First Sama International Choral Festival for love and humanity from 24-30 July

Sri Lankans will have a unique opportunity to witness the remarkable journey of the Muslim Choral Ensemble (MCE) with the first Sama International Choral Festival in July.

Six years down the line this ensemble celebrating the culture and heritage of the Muslims is preparing for its biggest event. These voices, once untrained and fresh, have grown immensely over the past six years, capturing the attention of audiences worldwide.

Their journey began humbly in Haadia Galely’s apartment, guided by esteemed Artistic Director, Professor André de Quadros from Boston University and led by Associate Artistic Director and Vocal Coach Manoj Sanjeewa have conquered prestigious stages such as the Yale Choir Festival and the London Music Festival. This undertaking was followed by the second phase of MCE which was the formation of the World Muslim Choral Ensemble 2022.

Taking place from 24 to 30 July, the Sama International Choral Festival is a collaborative effort between local and international artistes to be held in Sri Lanka. Together, they will curate a series of performances, events, and culture-sharing opportunities that transcend cultural and language barriers. Through powerful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, the festival aims to bring Muslims and non-Muslims together, engaging in various unique traditions from around the world and breathing new life into this genre of music.

During this week-long celebration, you will experience the talents of the award-winning Manado State University Choir from Indonesia, the acclaimed Boston-based ensemble VOICES 21C, as well as the Muslim Choral Ensemble and World Muslim Choral Ensemble. Leading and sharing their expertise will be artists like Shahid Shahbaz (winner of the Voice of UAE) Nabeel Khan from India (the eighth generation of Sarangi players) Aliraza Shaini (Duff exponent from Iran) including representatives from Buddhist, Hindu, and Christian faiths. These artists will all collaborate with Artistic Director Professor André de Quadros, Associate Artistic Director and Vocal Coach Manoj Sanjeewa for MCE, Choral Director Frances Almeida, St. Joseph’s Choir. The festival will also feature a session by Tasneem Chopra, a renowned cross-cultural consultant, and diversity equity and inclusion trainer.

Beyond the multicultural performances, MCE is committed to initiating outreach programs for underserved communities who may not have easy access to such cultural experiences. This dedication to inclusivity reflects a genuine desire to make a positive impact and create a more inclusive society. Through collective efforts being extended by these Ambassadors for Peace, aim to foster an environment where artists can thrive, audiences can be moved, and the beauty of shared humanity can be celebrated. The Sama International Choral Festival will also be a part of the United Nations Global Week to Act4SDGs, focusing on advocating for peace, unity, and harmony through music. Organisers invite all to be a part of this unique event, where magic unfolds through the power of music. Come and experience the transformative journey of the Muslim Choral Ensemble and witness the harmonious collaboration of artists from diverse backgrounds. “Join us in celebrating our shared humanity and the richness of cultural expression at the first Sama International Choral Festival,” they added.