ACJC Tezukayama High School Joint Concert
繋がり・connection was the 2025 theme of our bi-directional cultural exchange marking the 36th Anniversary between ACJC and Tezukayama High School. Overcoming the struggles and bridging ties across the pandemic, our two institutions have sought to re-establish relationships, and sustain the connections of performing arts and humanity that transcends language and cultural barriers.
Welcoming our friends from Tezukayama High School from the 25th to 28th of March 2025, ACJC students were enthusiastic and eager to meet and learn more from their Japanese peers. This cultural exchange is only possible because of the foresight of Mr Wan Fook Weng, principal of ACJC from 1986-1997. In 1989, he established ties with teachers and school leaders of Tezukayama High School that has been continued by subsequent principals, Mrs Lim Han Soon, Mrs Kelvyna Chan, Ms Beatrice Choong, and Dr. Shirleen Chee.
The combined concert included all of ACJC’s performing arts CCAs and Tezukayama High School’s Concert Band. With just two days of rehearsal together, the combined ACJC-TZH Concert Band performed one piece each from Singapore and Japan, Dr. Kelly Tang’s “Overture No. 2” and “Japanese Graffiti IV”, an arrangement of music by the Japanese singer, Kosaku Dan, by Atsuhiro Isozaki. Separately, each school’s band performed pieces from their own repertoires.
This was followed by performances inspired by the diversity of music and performances from both international and local cultures. ACJC Guitar, String Ensemble, Choir, Dance and ACSian Theatre performed a variety of music and dance genres that brought us to Europe, East Asia, the Indian Subcontinent and Singapore. These performances were all well-received and thoroughly enjoyed by our audience from within ACJC and our cluster schools.
The ACJC Performing Arts CCAs are grateful for the stewardship of our principal, Dr Shirleen Chee, and vice-principals Mr Ang Yuan Peng, Ms Quek Si Min, Ms Callista Lim. Our gratitude also goes to the numerous teachers, students and friends for their continued support.
Last, but not least, we are deeply thankful and appreciative of the warmth and sincerity of our friends from Tezukayama High School. We look forward to many more years of friendship, collaboration, and artistic excellence shared between our two schools!
To God be the glory, The Best is Yet to Be!