Sing the songs of the Muslim world, beautifully
Training and performing at the highest artistic level, while fostering collaboration and intercultural relationships.
Our Story is aShared Song
Founded in Colombo in August 2017: a choir of Islamic spirituals, with Muslim and non-Muslim voices side by side.
- Founded in Colombo
- 2017
- First international stage, at Yale
- 2018
- Our first festival, Sama
- 2023
01 Beginnings
There was no other choir like it
When MCE was founded, singers from different faiths and backgrounds united around Zikr, nashīds, qasidas and qawwali. Within a year the ensemble was on stage at Yale.
After the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks it launched Voices for Peace. The work has grown into residencies, the World Muslim Choral Ensemble and productions such as An-Nur: The Light.
“I believe in the power of performing arts to reach out and communicate to hearts and minds.”
Haadia Galely, Co-founder and Executive Director
02 What we sing for
Our mission and vision
Islamic spirituals that resonate around the world
Promoting unity, understanding and solidarity across borders, and celebrating Muslim culture and history.
03 The journey
Colombo, Yale, London, Doha, and home again
- 2017
MCE is founded
Co-founded and launched in Colombo in August.
- 2018
Yale International Choral Festival
First international stage, in June, after a January concert at the Russian Cultural Centre.
- 2019
London & Voices for Peace
London International Music Festival, and an interfaith project of remembrance at Shangri-La Colombo.
- 2021
Qatar
A presentation at Hamad Bin Khalifa University and a performance at MACFEST.
- 2022
World Muslim Choral Ensemble
Voices for Peace 2 in February; the World Muslim Choral Ensemble inaugurated in July.
- 2023
Sama International Choral Festival
A 10-day residency in Sri Lanka with local and international artists.
- 2024
An-Nur: The Light
Staged at the Lionel Wendt Theatre in June. Haadia Galely receives an IMRA Award of Excellence.
04 Leadership
Who leads the ensemble
Two co-founders and the ensemble's founding vocal coach have shaped MCE since its first rehearsal in Colombo.
Haadia Galely
Co-Founder · Executive Director
Leads MCE and its programmes. Recipient of the IMRA Award of Excellence, 2024.
Prof. André de Quadros
Co-Founder · Artistic Director
Shapes MCE's artistic direction and its international collaborations.
Manoj Sanjeewa
Associate Artistic Director · Vocal Coach
Vocal coach to the ensemble since its founding.
05 The company
The people behind the music
Board of trustees
- Haadia Galely
- Nafeesa Amiruddeen
- Sajeda Akbarally
- Shabbir Ebrahim Galely
- Ahmed Areeb Huzair
Patron
- Hanif Yusoof
Vocal coaching
- Manoj Sanjeewa
- Murthaaz BarryAssisting vocal coach
Musicians
- Shahid ShabazSufi music
- Alireza ShahiniDuff
- Sasanka RajasekaraSessional
- Shammika MohottiSessional
- Dinanjana MadushankaSessional
The MCE Festival
Hear the ensemble live in Colombo
Festival of Sacred Sounds, South Asia: concerts, conversations, workshops and films in Colombo.