On Easter Sunday morning, the voices of Bali Community Choir filled the studios of RRI
Denpasar Pro 1 as singers gathered for a special live broadcast celebrating music, reflection,
and community.

Through a combination of performances and conversation, the program invited listeners
across Bali to experience not only the choir’s music, but also the stories, friendships, and
shared experiences that have shaped the choir since its founding in 2009.

For many tuning in, it was an opportunity to discover how a community choir made up of
Indonesians and international residents continues to bring people together through a shared
love of singing.

Throughout the broadcast, host Bang Paul spoke with conductor Brendan O’Donnell and
several choir members about the role music plays in their lives and in the wider community.

Brendan reflected on his lifelong involvement in community choirs and his decision to make
Bali home after retiring from a career in education and music in Australia. Since founding
Bali Community Choir in 2009, he has welcomed singers from a wide range of backgrounds,
creating a choir where participation matters more than experience and where a love of music
is the only requirement.

That spirit was reflected in the group gathered in the studio. Indonesian and international
singers stood side by side, representing different cultures, professions, and life experiences,
yet united by a shared commitment to singing together.

The conversations revealed what many choir members already know: Bali Community Choir
is not simply a place to rehearse. It is a place where friendships are formed, confidence
grows, and people find a sense of belonging through music.

The morning’s repertoire reflected the themes of Easter while offering moments of reflection
for listeners throughout Bali.

One of the featured performances was Dona Nobis Pacem, the well-known Latin prayer for
peace. Sung with warmth and sincerity, the piece carried a message that resonated beyond the
Easter season, reminding listeners of the importance of compassion, understanding, and hope
in an often divided world.

The choir also performed Hanya Debulah Aku, a song familiar to many Indonesians during
Lent and Easter. During the discussion, choir members reflected on its message of humility,
gratitude, and self-reflection. The performance invited listeners to pause and consider how
small acts of kindness, forgiveness, and understanding can strengthen communities.

Together, these pieces created a thoughtful atmosphere that balanced musical beauty with
meaningful reflection.

One of the most memorable moments of the broadcast came with the choir’s performance of
Tanah Airku.

For the Indonesian members of the choir, the song expressed a deep connection to their
homeland. For many of the international singers who have made Bali their home, it was an
opportunity to express gratitude and respect for the country and community that have
welcomed them.

As Indonesian and international voices blended together, the performance captured
something at the heart of Bali Community Choir’s identity. While members may come from
different countries and cultures, they share a genuine appreciation for the place that has
brought them together.

The performance was both a tribute to Indonesia and a reflection of the cultural exchange that
has long been part of the choir’s story.

Some of the most meaningful moments of the morning came during the conversations
between performances.

Choir member Herlambang Jatmiko described Bali Community Choir as his “second
family,” speaking about the friendships and support he has found through singing. His
reflections highlighted the sense of connection that keeps many members returning week
after week.

Listeners also heard from accompanist Andika Dianiswara, who joined the choir in 2018.
Balancing his work as a classical piano teacher with regular rehearsals and performances, he
shared how making music with the choir provides both creative fulfilment and a welcome
sense of community.

These personal stories added depth to the broadcast, revealing the human connections behind
the music and illustrating why the choir continues to be an important part of so many lives.

As the program drew to a close, the choir delivered a spirited performance of the Hallelujah
Chorus, bringing the Easter celebration to an uplifting conclusion.

For listeners across Bali, the broadcast offered more than a morning of music. It provided a
glimpse into a community built on participation, friendship, and mutual respect—a
community where people from different backgrounds come together to share the joy of
singing.

More than a decade after its founding, Bali Community Choir continues to demonstrate how
music can create connections that cross cultures, generations, and life experiences.

Bali Community Choir extends its sincere thanks to Bang Paul and the team at RRI
Denpasar Pro 1 for their warm hospitality and for providing a platform to share music with
audiences across Bali.

We also thank Andika Dianiswara, our dedicated choir members, and everyone who joined
us for this special Easter broadcast.

Whether listening on the radio, watching online, or singing in the studio, we were reminded
that music has a unique ability to bring people together and strengthen the communities we
share.