Breakin’ It Down

So you like some jazz and the occasional choir performance … but choral jazz? Now, that’s something a little more novel. The Young KL Singers are back with an unconventionally delicious treat for the eyes, ears, and feet (or head if you’re a head-bopper). A production by Annette Christie and Fam Li Sun, Breakin’ It Down is their first ever attempt at choral jazz and also the introduction of a collaboration between Michael Xavier Voon and Tay Cher Siang alongside an enthusiastic band of up-and-coming jazz musicians. The level of technical difficulty involved in coordinating hundreds of voices in syncopated synchrony is no easy feat, to say the least.

The Young KL Singers started in July of 2002 with 50 strong members all from vastly varying backgrounds but each brought together by a shared passion for the performing arts. Since then, the YKLS have been a show-stopping contribution to the industry, proudly wearing sold-out performances and award winning productions on their sleeves like an honoured soldier wears his stars and stripes. The YKLS brought back the magic of the classics through their previous productions like Simply Andrew Lloyd Webber and The YKLS Sings Rodgers & Hammerstein. However they’re not all about fun and games. Social responsibility takes an upper rung in their list of priorities.

After a series of performing at fund-raisers and charity events, in October 2004 they launched the YKLS charity wing known as Voices of Hope. The program acts as a bridge to bring member volunteers closer to underprivileged children and also to create long-term ties with selected beneficiaries and organisations. In light of this, a full-length, fully sponsored matinee performance of Breakin’ It Down will be dedicated to selected underprivileged communities on the 1 November. For RM40, choose not to miss this extraordinary integration of voices, instruments, and a sheer love for the arts starting this 30 October.

Text Lim Ai Leen