BAVE Chamber Choir: A celebration of faith, unity, and musical excellence

Sep 06, 2024

The BAVE Chamber Choir, under the visionary leadership of Dr Casey Broadway, recently achieved remarkable success on the international stage, bringing home prestigious awards to our Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia from the 13th Musica Eterna Roma held from July 17 to 21, 2024. This triumph not only marks a significant milestone in the choir’s journey but also underscores the power of music to unite and inspire.

A Triumph in the Eternal City
Competing against choirs from around the world, the BAVE Chamber Choir delivered outstanding performances that captivated both judges and audiences. The choir earned Three Golden Diploma Awards in the Mixed Voices Category, Musica Sacra Category, and Gospel and Spiritual Category. In a particularly impressive feat, they emerged as Category Winners in both the Mixed Voices and Gospel and Spiritual categories, further solidifying their reputation for excellence. The choir’s exceptional performance also secured them a coveted spot in the Grand Prize competition, a testament to their skill, dedication, and the strong leadership of Dr Casey.

Unity Through Music
What makes the BAVE Chamber Choir’s achievement even more significant is the diverse and united nature of its members. The choir is composed of passionate youths, aged 25 to 43, from various Catholic parishes within the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur. For the first time, these talented individuals have come together to sing in one voice, united by their shared faith and love for music. Under the direction of Dr Casey, the choir has not only excelled musically but has also fostered a sense of community and belonging among its members. Rehearsals, held at the Broadway Academy, have been a space where these young voices are nurtured and honed, preparing them for the rigours of international competition, music festivals and the joy of communal worship.

Spiritual Guidance and Pilgrimage
Accompanying the choir on this remarkable journey was their Spiritual Director, Fr Gerard Theraviam from the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist, Kuala Lumpur. Under his spiritual guidance, the choristers had the blessed opportunity to embark on a pilgrimage to various holy sites in Rome. This pilgrimage enriched their experience, deepening their faith as they visited sacred locations that hold great significance in the Catholic tradition.

One of the highlights of the trip was when the choir was warmly greeted by the Ambassador of Malaysia to the Holy See, His Excellency Hendy Assan, at the Embassy of Malaysia in Vatican City. The choir was honoured to perform for the ambassador during a special lunch hosted at the embassy. His Excellency further showed his support by attending the competition at the Basilica Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, proudly standing behind Malaysia’s one and only representative in the event.

Adding to their spiritual journey, the choir was invited to sing for Mass at the iconic Pantheon in Rome. Fr Gerard had the distinguished opportunity to concelebrate this Mass alongside other clergy and bishops of Rome. The choir’s time in Rome also included visits to the St. Peter’s Basilica where they joined the Angelus prayer recited by Pope Francis and the visit to the Vatican Museums, enriching their spiritual and cultural experience. As a fitting conclusion to their victorious trip, the choir made a pilgrimage to Venice, marking the finale of their journey with reflection and celebration.

A Shared Success and Gratitude
The success of the BAVE Chamber Choir in Rome is shared with another ensemble, the Broadway Academy Christian Fellowship Choir, conducted by associate conductor Mr Henry Gultom, which also achieved outstanding results. This choir, composed mostly of senior adults from various Catholic parishes, won the Golden Diploma Award and emerged as the Category Winner in the Senior Choir Category, bringing Malaysia its 4th Gold Award and 3rd Category Winner in the competition. The BA Christian Fellowship Choir meets weekly at the Broadway Academy for choir training and prayer, embodying the spirit of community and worship through music.

The BAVE Chamber Choir wishes to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to Archbishop Julian Leow for all the support he has given from the start of this project until today. Their heartfelt gratitude extends to all the priests, parishioners, family and friends of the various churches who have supported them and contributed to making their journey to Europe a tremendous success. Your efforts have brought glory to our Archdiocese, and these victories are as much yours as they are the choirs’.

The BAVE Chamber Choir’s victories in Rome are a source of pride not only for the choir but for the entire Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur and the nation. As they continue their journey, they are eager to welcome new voices into their fold, offering an opportunity for more individuals to experience the joy of singing in harmony, both musically and spiritually.

This is an invitation to anyone who feels called to join a community of faith-filled musicians committed to excellence and service. Together, let us continue to celebrate and elevate the gift of music in our worship and in our lives.

A call for new voices
As the BAVE Chamber Choir returns from their victorious journey in Rome, they are looking to expand their ranks and welcome new members into their musical family. This September and October 2024, the choir is holding auditions for both experienced and non-experienced singers who wish to join them in their mission of spreading the beauty of sacred choral music.

Selected members will receive comprehensive training in vocal technique and music rudiments as part of the choir’s sacred choral training programme. This training is designed to cultivate not just technical skill but also a deep appreciation for the spiritual and communal aspects of choral singing. Those who successfully complete the programme will have the opportunity to represent Malaysia in Europe in 2026, following in the footsteps of the current choir members who have already made their mark on the international stage.

Why Join the BAVE Chamber Choir?

• Spiritual Enrichment: Singing in the choir offers a unique way to deepen your faith, as you engage in the ancient tradition of using music as a form of worship.

• Musical Growth: Under the expert guidance of Dr Casey, you will develop your vocal skills and musical understanding, regardless of your prior experience.

• Community and Fellowship: The choir is more than just a musical ensemble; it is a community where friendships are formed, and every member’s contribution is valued.

• International Opportunities: Members who complete the training programme will have the chance to perform on international stages, as exemplified by the choir’s recent success in Rome.

How to Join
If you are passionate about music and wish to be part of a choir that combines artistic excellence with a deep sense of purpose, the BAVE Chamber Choir invites you to audition. Auditions will take place throughout September and October 2024. For more information or to schedule an audition, please contact us at Broadway Academy +60172916160 (whatsapp available).