THE POWER OF THE CROSS 2026: Lenten Concert & Cantata
This year, the parish of St Joseph, Kuala Lumpur was honoured to host Broadway Academy, in collaboration with the Archdiocesan Office of Human Development, in their expression of a sacred Lenten concert entitled “The Power of the Cross.”
Following the main liturgical theme of the season, the Church invites us to reflect more deeply on the mystery of Christ’s suffering, His sacrifice, and the boundless love revealed through the Cross. Through the sacred music, we were able to journey together in prayer and reflection. We were able to contemplate on the profound meaning of Christ’s Passion and the hope that flows from His sacrifice.
The concert was graced by the presence of special guests, His Excellency Archbishop Julian Leow, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, His Excellency Archbishop Wojciech Zaluski, Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia, Reverend Father Frederick Joseph, Parish Priest of the Church of St Joseph, KL and Dr. Gary Liew, Director of the Archdiocesan Office of Human Development.
The Catholic Chamber Orchestra of Kuala Lumpur, an ensemble founded by Dr Casey Broadway with the vision of bringing together musicians who share a passion for sacred music and orchestral collaboration. The orchestra presented its inaugural premiere on the 4th of October 2025 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, marking the beginning of a new musical initiative dedicated to supporting choral and sacred music performances within the Catholic community. Under the musical direction of Dr Casey Broadway—an experienced conductor, educator, and founder of Broadway Academy—the orchestra continues to bring together talented instrumentalists in service of sacred music and artistic excellence.
The concert was divided into 2 parts.
First part of the concert, featuring sacred works that invited us into contemplation and prayer. It opened up with the Intermezzo from Fedora by Umberto Giordano, a beautifully expressive orchestral work that sets the reflective tone for our Lenten meditation. The featured soloist Diana Klycheva, joined the Orchestra in this first part of the concert. She performed two beloved settings of the Ave Maria, a prayer of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary that has inspired composers throughout the centuries. First, Ave Maria by Franz Schubert, followed by Ave Maria by Pietro Mascagni.
The featured choir, the BAVE Chamber Choir (The Catholic Singing Ambassadors), performed together with the guest soloist Diana Klycheva.
Their program continued with three sacred choral works. First, Laudate Dominum from Mozart’s Vesperae Solennes de Confessore, a radiant psalm of praise. Followed by Ave Verum Corpus, Mozart’s beloved Eucharistic motet reflecting on the mystery of Christ’s sacrificial body. And finally, Stabat Mater by Josef Rheinberger, a deeply moving meditation on the sorrow of the Blessed Virgin Mary standing at the foot of the Cross.
The second part:
The evening’s Mass Choir is formed by The Catholic Singing Ambassadors, a choral initiative founded by Dr Casey Broadway. The ensemble brings together singers from several choirs, including the Broadway Academy Vocal Ensemble Chamber Choir, the Broadway Academy Christian Fellowship Choir, the BAVE Youth Choir, as well as friends from other Catholic choirs across the various parishes of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur.
What makes this initiative particularly remarkable is that The Catholic Singing Ambassadors is, to date, THE ONLY choral initiative that has successfully brought together Catholic singers from multiple parishes across the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur into one united ensemble.
In doing so, it represents a rare and meaningful expression of unity within the Catholic community through the gift of sacred music.
Guided by the vision of its founder, the ensemble seeks to revive and restore the rich tradition of Sacred Catholic choral music in Malaysia, while fostering collaboration, faith, and artistic excellence among Catholic musicians.
Through performances such this concert, The Catholic Singing Ambassadors continues its mission of offering sacred music not only as artistic expression, but also as a form of prayer and proclamation of faith.
“The Power of the Cross,” composed by Mark Hayes, is a sacred cantata in 7 movements that told the story of Christ’s suffering, sacrifice, and redeeming love. Through scripture, narration, and music, the work invited us to contemplate the depth of God’s love revealed through the Cross. A sacred and beloved Musical Reflection on Christ’s journey to Calvary.
The Cantata was narrated by Suzan Manen and Mandaking.
The recording of “The Power of the Cross” is available at the following link:
The Finale:
The Via Dolorosa — the Way of Sorrow — recalls the path that Jesus walked on the way to His crucifixion. This powerful song reminded us of the suffering endured for our salvation, and the love poured out for all humanity.
At that juncture, the finale, the Catholic Ministry of the Deaf (CMFD), honourable guests and committees of the AOHD were invited to join in together.
The recording of The Via Dolorosa is available at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/ViaD2026
During the concert, many were in tears as they reflected on the words, music and artistic expression.
We are grateful to have had a chance to experience this beautiful sacred concert. From the bottom of our hearts.. thank you Broadway Academy (founder, managers, choirs and musicians) CMFD and AOHD. We were blessed because we came.
By,
Sheela Theivanthiran
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