FOR a choral performance with a twist, catch The Canticle Singers (TCS) at Istana Budaya from Jun 2 to 6.

Combining the melodies of traditional choral singing with Broadway movements, the group is celebrating its eighteenth year with a choral presentation entitled Shining Through.

Featuring 20 well-loved songs from various genres including pop, jazz, lounge and musical theatre, the one-of- a-kind concert also includes dance movements.

The repertoire includes music from The Carpenters, The Beatles, Michael Jackson and musicals like In The Heights, Les Miserables and Billy Elliot.

The two-hour performance will also include elements of rap, hip-hop and salsa in their selection.

"We decided to include dance movements in our show as Malaysians enjoy a little bit of drama together with music," said producer and music director, HK Chong.

Founded in 1992 by Chong, TCS first ventured into dramatic musical productions by requiring their singers to incorporate acting and movements into songs.

The talented group have produced 16 productions since then, including Do You Hear The People Sing (2004), Refugee: Images (2006), A Grand Night For Singing (2008) and the latest, Two From Galilee presented last year.

Describing TCS as a community group focusing on results, Chong believes that they are different from other groups, as they are committed to a high level of choral singing.

TCS have been rehearsing three times a week since late February to ensure the songs are precise, no matter what language they sing in - English, Italian or Swahili.

"Diction is important in any presentation. When the words are pronounced correctly, the audience will be able to understand the lyrics," added Chong, who believes discipline and commitment are important qualities for the singers to hold.

TCS consists of 17 members from the ages of 18 to 50 - volunteers from all walks of life with varying levels of musical training and experiences.

One of its members, Patricia Ngo thinks the 'U' (or madrigal) fashion in which the singers sit on chairs arranged according to the shape of the letter, is the best way of appreciating the essence of their songs.

"Some venues allow singers in the formation to sing without microphones. We will be using them at Istana Budaya but the audience will be able to listen to the songs clearly," said Ngo, a soprano who rediscovered her love for singing with the Selangor Philharmonic Society in 2005 and was invited to join TCS in their 2009 production, Be Our Guest.

Low Tze Liang, a member since 2004, wears many hats including advisor, section leader for men's rehearsals, and music arranger. He first joined TCS hoping to play the clarinet but ended up on stage with the rest of the cast in Do You Hear The People Sing?.

"One of the best things about participating in various performances is that each time it is different and there are always new faces," said the 31-year-old IT consultant by day.

Hosted by Timothy Ooi, the show will feature guest tenor Stefano Chen. The net proceeds from this production will be channelled to Ray of Hope Children's Home in Sepang.

Shining Through is a 110-minute performance with a spot of interactivity between performers and audience. Those interested will be invited to join the singers on the stage at Lambang Sari, Istana Budaya. Shows run from Jun 2 to 6 at 8.30pm and matinees (3pm) on Jun 5 and 6.

Tickets are priced at RM58 and RM78 via the AXCESS Hotline (03-77115000), www.axcess.com.my and authorised AXCESS outlets.