Singapore's all-male choir Sing! Men’s Chorus (SMC) has marked the resumption of arts performances in Singapore with the launch of its first virtual choir project, Why We Sing. The music video, on SMC's YouTube channel, was two months in the making and embodies a very powerful message of hope – that the local arts community can reach a new normal where society recognises performance arts, including music as essential to community development.
SMC's Choral Director Gregory Chen said such projects are important to keep engagement and conversation going on the importance of the arts in Singapore. He selected Why We Sing by Greg Gilpin, a US-based composer, arranger and choral conductor, to be the first virtual project for the choir as it reminds us of why music is important to our souls, and to connecting with others, especially at a time when it is tougher to have physical meetings. Lyrics in Why We Sing allude to soothing souls and bringing "together lives that have been torn apart", referring to the singing as a "neverending gift that circles back again".
"While the number of arts professionals may be relatively small, the total arts community that includes schools, religious communities and countless other voluntary enthusiasts far outstrips that number. Their collective activity fosters firm friendships, responses to meaningful causes and a gentler nurturing energy that not only entertains but also inspires, supports and promotes charity among people outside of their organisations in ways that laws, politics, science and money cannot buy. To ignore their vital role in society is to underestimate their value within their communities and to commit a disservice to the needy and underprivileged,” shared Chen.
SMC has a cult following among the choral community for its entertaining annual concerts as well as other projects. The Chorus has put up at least one full concert every year, with the exception of the 2020 season, when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down all possibilities of group rehearsals from being carried out. With the new normal in place, the choir will now take its performances online, and plans to roll out more virtual content for its growing global fanbase.
SMC, formerly known as the Singapore Men's Chorus, was formed to provide an avenue for those interested in male chorale and present another form of choral music for the public to enjoy. It all started with a chance meeting at a wine-tasting party between two men, Todd Katschke and Jason Ong, both of whom had been active in choral music for many years. Since there was no men's chorus in Singapore, Katschke and Ong decided to plug the gap. SMC was born with 11 members in 2005, and has grown to over 30 members today. Members hail from all walks of life, and from vastly different musical backgrounds. For some members, SMC has been the first training ground for choral music.
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Watch Why We Sing. It is dedicated to the Singapore arts community.
Following the release of Why We Sing will be a documentary giving a peek behind-the-scenes of what it takes to put together a project of this nature, especially under the tight restrictions of the last few months.
