for Performing Arts on 14 June. Appropriately themed “Shout with Joy”, the service was a time to celebrate and give thanks for the Lord’s goodness in songs for His many blessings on the choir all these years.
 
The anniversary celebration culminated in the choir’s “An Evening with Friends” Gala Concert at the Esplanade Concert Hall on 6 July. The sell-out concert featured a repertoire of modern music, commissioned works and familiar favourites of the choir. The evening was made all the more special as His Excellency, President S.R. Nathan was the Guest-of-Honour. President Nathan fondly recalls hosting the choir at his Washington residence during his time as Ambassador to the United States in 1993, and the many performances the choir gave at the Istana since.

The ACJC Choir in ethnic hues!

“An Evening with Friends” Gala Concert. Esplanade Concert Hall, 6th July 2008.

With His Excellency, President S.R. Nathan

All thanks be to the Lord Almighty for His gift of music and the many opportunities for generations of ACJC Choristers to be His instruments of blessing. The choir is excited to continually heed His leading as choral ambassadors to the world in the years ahead.