Joyful Choir of the Blind takes 18 years of song to the big stage
FOR 18 years, a group of senior citizens has gathered every Tuesday in Brickfields to sing. What began as a space for music and companionship has grown into the Joyful Choir of the Blind, where music bridges age and disability while fostering friendship and community.
After two decades of weekly gatherings in Brickfields, the Joyful Choir of the Blind has evolved into a thriving musical community that transcends age and disability, bringing people together through the universal language of song. Their inaugural performance at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre on September 26 will showcase a diverse repertoire, including Yutaka Yamada's "Gentle Light," Louis Liu's "Clapping Hands," and the Italian favorite "Santa Lucia," performed by 29 members, including 12 sighted volunteers.
The group, founded under the Malaysian Association for the Blind's senior citizens program, has mastered over 100 choral pieces in various languages since learning music in unconventional ways. To aid their musicianship, choir adviser Wong Siew Ngan and conductor Frederick Chaw have developed Joyful Braille Music Notation, a tactile system that complements traditional Braille notation, making it easier for blind musicians to read scores.
The debut concert, titled "Joyful Choir of the Blind: Life in Echoes," will feature the Golden Hearts Choir and young musicians from Persatuan Hearts Symphony, creating a blend of voices from children to octogenarians, all united by their passion for music. Proceeds from the event, priced at RM100 per ticket, will directly support the choir's continued activities and outreach for the visually impaired community.
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