KUCHING: The Gondwana Youth Choir from Australia joined student choirs from St Joseph’s Private Secondary School for “An Evening of Choral Friendship”, a concert celebrating music education, cultural exchange, and community.
The event, organised by the Kuching Choral Society (KCS), featured the visiting Australian choir alongside the SJPS Chamber Choir and SJPPS Children’s Choir.
According to KCS chairman and choir director Benedict Lo, the concert was intended to be more than a performance, describing it as a celebration of friendship, learning, and the shared joy of music.
“We are truly honoured that you have travelled such a great distance to be with us.
“Thank you for choosing to share your music, your friendship, and your passion with us,” Lo told the Gondwana Youth Choir.
Lo said choral participation helps young people develop discipline, teamwork, responsibility, resilience, and empathy, in addition to musical ability.
“In a choir, students learn that no single voice is more important than another.
“They learn to listen, not only to themselves but also to those around them,” he said.
He also credited conductors, accompanists, teachers, school leaders, volunteers, and organisers for their work in staging the event, and thanked parents for supporting rehearsals and their children’s music education.
Lo urged the choristers to perform with confidence and joy, saying music can connect people in ways words sometimes cannot.
He said he hoped the audience would leave with an appreciation not only for the performances, but also for friendship, kindness, and community.
