Katterwall Vocal Scholarship Recipient 2006-07.

K: What's your performing background?
R: "Before I studied at the HKAPA, I had quite a lot of performing experience but mostly it was dance shows or musicals. I wanted to be a performer since secondary school, however my parents wouldn't allow me to go into this field. I studied computer programming for three years but didn't give up my dream so I kept learning by myself. When I asked my parents to watch me perform they finally saw my passion for the performing arts and allowed me to study at the APA."

K: What are your connections with Katterwall?
R:"Bethan was my Chorus Class teacher at the HKAPA. In my final year, I received a Katterwall Vocal Scholarship in the form of one year's singing lessons with Matthew. Since graduating I have continued to study with him. This was my first time to have a male singing teacher which felt good because he really understands my vocal problems and how a man's voice works. And of course he's a very good teacher, he helps me to improve my singing a lot."

K: What are you up to at the moment?
R: "I am a freelance performer working in musical theatre, drama, dance shows, commercial shows plus school tours and teaching dance in schools. Recently, I was in local original musicals "Dream Gladiator 2" by DG House and "Homo Superus" by 2 On Stage. Also, I am in "Annie" with Hong Kong Chorus."

K: What are your aspirations?
R: "I want to be a professional musical theatre performer and a choreographer. I want to inspire people through the performing arts, especially musical theatre as I believe it is a very strong art form that affects people and touches their hearts."

This month Kassia choirs are supporting Amnesty International's campaign 'Stop Violence Against Women'. Milabel Amar, Director of Amnesty International Hong Kong, continues: "It is easy to think that human rights abuses happen to other people, in places of conflict or repression. The truth is that violence against women is not confined to any political or economic system. It is prevalent in every society in the world. It cuts across boundaries of wealth, race and culture. It affects the young and the old. One in every three women is abused in her lifetime...All over the world, women have led brave and inspiring campaigns against this violence. They have achieved dramatic changes in laws, policies and practices but the violence persists. With the Stop Violence Against Women campaign, Amnesty International is joining the struggle. Take action now. It's in our hands. Stop Violence Against Women." 

To support this campaign, you can buy raffle tickets from Kassia members or the Katterwall office. See our website for more details and a list of the fabulous prizes to be won!

Friday 7th - 'Traditional Caroling Evening', KASSIA CHOIRS & FRIENDS. Amphitheatre, Wo On Lane (off Lan Kwai Fong, below Pottinger St.). Starts at 8:30pm. Come and sing along to your favorite carols - we will provide song sheets and a few muicians, you just bring your voice!

Thursday 13th HULLABALLOO invites you to attend their 'Holiday Performance' featuring international songs from autumn and winter holidays. YWCA, 38C Bonham Road. 5pm. RSVP with Camille.

Thursday 13th - 'Concert Highlights' KASSIA YOUTH CHOIR & MEN'S CHORUS performing selections from their shows. HK Cultural Centre Foyer. 6pm.

Sunday 16th - 'Christmas Entertainment' KASSIA YOUTH CHOIR. Festival Walk, Kowloon Tong. 5-5:45pm.

Friday 21st - 'Singing Santas - In aid of Operation Santa Claus' SOHO COLLECTIVE will be appearing in selected bars in Central and Wanchai. 8pm onwards.

SOHO COLLECTIVE are busy performing at various corporate functions and public events throughout December. You can catch our singers caroling across the territory as part of Hong Kong Winterfest.

Divas In Training - KASSIA YOUTH CHOIR inc. Kelly Clarkson, Shania Twain & Gloria Gaynor

Feelin' Groovy - KASSIA MEN'S CHORUS inc. Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor & Bob Dylan

Ain't No Motown High Enough - KASSIA WOMEN'S CHOIR inc The Supremes, The Marvelettes and Martha Reeves & The Vandellas

The new terms begin in January. Drop Brian a line to arrange a quick and easy audition!

APPLICATIONS FOR...

Hullaballoo - KASSIA CHILDREN'S CHOIR No audition required, just enthusiasm!

Contact Camille to sign your child up to the next fun-filled term of music making!