More on Circlesongs

World-famous vocal innovator and improviser Bobby McFerrin created this concept to explore choral improvisations in his performances. Together with Voicestra, a group he founded with singers from classical, jazz and theatre backgrounds, he brings to the musical world a dynamic solo and group vocal explorations through Circlesongs.

The music is entirely improvised on the spot and captures everything in the performance: the day, the time, the theatre, the audience. Any spontaneous sound creation goes through a rhythmic repetition, thus springing songs of circular shape and chant-like structure. There are no words, since language limitations only create separation between listeners. McFerrin always felt that singing a song without words makes one song a thousand songs because the people who hear it can bring their own stories to it. The creation of Circlesongs grew out of his deeply held belief that “one of the simplest and most direct ways of praying and meditating is through singing, and singing in community is exceptionally powerful. You get people together in a room and get them singing, and you instantly knock down all the walls – creed, gender, age and race differences, everything. You’re all one at that point, lifting your voices”.

And so, universal sounds that express joy and gratitude, chants drawing inspirations from all religious traditions yet are strictly nondenominational, spontaneous musical stream of consciousness . . . allow us to share our spiritual connection (without being defined by any single spiritual path) with you and together we celebrate a communion of singing and music.

The Philharmonic Society of Selangor invites you to experience the nuances of Circlesongs in its latest production, in aid of the Independent Pet Rescuers Malaysia.

Adapted from Barbara Graham, Theodore Levin and Jonathan Goldman, programme writers for Bobby McFerrin’s Circlesongs album (Sony SK62734). For more information, do visit http://www.sony.com/ & http://www.bobbymcferrin.com/

About The Phil

Founded in 1958, The Philharmonic Society of Selangor, or The Phil as it is affectionately known, is one of the oldest and most established music societies in Malaysia. The Phil counts among its successes productions like The Sound of Music, The King & I and Guys & Dolls, as well as classical offerings such as Rutter’s Requiem, Haydn’s Creation and Orff’s Carmina Burana and contemporary treats including Music from Movies and Musicals and In The Mood. The society also organises regular workshops to provide education in the performing arts through its Theatre Education Programme. As it celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2008, The Phil aims to continue to provide accessible opportunities for learning, producing and presenting quality performances in the performing arts through fellowship, fun activities and education.


About Independent Pet Rescuers Malaysia

Independent Pet Rescuers Malaysia (IPR) is a group of volunteers committed to the rescuing and re-homing of stray, abused and abandoned animals, and facilitating their adoption by foster volunteers. Its members also strive to educate the public on the need for compassion for stray, abused and abandoned animals to prevent them from being put down unnecessarily. In keeping with its strict ‘no-kill’ policy, it hopes to be able to build a halfway house for rescued animals as a temporary sanctuary before they are re-homed. IPR relies entirely on the goodwill of volunteers and the generosity of the public to run and fund its activities. The Phil’s proceeds from Circlesongs will be dedicated to the inspiring and noble work of IPR.

IPR operates an adoption booth at a corner in Plaza Damas, Kuala Lumpur (same row as Starbucks at Hartamas Shopping Centre, opposite BT Computers) every Saturday from 1pm to 6pm. Website: http://rescue2rehome.blogspot.com/