Early this spring, I joined a fascinating company of men - the Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir! An unfortunate series of events prevented me from attending practice for a few months, but yesterday, I popped in to see my mates. Theyre some of the warmest, most welcoming people Ive met in Hong Kong, and though I had not been with them for very long AND was absent for some time, I was greeted like a long lost friend. These sketches were done during practice last night. (Excuse me guys, if youre not quite happy with your likeness. I also wasnt able to sketch everyone this time, but Im sure I will eventually.) Theres no way that I can catch up enough to perform with them this season, but I aim to join their ranks soon. For those of you who live in Hong Kong and enjoy being uplifted by song, I strongly encourage you to snap up a few seats at their upcoming Stomp Your Foot concerts (1 and 8 November, tickets available through HKticketing). Theres something about 50+ glorious voices filling your being with the most magnificent sound! I guarantee a great time. For the curious, heres the back story of how I came to join their ranks as a B2 (I sing bass). ............................................................... In Late March of this year, leading up to the Rugby Sevens, I attended an open air concert with a bunch of sketchers to enjoy the festivities. The event started at 7:30 and I was a little late. I remember hurrying to the grounds; a large open space at the Harborfront called Fanzone, and a magnificent setting for any concert, with Hong Kongs most remarkable landmarks towering behind the stage. As I made my way to the main area in the distance, the air suddenly filled with the voices of men. Not just any voices either. They sang together in wonderful harmony! I felt my insides fill and soar, and quickened my step. A good spot opened up for me not far from the stage. A group of about 50 men filed into formation as the MC announced them, resplendent in matching uniforms. Their conductor was a figure striking in red, who coaxed the most amazing sounds from the group. And such control they had over their voices...! From melodious whisper to heart-pounding crescendo! It was impossible to not be moved. All I heard of their name was Welsh Male Voice Choir and I thought they must have been invited from abroad at great expense. I sketched frantically and was glad I did, for they only performed for about half an hour. Their repertoire ranged from classics I remember from childhood, to Shanghai Beach in Mandarin and even Bohemian Rhapsody! All too soon, it was time for the next act and they melted offstage to my disappointment. The next series of events still make me grin. That night, I posted the sketch I did of the choir on Urban Sketchers, and Sylvia Evans who resides in the UK commented on my post, asking if it was the Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir. I wasnt sure, and she clarified that it was, and that she even thought she recognised some of them in my hasty sketch! The next morning, their chairman, Nigel reached out to me, and before I knew it, I was sitting in the majestic Li Hall at St Johns Cathedral, fumbling along as I tried to follow a practice session. Nigel had very kindly invited my to try out for the choir, and after a few sessions, I was hooked! As I said, Im in no shape to sing with them yet, but catch up I will one day!
Posted on: Wed, 29 Oct 2014 12:49:13 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015