MCE
Sacred music and dance — choir, musicians and performers

Sacred Sounds is aShared Humanity

Beyond differences, towards a deeper understanding of shared humanity.

Our storyAbout the festival

A choir born froma centuries-oldpractice

Inspired by spiritual recitation practised through the ages across the Islamic world, the Muslim Choral Ensemble is the only ensemble of its kind anywhere.

MCE was co-founded in Colombo in August 2017 by Haadia Galely and Professor André de Quadros, with vocal coach Manoj Sanjeewa. We perform works from a rich global Islamic heritage, and bring new life to traditional oral repertoire through modern techniques and compositions.

“I believe in the power of performing arts to reach out and communicate to hearts and minds.”

Haadia Galely, Co-founder and Executive Director
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Principal Sponsor

Cargills

A festival of sacredsound, at home in Colombo

What began as the Sama International Choral Festival in 2023 is now a regular gathering of local and international artists.

Concerts, residencies and collective music-making sessions bring Muslims and non-Muslims together to share the world's choral traditions. This is where every future edition will be announced.

MCE founded
2017
First festival
2023
Ways to take part
4

“The performances of the Muslim Choral Ensemble were really spellbinding.”

Jeremy HanemanCo-Director, Together Productions CIC, London
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Our journey so far

From a first rehearsal in Colombo to festivals in New Haven and London, and a festival of our own.

  1. 2017

    The Muslim Choral Ensemble is launched in Colombo in August.

  2. 2018

    Invited to the Yale International Choral Festival in the United States.

  3. 2019

    Performs at the London International Music Festival.

  4. 2022

    Inauguration of the World Muslim Choral Ensemble, with singers from five countries.

  5. 2023

    The first Sama International Choral Festival brings artists from around the world to Sri Lanka.

  6. 2024

    An-Nur, The Light, at the Lionel Wendt Theatre, Colombo.

See the full journey

Help us share thismusic more widely

We work with venues, sponsors, media and cultural institutions to bring sacred sound to new audiences.

  • Sponsors
  • Venues
  • Media
  • Cultural institutions
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