Have you ever heard a Christmas Carol apart from your own language?
The Sounds of Christmas from Asia Pacific is a multilingual and intercultural Christmas song project, produced by Kevin Bathman and Benjamin Oh, showcasing the diverse and creative communities in Sydney. It is an initiative supported by the City of Sydney’s Matching Grant program.
"Christmas is now taken as both a religious as well as a secular end of year celebration, but for some, Christmas can also be a difficult and lonely time" says Kevin Bathman, one of the co-producer of the project.
Team of vocalist and producers, Sound of Christmas from Asia Pacific Source: Kevin Bathman
"Especially for those who are culturally minoritized, those being marginalised for who they are, or separated from their loved ones or community because of their being in this city and country" he spoke to SBS Japanese.
The album is a compilation of familiar tunes yet different rendition, reminding the listeners that "diverse Sydneysiders are an inclusive and affirming community that welcomes them".
Kumi Matsuda, a Japanese vocalist who participated in the project, says the unique nature of the project attracted her to enter.
Source: Kevin Bathman
“I am not a professional singer, but entered it, hoping to be picked” she spoke to SBS Japanese.
Kumi who arrived in Australia 24 years ago, has been part of various choirs for the past 10 years. She sings Hark! The Herald Angels Sing in the album.
"I have sang this song in English previously, but singing in Japanese allowed me to be more emotional and really understand the thoughts and feelings included in the song by the creator"
The album was created remotely during the lockdown, and Kumi did not have a chance to come in contact with the other vocalist.
Source: Kumi Matsuda
"Only when the album was completed did I hear the songs by other vocalist" she laughs.
Kumi says she was surprised to hear how the “same carol can sound so different“ depending on the language, and how each vocalist had their own unique arrangement and interpretation of the song.
" If there are more opportunities for multilingual song projects, I would love to participate again"
"I love to sing"
Kumi who is part of Sydney Sakura Choir, says being part of a group allowed her to form friendships with other Japanese in the community. "I hardly knew anyone till then"
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Sydney Sakura Choir
The album is available online, and 25% of profits raised from the album will go towards Mudgin-gal Women’s Place, an Aboriginal Women-led organisation that provides vital services for vulnerable women in the Sydney community; and another 25% to support The House of Welcome that welcomes shelter and empower people seeking asylum and refugees regardless of their age, gender, sexuality, nationality or religion.
Listen to SBS Japanese Radio on Tue, Thu and Sat from 10pm
