PHILOSOPHY AND GOAL
Ngan Khoi Chorus, a Southern California based not-for-profit organization, was established in April, 1989 for the purpose of promoting choral singing among Vietnamese Americans. Ngan Khoi believes that choral singing nurtures both spiritual growth and social responsibility. Using one's own voice as an instrument, a singer gains a profound sensation caused by the vibration of t
he vocal chords and the physiological and psychological impact of the sound. In the choral environment, a singer interacts with others to achieve a state of perfect sensation by the sheer synchronization of vocal sounds. Choral singing leads to a balanced sensitivity, which contributes to harmonious living. Ngan Khoi Chorus has been on the forefront of producing and promoting the appreciation of folk and classical music in the Vietnamese American community in an effort to bring about a consonant blend of Vietnamese and Western music traditions. In this way, the music speaks as an ambassador and acts as a cultural bridge between the Vietnamese and other American diverse cultures. ACTIVITIES
Since its debut performance contributed to the concert dedicated to "Singing For Tomorrow", Ngan Khoi Chorus has been a pioneer in the relatively new tradition of Vietnamese choral singing. Over the last twenty one years, Ngan Khoi, one of the Vietnamese American choirs of significance outside of Vietnam, has lived up to the challenge of promoting choral activities with consistency in its musical quality, philosophical commitment, and social awareness. The group meets every Sunday for three hours to practice the art of choral singing. Its ties to the Vietnamese community have been consolidated by the success of its many concerts in 1990,1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2005, 2007 resulting in the collection of the 4 CDs & 2 DVD sets. To further enhance Ngan Khoi's visibility and credibility in the community, the leaders of Ngan Khoi have been taking instrumental roles in organizing several other local musical events, including classical chamber music recitals and cross-cultural concerts throughout California. Ngan Khoi Chorus has also created an inspiration and environment for Vietnamese American musicians to write, perform and participate in philharmonic activities. Currently Ngan Khoi has frequent educational programs on Vietnamese language SBTN cable TV, to bring Ngan Khoi’s philosophy and art to a wider audience. To appeal and to encourage young Vietnamese in the art of Vietnamese choral singing, Ngan Khoi has established and is nurturing the growth of the Ngan Khoi Children Choir & the Sóng Xanh young singers. CHARITY CONTRIBUTIONS:
Profits from past performances of The NGAN KHOI CHORUS have been donated to various charitable organizations and activities including Trung Tâm VIỆT NGỮ in Southern California, SAP-VIETNAM, Vietnamese American Cancer Foundation, VN-HELP, and Hội Cựu Tù Nhân Chính Trị..etc.. Ngan Khoi donated more than US$30,000 to flood victims in Vietnam, to refugees in the Philipines, to disabled children in Vietnam, and to other similar causes. Ngan Khoi Chorus collaborated with VACF (Vietnamese American Cancer Foundation) in organizing the 2005 Fundraising Concert “Mẹ Trong Lòng Người Đi”. Ngan Khoi Chorus has given full rights to VACF to use the DVD production of this concert to raise more funds for VACF’s anti-cancer programs. NGAN KHOI CHORUS also organized concerts to raise funds for cultural purposes. Project CD “VIET NAM 1975” has raised almost $20,000.00 for producing a CD featuring the symphonic suite by composer Le Van Khoa entitled VIET NAM 1975. This CD was finally realized and distributed in May 2005 by Mr. Le Van Khoa and has been acclaimed in various worldwide Vietnamese American communities.
