A symphony of cultures

Gulf Weekly

08-05-2025

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One of Bahrain's oldest choirs and young talents at a local university will come together as one voice for their debut collaboration, Chorus of Cultures, a spectacular musical concert set to be staged on May 23.
Formed more than 50 years ago, Manama Singers, together with the RCSI Medical University of Bahrain Choir, will take enthusiasts on an exciting journey through language, rhythm, and harmony, across continents and cultures, conjuring an 'unforgettable evening of musical unity'.
The two-hour concert presented by more than 70 singers will tell tales from around the world, presenting a rich tapestry of global choral and solo music – from the soulful call of African folk melodies to the dramatic flair of classical arias and the groove of contemporary popular hits.
'Manama Singers were looking for a conductor at the end of 2024, as our regular conductor Jo Dichiolla was taking some time out. We were lucky enough to find an exciting new conductor, South African Stefan Els, who is also the conductor and founder of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain Choir,' Manama Singers chairperson Susan Scott told GulfWeekly.
'We started rehearsing a number of South African songs and then Stefan suggested a combined concert, which we thought was a wonderful idea. The concert, being multinational and cultural, grew to showcase different songs, but was also named so because both choirs have a remarkable number of nationalities,' she added.
Manama Singers, which celebrated its golden jubilee three years ago, comprises more than 40 members across nationalities, including English, Welsh, Scottish, Irish, French, Italian, German, Swiss, Swedish, American, Indian, Pakistani, Malaysian, Kiwi (New Zealand), Jordanian, Lebanese and Zambian.
RCSI Medical University of Bahrain Choir, formed last year, currently has 32 members.
'Teaching African songs was a particularly fun challenge,' choirs'conductor and RCSI Bahrain data analyst Stefan revealed.
'Getting everyone to learn the words, rhythms, and accompanying movements was a steep but rewarding learning curve,' he added.
'Manama Singers were initially quite hesitant to let go of their choir folders and memorise the music, but they have overcome that with great dedication.'
This is the first time Manama Singers will be presenting without sheet music – printed notations meant to guide the performer about pitch, rhythm and other elements.
'While we've been rehearsing since mid-January, we've only had two combined weekend rehearsals, each about four hours long. We had to get creative with our rehearsal spaces at RCSI. Practising on staircases helped with acoustics, and the altos even worked on their projection techniques in a car park at one point,' the 34-year-old from Al Sayh, who has been living in Bahrain for the last six years, said, highlighting some memorable moments behind the scenes.
US expatriate Amanda Pilmer, who moved to the kingdom in August last year, shared her experience and excitement for the show.
'It's been great meeting all these new people, who are so welcoming. I'm a mum of two so, spending that one day a week rehearsing has given me an outlet,' the 40-year-old from Adliya said, adding that she will be presenting some solo acts at the concert.
The event will commence at 7pm at Downtown Rotana in Manama.