What's been happening

Singing at special services is always a highlight of the choral year for us and in particular, in March, we were delighted to contribute to and participate in Bishop Andrew’s Consecration, which was a spectacular occasion and a wonderful experience for all concerned.

We also enthusiastically joined in the fund-raising concert for the Stanley Prison Ministry. Raymond Fu, our Choir Master, expertly conducted us singing from various vantage points in the Cathedral to a very supportive audience. The finale was a musical combination of The Open University Orchestra, the SJC Children’s Choir and ourselves singing a rendition of Rutter’s “The Lord Bless You and Keep You”. We were thrilled to learn that this concert had raised a significant sum for this worthwhile Ministry and anticipate a fund-raising concert becoming a regular feature of our calendar.

We always enjoy singing with the Children’s Choir and it is great to see (and hear!) how well they are progressing, under the baton of Shirley Fu. The numbers have grown quite considerably in recent months and we now have an Intermediate Choir and a Junior Choir (the latter being for the Under 6s) which is very ably coached and encouraged by Kallen Kwok.

We do believe in trying to expand our choral traditions and in April we were pleased to join choirs from the HK Catholic Cathedral of the Assumption and The Church of Christ in China, Hop Yat Church (a large Protestant denomination), to sing parts of Handel’s Messiah at a prayer gathering hosted by Donald Tsang, former Chief Executive of HKSAR.  The performance went well.  Mr Tsang thanked us and said the strength and support of the Lord and the Church had meant much to him during his years as Chief Executive and throughout his life.  Commemorative pictures were then presented to each of the three conductors.

Before the summer season approached, the Choir held its Annual General Meeting followed by a great social gathering held at The Helena May.  This is the time of year when our hard-working Committee members are selected and recognition is given to Choir members for best attendance over the year and also for long-service (over 20 years with the Choir).  We were delighted that Father David and his wife, Christine were able to join us, together with Cecilia Kwok (the Choir Master’s esteemed predecessor) and Bishop Andrew’s wife, Sarah, as they kindly presented the awards.

 

Above: Ruth, Cecilia Kwok and Fr. Hugh

Below: Rod and Raymond

 

The Recommissioning of the Choir, which happened at the beginning of September, is always a memorable occasion and gives another opportunity to join with the Children’s Choir and restate our commitment and wishes for the coming year. 

As always. we are happy to welcome new members into the Choir and if any readers would like to know more about how to join, please do contact Raymond Fu on ykf@spc.edu.hk Similarly, Shirley Fu (shirley@opera.org.hk) is always pleased to hear about youngsters who are keen to participate in the Children’s Choir activities.

 

-Debbie