Miangaly choir performs Muslim and Christian music in Madagascar

The Miangaly choir performed an a cappella recital titled Rendez-voix de vous at the Cité des Cultures in Madagascar.

The group presented a program that combined Western liturgical music with Middle Eastern traditions to promote a theme of inclusive harmony. The ensemble of approximately 30 singers performed pieces from various eras, including works by Felice Anero and Edward Elgar. They also included the African American spiritual Down by the Riverside.

The second half of the concert featured Middle Eastern traditional repertoire, such as Alhamdoulillah, and pieces by Sami Yusuf. Director Antsanirina Rakotoarimino stated that the choir's interpretation of Muslim chants marks a first for a choral group in Madagascar. Rakotoarimino explained that the program aims to reflect on the place of every person in society, specifically focusing on marginalized groups.

By blending Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican traditions with Middle Eastern music, the choir intended to encourage people to recognize their shared identity as Malgaches. The director said the goal of the performance is to show how loving one another can change things. The Miangaly choir is a secular group founded in 2013 that focuses on classical music, particularly works from the Renaissance and the 20th century. The group won an excellence prize at the Appassionata international competition in August 2023.