Members of the UCSI Chorale sharing a light moment with Zander (middle).

The UCSI University Chorale reached the apotheosis of its performing history when it was selected to perform Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, widely known as the Resurrection Symphony, with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) and world-renowned conductor Benjamin Zander. 

And by doing so, UCSI’s 120-man chorale – a combination of the University’s premier chamber and concert choirs – became the first university student choir to perform with the acclaimed MPO. 

UCSI Institute of Music director Prof Dr P’ng Tean Hwa said that the Chorale’s involvement was significant as the students could work closely with Zander, a Mahler specialist who is widely regarded as one of the world’s best conductors. 

“Performing Symphony No. 2, known as the Ressurection Symphony, with the MPO – a professional orchestra that brings together some of the best musicians from 25 countries – speaks volumes about the quality of the UCSI Chorale,” said Prof P’ng. 

“Our students received great exposure and it is a great honour for them to work with Zander, an esteemed conductor who works extremely well with young musicians and performers.” 

Established in 2007, the UCSI Chorale stands out as one of Malaysia’s foremost vocal ensembles. It has quickly developed a reputation at home and abroad, winning accolades at international chorale festivals and summits. 

Some of the Chorale’s notable achievements are gold awards at the International Choral Festival Orientale Concentus III 2010 in Taiwan, the IFCM World Choral Summit 2012 in China, the 11th China International Choral Festival 2012, the 4th Hong Kong International Youth and Children’s Choir Festival 2013 and the 7th Grand Prix Pattaya Festival 2014. 

The Chorale is housed at UCSI’s Institute of Music – Malaysia’s foremost music school in both the classical and contemporary fields. It is directed by Prof Ian Lim Kean Seng who is widely acknowledged as the doyen of Malaysian chorus masters and voice teachers. 

The Chorale’s milestone marks yet another achievement for the Institute. In December 2014, Jeremy Yeo and Wun Chern Zhi also performed with the MPO as piano soloists at the orchestra’s Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals concert.