Producer/Director: Lo Kingman
Conductor: Lio Kuok-man
Chamber Orchestra: Hong Kong Virtuosi

Soloists:
Nemorino: Dominic Armstrong, Alex Tam
Adina: Christina Haldane, Stefanie Izzo
Dulcamara: David Ward, Freddie Tong
Belcore: Benjamin Bloomfield, Albert Lim
Giannetta: Lam Wing-wing, Sandy Leung

Chorus: The Opera Society of Hong Kong
Chorusmaster: Raymond Fu

Set Designer: Allan Tsui
Lighting Designer: Maggie Law
Costume Designer: Lau Chung-yan

"A stronger production all round, it's a big step forward for the troupe.... A notable strength is the impressively well-balanced, focused singing by the Opera Society Chorus.'"- South China Morning Post, 25 January 2011, on the opening performance.

Facebook event link: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=148201031887984

Tenor: Andrea Bocelli
Conductor: Eugene Kohn
Soprano: Sabina Cvilak
Flute: Andrea Griminelli
Special Guest: Delta Goodrem
Philharmonic Taiwan
Chorus of The Opera Society of Hong Kong
Chorusmaster: Raymond Fu

Programme:

Operatic excerpts
Verdi: La donna e'mobile from 'Rigoletto'
Mascagni: Brindisi from 'Cavalleria rusticana'        
Cilea: Io son l'umile ancella from 'Adriana Lecouvreur'    
Verdi: Di quella pira from 'Il trovatore'
Puccini: O soave fanciulla from 'La Boheme'
Gounod: Kermesse Waltz from 'Faust'
Gounod: Il se fait tard from 'Faust'
Verdi: Brindisi from 'La Traviata'            

Selections from Andrea Bocelli's bestselling albums
Titomaglio: Voglio vivere cosi
Aniello: Vieni sul mar
Cottrau: Santa Lucia   
Lara: Granada 
Monti: Czardas
Denza: Funiculi, funicula
Sartori: Canto della terra

Synopsis: Marie, found abandoned as a baby on the battlefield, was adopted and raised by soldiers. She is the darling of the regiment. When a Marquise tells the Sergeant that Marie is actually her niece and she must leave the regiment, the troops are heartbroken. The Marquise plans to educate and marry Marie in a manner befitting a lady of quality, but Marie wants only to return to her regiment and Tonio, the man she loves.

Lo King-man, Producer/Director.
Opera Society of Hong Kong, Raymond Fu, Chorusmaster.
Hong Kong Virtuosi (Chamber ensemble), Lio Kuok-man, Conductor.

Soloists:
Marie: Christina Haldane / Lam Wing-wing
Tonio: John Zuckerman / Chen Yong / Alex Tam
Sulpice: Brian Montgomery
La Marquise: Melody Sze / Carol Lin
La Maestra: Nancy Loo (Pianist)
Hortensius: Albert Lim
The Duchesse: Brenda Scofield
Dance Mistress: Mandy Petty

This event on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=212463089737

Synopsis
On a terrace above the harbour in Nagasaki, Japan, US Navy Lieutenant B F Pinkerton inspects the house he has leased from a marriage broker, Goro, who has procured him a geisha wife known as Madama Butterfly. For the moment, he is enchanted with the fragile Butterfly and intends to go through a marriage ceremony with her. However, in his mind, he will one day take a "real" American wife. Pinkerton returns to battle. Three years later, Butterfly still waits for her husband's return. One day, she discovers Pinkerton's ship entering the harbour. Delirious with joy, she dons her wedding gown and, with her son, waits for her husband's return. As dawn breaks, Pinkerton and his new wife Kate enter. Butterfly tearfully sobs a farewell to her son, then stabs herself.

Mr Lo King-man, Producer/Director
Opera Society of Hong Kong, Raymond Fu, chorusmaster
Hong Kong Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, Carmen Koon, conductor

Soloists
Nancy Yuen, Wu Guoling and Yuki Ip as Butterfly
Michael Wade Lee and David Robinson as Pinkerton
Deng Yun, Carol Lin and Chen Xiao as Suzuki
Brian Montgomery as Sharpless.

Soloists
Angelita Li, jazz vocalist
Yuki Ip, soprano
Carol Lin, alto
David Quah, tenor
Apollo Wong, bass

Choirs
Chorus of the Opera Society of Hong Kong
Hong Kong Children's Choir

Lung Heung-wing and Mark Lung, percussion
City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong, Colin Touchin, conductor

The Chorus of the Opera Society of Hong Kong sang the Latin American mass 'Misa Criolla' by the Argentine composer Ariel Ramirez for tenor, chorus, and orchestra and some newly arranged Christmas songs. The concert was recorded live and televised on Christmas Day.

Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=45438522399
Photo album: http://www.opera.org.hk/photo/photos.php?abid=17

The Opera Society has sung in previous concerts of the series 'Messiah in the Park' in 2005 and 'Seasons Greetings in the Park' in 2006:

Messiah in the Park 2005: http://www.opera.org.hk./news/index.php#a16
Seasons Greetings in the Park 2006: http://www.opera.org.hk./news/index.php#a6

Jerome Savary, Director
Marie-Stephane Bernard as La Perichole; Marc Laho as Piquillo
Chorus of the Opera Society of Hong Kong, Raymond Fu, Chorusmaster
Ariele Zanini, Piano
The Hong Kong Sinfonietta, Jerome Pillement, Conductor

Soloists:
Anna-Clare Monk, Soprano
Sam Kan, Tenor
Kewei Wang, Baritone

Chorus and Orchestra of The Opera Society of Hong Kong 
Conducted by Raymond Fu

Click concert poster for more concert details and here for soloist and conductor biographies.

Darizi.com 
Lloyd Morgan
The Smile foundation
Y5 Zone
Eastern District Children's Choir
The Learners Chorus
Opera Hong Kong
Maplewood Education Services
Crystal Education Publlications
Hong Kong Handbell Academy
Chez Les Copains
Premier Music
Mei Fong Studio

Also, we appreciate support from the Rental Subsidy Scheme of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Hong Kong Arts Development Council and the St. John's Cathedral, Hong Kong.

Audience from Afar

8 May 2008 - Our 15th Anniversary Concert reaches a global audience through YouTube, where we uploaded excerpts of our performance. Here's a message from Will Wyche of Palm Springs, California sent in to our website directly:

I [am] recovering from a long illness and while surfing the net stumbled on your November 2007 performance of Die Schopfung, specifically Die Himmel erzahlen die Ehre Gottes. Under the circumstances in the early dawn in Palm Springs, it made the breaking sun truly explode and my heart leap! Not having been filled with so much wellness in years--and to view the video with such cosmopolitan mixture of faces of humanity in perfect tonal, dynamic, and rhythmic forte, your performance was created [in] a structural unity and musical strength that was just gloriously overpowering! (even on YouTube!) ... Well, Opera Society of Hong Kong, you have no idea your reach to places and states of being--both good and ill--that is truly infinite! I throw garlands of accolades at your feet! For you are HEALERS WHICH THIS WORLD NEEDS SO TIMELY! Indeed, BROADCAST IT! THE WORLD PUBLIC WILL SOMEDAY THANK YOU SO MUCH as I certainly do!!!

Thank you for your message, Will. We are most happy to have our singing reach out beyond our concert performance. Your message is not just an endorsement of our hard work; it's a most convincing statement of the power of music on both listeners and performers alike.... Those of us who share Haydn's faith, and that of yours, will have one more reason to hail ALLELUIA.... We wish you and your dearest brother Michael happiness, good health and many more elating moments in music.

Now on YouTube

Hear the Opera Society of Hong Kong sing Haydn's Die Schopfung on YouTube:
Die Himmel erzahlen die Ehre Gottes
Vollender ist das grosse Werk
Von deiner Gut', o Herr und Gott

3 May 2007 (Thursday) at 8:00 pm
St. John's Cathedral, Garden Road, Central
Chorus of the Opera Society of Hong Kong
Guest soloists Katusha Tsui-Fraser, Soprano, and David Quah, Tenor
Chamber Orchestra of the Opera Society of Hong Kong
Conductor: Raymond Fu

Concert Reception with snacks and drinks served at Li Hall, 7:15 pm.

Co-organized with Rotary Club of Kingspark Hong Kong and Rotary Club of City Northwest Hong Kong.

Support of this charity concert through sponsorship of the Rotary RainLily Project - with objectives to educate awareness on sexual violence issues and to enhance the awareness of the services of the Association Concerning Sexual Violence Against Women and Rotary International.

Individual Sponsorship: $250 with one complimentary concert ticket and invitation to concert reception.

More information on Rotary RainLily Project and sponsorship.

Chorus members: Contact Shirley Fu at shirley@opera.org.hk for detailed schedules.

The Chorus of the Opera Society of Hong Kong sang Vivaldi's Gloria in D, RV589, and Christmas carols, and violinist Huang Mengla performed Vivaldi's The Four Seasons, Op. 8, with the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong. Guest conductor Johnny Poon.

Soloists: Yuki Ip, soprano; Carol Lin, mezzo-soprano.

200-member combined choir from:
Wah Yan College Kowloon Boys' Choir
Diocesan Girls' School Choir
HKIEd Choir
Carmel Pak U Secondary School Choir
The Learners Chorus
The Singchronizers

RTHK Radio 4's "Seasons Greetings in the Park" celebrate X'mas with star violinist Huang Mengla and 300 singers and musician, RTHK Press Release, December 2006

PHOTOS - taken by chorus members, friends and family members in the audience.

Concert report and audience responses in Finemusic, February 2007

The Chorus of Opera Society of Hong Kong has also sung the RTHK 4 open-air concert Messiah in the Park on Christmas eve 2005 at the Hong Kong Park.

Conductor: David Stein
Director / Producer: Lo King Man
Chorusmaster: Raymond Fu
Repetirices: Nina Yip & Arièle Zanini

The Cast
Samson:	Mark Baker		Delilah	Annie Vavrille
High Priest of Dagon:	Phillippe Fourcade		Abimelech:	Guy Bonfiglio
Old Hebrew:	Nicolas Cavallier		1st Philistine:	Herbert Tam
2nd Philistine:	Kinsen Leung		Messenger:	Andrew Goatly
Child:	Leighton Mok

Soloists: Lea Woods Friedman, Soprano; Meagan Miller, Soprano; Alexandra Sapan, Soprano; Elizabeth Batton, Mezzo-Soprano; Warren Wok, Tenor; Mark Thomsen, Tenor; Paul Armin Edelmann, Baritone; Peter Edelmann, Baritone; Brian Jauhiainen, Bass; Victor Von Halem, Bass

Chrous of The Opera Society of Hong Kong, Raymond Fu, Chorusmaster.
International Orchestra of Italy, Francesc Bonnin, Conductor

Conductor:	David Stern
Chorusmaster:	Raymond Fu
Rehearsal Pianist:	Wong Kin-bong
Repetiteur:	Lily Yeung
Set Designer:	Charfi Hung
Costume Designer:	Mandy Tam
Lighting Designer:	Leo Cheung
Director & Producer:	Lo King-man

The Cast Macbeth: Gary Simpson (25, 27, 29/9) Marco Chingari (26, 28/9) ¡@ Lady Macbeth: Xiuwui Sun (25, 27, 29/9) Frabcesca Patane (26, 28/9) Banquo: Haojiang Tian ¡@ Macduff: Luigi Frattola Malcolm: Alex Tam (25, 27, 29/9) David Quah (26, 28/9) ¡@ Dama: Katusha Tsui-Fraser Medico: Pong Chung-lam Assassin: Sylvester Che

The Story

Background

The opera takes place in Scotland in the middle of the 11th century.

Act I

Scene 1

On the evening following a day of heavy fighting, Macbeth and Banquo encounter three covens of witches. They address Macbeth as Thane of Glamis and prophesy to him that he will be Thane of Cawdor and future King of Scotland. Banquo, however, will not reign but will be father to kings. The witchers then disapper. Messengers from King Duncan arrive, bringing Macbeth the news of his new title. They announce that the Thane of Cawdor has been executed for treason. Macbeth will assume his office.

Scene 2

In Macbeth's castle, through a letter from her husband, Lady Macbeth learns of the happy news. Driven by boundless ambition, she decides to do everything to secure her husband's path to power It is announced that King Duncan will spend the night in the castle. Lady Macbeth views this occasion as a welcome opportunity of spurtting on her husband to murder the King in his sleep. Macbeth hesitates but can no longer resist his wife's merciless urgings and resolves to commit the momentous crime. His conscience begins to plague him. Torturois thoughts almost drive him mad. The cold-blooded Lady Macbeth, on the other hand, has no sympathy for such pangs of conscience. On the following morning, Macduff and Banquo discover the horrible murder and immediately call together all those assembled in the castle. All, including Macbeth and his Lady, curse the unknown murderer.

Act II

Scene 1

With Duncan's death, the witches' second prophecy has been fulfilled: Macbeth is King of Scotland. But the so easily won crown soon proves to be a curshing burden: had not the witches prophesied that Banquo's offspings would bear the crown? Macbeth quickly makes up his mind to commit a further murder.

Scene 2

An assassin is hired to kill Banquo and his son, who are on their way to the castle to attend a banquet at Macbeth's invitation. The Assassin and his accomplices prepare the ambush. Banquo is murdered. His son escapes.

Scene 3

During the evening's festivities, there suddenly appears, visible only to Macbeth, the ghost of the murdered man; at this moment, Macbeth almost loses all control. Macduff, a Scottish nobleman, recognizes the truth and leaves for England. He wished to join Malcolm, Duncan's son, for the campaign against Macbeth.

Act III

Macbeth returns once again to the witches. He wishes to learn more about his fate. The prophecies prove to be cryptic: no man born of woman can harm him, and none can defeat him unless Birnam Wood moves against him. Eight specters of kings apper before Macbeth in an errie hallucination. He collapses in terror.

Act IV

Scene 1

In the country side, refugees from Scotland sing of their oppressed nation. Macduff learns of the death of his wife and children, slaughtered on Macbeth's orders. He swears vengeance.

Scene 2

Incapacitated by mental derangement, Lady Macbeth sleep-walks through the gloomy castle and tries in vain to wash away an imaginary blood stain from her hands. She finally dies insane.

Scene 3

Macbeth arms himself fot the struggle against his enemies, who are approaching the castle from Birnam Wood. The soldiers carry branches as camouflage; thus it appears as if the wood is moving toward the castle. Macbeth feels his end is near, but he is still able to go confidently into action against Macduff, the enemy leader.

Scene 4

Macduff informs Macbeth that he was not born of woman but was ripped from his mother's womb, by caesarian birth. The witches had so prophesied. Macbeth is killed in the duel. Maclcolm becomes the new King of Scotland.

The Cast
Butterfly:	Nancy Yuen (12, 14, 16/9) Xiuying Li (13, 15, 17/9)		Goro:	Alex Tam (13-14/9) David Quah (12, 15-17/9)
Pinkerton:	Ion Pojar (12, 14, 16/9) Michele Fiammardente (13, 15, 17/9)		Bonzo:	Tsui Fai (13, 15-16/9) Michael Rippon (12, 14, 17/9)
Suzuki:	Yun Deng (12, 14, 16/9) Wen Zhang (13, 15, 17/9)		Kate:	Tansy Wainwright
Sharpless:	George Mosley (12, 14-15, 17/9) Michael Rippon (13, 16/9)		Yamadori:	Sylvester Che

Recording of compositions based on ancient poems and texts and songs arranged for choruses by contemporary Hong Kong composers:

你的夢
秋夕
草茵上
啊！向日葵
送友人
行路難
天淨沙
黃鶴樓
雨霖鈴
聲聲慢
虞美人
如夢令
泰山
A Cheerful Welcome
Pity for Mary
Pleasure It is
大江東去

Hugo CD MLW3105.

The Cast
Tosca: Diana Vidu (23, 26, 29/9), Yanyan Wang (24, 27, 30/9), Soprano
Cavaradossi: Jianyi Zhang (23, 26, 30/9), Steven Harrison (24, 27, 29/9), Tenor
Scarpia: Genaro Sulvar?n (23, 27. 30/9), Arturo Barrera (24, 26, 29/9, Baritone
Sacristan: Michael Rippon, Bass
Angelotti: Tsui Fai, Baritone
Spoletta: David Quah (23, 26, 29/9), Alex Tam (24, 27, 30/9), Tenor
Sciarrone/Jailor: Sylvester Che, Baritone
Shepherd: Eugene Yip (23, 26, 29/9), Lee Po-yu (24, 27, 30/9), Treble

Synopsis of Scenes
Act I  17 June 1800, noon, in Rome
The Church of Sant'Andrea dalle Valle
Act II  The same evening, Palazzo Farnese
The rooms of Baron Scarpia
Act III  The following morning, at dawn
The platform of Castel Sant'Angelo

Chorus of the Opera Society of Hong Kong
Chorus of the Opera Society of Hong Kong was founded by a group of dedicated and enthusiastic singers.  They come from all walks of life and share a common desire to promote opera and musical theatre to the people of Hong Kong.  Since 1992, the Chorus has performed in the former Urban Council's productions under the direction of Chorusmaster and Chairman Raymond Fu.  In 1996, the Chorus presented A Night at the Opera in association with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta with great success.  1997 was another exciting year for the Chorus.  Performances included Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 with Sir Neville Marriner and St. Martin in the Fields presented by the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and Melodies of New Era Concert in the 97 Reunification Music Festival.  Recent productions include opera double bill The Divorce & The Lamp of Everlasting Light as well as the film and music project Voices of Light / The Passion of Joan of Arc presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, both with rave reviews.  Highlight of the Chorus's future performance will be Handel's Messiah Concert with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra with Samuel Wong, the new Music Director, in April 2001.

Chorus Master: Raymond Fu
Rehearsal Pianists: Lee Wai-vin and Law Chi-hang
Executive Assistant : Vicky Ng

Soprano
Chan Lin-ching
Chuk Yuk-lin
Brigit Fung
Donna Ho
Kim Hae-kyung
Katherine Kwong
Leung Siu-kum
Lo Ming-ying
Mak Ho-yi
Mok Yee-ying
Frances Wong
Pancy Wong
Yip Ching-yee

Alto
Petra Bach
Claudia Chan
Marilyn Cheng
Fung Hoi-yi
Ada Lai
Vivian Lau
Li Lang-yi, Rainbow
Nancy Li
Ma Wing-ki
Mow Wai-tak
Tilda Wat
Shirley Yeung

Tenor
Cheung Chun-wa
Cheung Shu-kan
Chung Chi-wing
Franky Hon
Hui King-sun
Lam Chung-ming
Felix Lam
Li Kai-hung, Raymond
Orlando Mang
Tam Wai-yip, Sam
Ting Ka-lam
Tucky To

Bass
Chan Chi-wang
Patrick Chan
Kohen Chia
Chung Ying-yin
Kong Yuk-on
William Kong
Kwok Kar-kit
Leung Hei-yeung, Patrick
Leung Wai-lam
Leung Wing-kin
Ng Siu-tung, Tommy
Pong Chung-lam
Tsui Kwong-kit
Wong Po-to

The Opera Society of Hong Kong Children?s Chorus
Chorusmistress: Shirley Veung
Instructor: Grace Ho

Cheric Leona Cheung
Cheung King-him. Tony
Lissa Queenie Cheung
Fong Ka-man, Carmen
Ho Chun-ngai, Calvin
Ho Chun-sing. Jason
Ho Ho-yu, Gordon
Hung Sze-hang
Ip Shun-wai
Keung Lap-shing, Lawrence
Lai Ka-yee
Inga Lam
Law Chun-hin
Lee Kwan-cheung
Lee Po-yu
Lorraine Lui
Pang Yung-ching, Eunice
Poon Sum-wing. Joyce
Arnold Tang
Stephanie Tang
Tsang Oi-lam, Stephanie
Tsang Oi-ming, Alison
Wong Ho-cheun
Eugene Yip
Yuen Tik-wan, Steven

Story
Lu Xun (1881-1936) is a seminal figure in modern China's New Culture Movement.  His short stories, powerful indictments against the "cannibalistic Confucian ethical code" in feudal China, have inspired numerous young men and women to take up swords and pens to build a new China.  The two operas, The Lamp of Everlasting Light and The Divorce, adapted from Lu Xun's celebrated stories of the same titles, tell the stories of a man and a woman who are eventually punished and destroyed for their non-conformity.

Cast List

The Divorce
Aigu: Jovita Leung
Zhuang Musan:  Lam Ho-chi
Qi Daren : Bastien Tai
Master Wei:  Sylvester Che
Wang Degui:  Wong Chi-chuen
Crabface : Wong Po-to
Boatman:  Kwok Kar-kit
Sharp-chin:  To Tak-ki
Young Shi:  Stephen Cheung
Basan:   Sylvester Che
Dragonboat Singer: Wong Chi-chuen

The Lamp of Everlasting Light
The Madman:  Tsui Fai
Aunt Huiwu:  Pancy Wong
Master Guo:  Wong Po-to
Square Head:  Bastien Tai
Zhuang Qiguang:  Wong Chi-chuen
Triangle Face:  Lam Ho-chi
Kuoting:   Sylvester Che
Si Yeh:   Stephen Cheung

The Opera Society of Hong Kong
The Opera Society of Hong Kong was established in 1992 by a group of dedicated singers. The Society has since performed its mission to promote western opera, operetta and vocal music in the community in Hong Kong, while maintaining an outstanding standard of performance. The Chorus has been instrumental in enriching the cultural life of the community by performing in a broad range of programmes.

Having members coming from all strata of society, the Chorus is composed mainly of local talent, but also haying membership of other nationalities. With the vision of keeping abreast with world-renowned choruses, the Chorus strives to achieve the best standard. Under the direction of Raymond Fu, Chairman of the Opera Society and Chorusmaster, the Chorus has achieved a consistently high standard of performance that was described as "Heavenly choir...the chorus limbers up for St. Matthew Passion, the highlight of RTHK's Easter series of early music." by the South China Morning Post.

Since 1992, the Chorus has performed in a number of acclaimed opera performances staged by the former Urban Council, including those of Otello, Rigoletto, La Traviata, Lucia di Lammermoor, Turandot, Aida, La Boheme and Carmen, and those staged by the former Regional Council, including The Merry Widow and Die Fledermaus, and also the Hong Kong Arts Festival Chamber Opera Night Banquet. The Chorus has performed in a large number of other works, including Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with Sir Neville Marriner and the St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Alexander Nevsky and Bach's St. Matthew Passion, with leading local and overseas orchestras and other groups. In December 1999, invited by the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra to join their Millennium Concerts in Dongguang and Guangzhou, the Chorus made its highly successful debut in China.

The Society lays emphasis on nurturing its members, who receive intensive training at rehearsals. Through their participation in opera and other productions, members also increase their understanding of the overall process of musical production and interpretation. Additionally, through participating in various master classes with world-renowned soprano Barbara Bonney and conductor Constantine Kitsopoulos, etc., members broaden their exposure to operatic and musical training. Interested music lovers are welcome to visit the Society's homepage at www.opera.org.hk.

Chamber Opera Chorus
Chorusmaster: Raymond Fu

Soprano
Chiu Wai-tak
Ho, Fanny
Kwong, Katherine
Yeung, Shirley

Mezzo-Soprano
Li, Nancy
Leung, Rita
Wong, Pancy

Tenor
Lee, Kenneth
To,Tucky
Wong, Matthew

Bass
Cheng, Samuel
Kwok Kar-kit
Wong Po-to

Children Chorus
Chiu, Carol
Ho Ho-yu, Gordon
Ho Chun-sing, Jason
Ho Chun-ngai, Kelvin
Yam Wan-ting
Yuen Tik-wan

Synopsis of Scenes
Act I  A square by the tobacco factory in Seville
Act II  A tavern by the wall of the city
Act III  Smugglers' hide-out in the mountains
Act IV  Outside the bullring in Seville

The Opera Society of Hong Kong
The Opera Society of Hong Kong was established in 1992 by a group of dedicated singers. The Society has since performed its mission to promote western opera, operetta and vocal music in the community in Hong Kong, while maintaining an outstanding standard of performance. The Chorus has been instrumental in enriching the cultural life of the community by performing in a broad range of programmes. Since 1992, the Chorus has performed in a number of acclaimed opera performances staged by the Provisional Urban Council (formerly Urban Council), including those of Otello, Rigoletto, La Traviata, A?da, Lucia di Lammermoor, Turandot and La Boheme, and those staged by the Provisional Regional Council, including The Merry Widow and Die Fledermaus, and also the Hong Kong Arts Festival Chamber Opera Night Banquet. The Chorus has performed in a large number of other works, including Beethoven?s Ninth Symphony, Prokofiev?s Alexander Nevsky and Bach's St. Matthew Passion, with leading local and overseas orchestras such as the St. Martin-in-the-Fields with Sir Neville Marriner, the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and other groups.

Having members coming from all strata of society, the Chorus is composed mainly of local talent, but also haying membership of other nationalities. With the vision of keeping abreast with world-renowned choruses, the Chorus strives to achieve the best standards. Under the direction of Raymond Fu, Chairman of the Opera Society and Chorusmaster, the Chorus has achieved a consistently high standard of performance that was described as ?Heavenly choir...the chorus limbers up for St. Matthew Passion, the highlight of RTHK?s Easter series of early music.? by the South China Morning Post.

The Society lays emphasis on nurturing its members, who receive intensive training at rehearsals. Through their participation in opera and other productions, members also increase their understanding of the overall process of musical production and interpretation. Additionally, through participating in various master classes organised in line with productions, members broaden their exposure to operatic and musical training. Interested music lovers are welcome to visit the Society?s homepage at www.opera.org.hk.

Chorus of The Opera Society of Hong Kong
Chorusmaster: Raymond Fu
Assistant Chorusmistress: Faith Fung
Rehearsal Pianists: Nina Yip / Wang Ay-wen

Soprano
Chiew Tsz-ying, Sharon
Chiu Wai-tak
Peggy Fung
Fanny Ho
Katherine Kwong
Lai Ka-man
Sandy Lee
Winnie Lee
Li Yuen-yu, Lydia
Mak Ho-yi
Mak Lal-king, Rachel
Mak Yuen-yee
To Ching-pui, Apple
Joanne To
Tse Sui-king
Frances Wong
Pancy Wong
Shiirley Yeung

Tenor
Chan Chi-hang
Cheung Shu-kan
Chung Chi-wing, Andrew
Fung Ying-wai, Wilson
Hon Cheong-wah, Franky
Felix Lam
Henry Leung
lohn Freere Perry
Herbert Tam
Ting Ka-lam
TuckyTo
Tsang Wai-ki
Wong Chi-lok
Tony Wong
Yeung Yun-loong
Yuen Kin-kwan, Peter
Yung Chi-wai, Eric

Alto
Esther Chan
Cheng Ka-yiu
Marilyn Cheng
Fung Hoi-yi
Ho Ngai-zie, Elsie
Rita Leung
LoYim-lan, Bertha
Rachel Lo
Vicky Ma
Ng Hoi-shan
Sun Ching-ching
Sze Siu-wan, Melody
Tsui Sin-yui, Cindy
Tilda Wat
Wong Cheuk-yin, Anita
Wong Ka-ying
Nancy Vong

Bass
Chan Chi-wang
Chan Kwok-kin
Cheng Hoi-chung, Raymond
Cheng Hon-wing, Samuel
Chiu Pak-shing
ChungYing-yin, Desmond
Hung Yiu-tung
Kong Yuk-on
Kwan Ke-lin, Michael
Kwok Kar-kit
Lam Chung-shun
Lee Ka-hing
Rupert McCowan
Pong Chung-lam
Wong Po-to
Matthew Wong
Wu Hiu-fung

Children's Chorus of The Opera Society of Hong Kong
Chorusmistress: Shirley Yeung
Assistant Chorusmistress: Fung Hoi-yi
Instructor: Peggy Fung

Chan Pak-yin
Cheong Sek-chao
Tony Cheung
Carol Chiu
Chong Ching
Ho Chun-ngai
Gordon Ho
Vanessa Kwan
Kwok Sik-lun
Kwong Chi-hang
Sally Lai
Patricia Lai
Jonathan Leung
Davina Levy
Liu Ching-yan
Lo Wai-kwan
Lorraine Lui
Dickson Mok
Ngai Pak-yan
Elizabeth Shen
Tsang Lai-u
Stephanie Tsang
Wong Ho-lun
Michael Wong
Rowena Wong
Michelle Wong
Yam Wan-ting
Yu Wai-chun
Yuen Tik-wan

Scenes
Overture
Act I  Eisenstein's House in the Suburb
Act II  Summer Villa of the Russian Prince Orlofsky
Act III  The Warden's Office in the Prison

Chorus of the Opera Society of Hong Kong
The Opera Society of Hong Kong was founded by a group of dedicated and enthusiastic singers. They come from all walks of life and share a common desire to promote opera and musical theatre to the people of Hong Kong. Since 1992, Chorus of the Opera Society of Hong Kong has performed in Urban Council's productions of Verdi's Otello, Rigoletto, La Traviata, Aida, Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor and Puccini's Turandot and La Boheme, under the direction of Chorusmaster and Chairman Raymond Fu. In 1996, the Chorus presented 'A Night at the Opera' in association with Hong Kong Sinfonietta with great success.

1997 was another exciting year for the Chorus. Performances have included Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with Sir Neville Marriner and Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields presented by the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts; Prokoflev's Alexander Nevsky as well as the New Year's Concert with Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus; Hong Kong Ballet's Emperor and the Nightingale; and the Concert Celebrating the Reunification of Hong Kong with China.

In 1998, the Society took part in Provisional Regional Council's first operetta production The Merry Widow by Lehar in January and J. S. Bach's St Matthew Passion presented by Radio 4, RTHK, both with raving reviews.

This February the Society has participated in Hong Kong Arts Festival's chamber opera Night Banquet by Guo Wenjing. After presenting its first public concert 'Opera Passion' in March, sponsored by Hong Kong Arts Development Council, Chorus members are busy preparing for the Die Fledermaus production as well as their biennial re-audition before the next opera production this fall.

Soprano
Chang-Rudolph, Liann
Fung Pak-chi, Peggy
Fung Pui-kee, Brigit
Fung Pui-shan, Patience
Hellerman, Diana
Ho Ming-chong, Fanny
Kwong, Katherine MS
Lai, Daisy
Lam King-yam, Fabia
Lee King-yee, Sandy
Leung Po-pui, Noel
To Cho-ying, Joanne
Yeung Shuet-kwan, Shirley

Mezzo-Soprano
Bach, Petra
Choy, Juliet
Leung Shuk-han, Rita
Man Che-on, Angel
Ng Yim-hung, Connie
Wible, Juniata
Wong May-yee, Frances
Wong Wai-wah, Pancy
Wong Yee Wan, Lucia
Wwong, Nancy
Sang, Margaret

Tenor
Lam Chung-ming
Lam Yan-yin, Felix
Lee Kun-fai, Kenneth
Mang Hoi-pui, Orlando
Mui Wai-lok, Raymond
Ting Ka-lam
To Tak-kee, Tucky
Wong Chi-chuen
Wong Yiu-tong. Tony
Yung Chi-wai

Bass
Au Yeung, Herbert
Chan Chi-wang
Cheng Hoi-chung, Raymond
Cheng Hon-wing, Samuel
Hau, Norman
Ho Kai-wing, Kevin
Hung Yiu-tung, Aric
Kong, William
Kong Yuk-on
Kwok Kar-kit
Kwong, Albert
Lee Ka-hing
Pong Chung-lam
Shum Tai-shing
Wong Po-to

Extra: Chen, Stephen

The Opera Society of Hong Kong Chorus
Raymond Fu, Chorusmaster

Members
Rita Leung
Sze Siu Wan
Nancy Wong
Shirley Yeung
Chiu Pak Shing
Kwok Kar Kit
Pong Chung Lam
Wong Po To

Synopsis of Scenes
Act I  An attic in the Latin Quarter of Paris
Act II A square in front of the Cafe Momus
Act III The tollgate at the Enfer barrier
Act IV In the attic

Chorus of The Opera Society of Hong Kong
The Opera Society of Hong Kong was founded by a group of dedicated and enthusiastic singers. They come from all walks of life and share a common desire to promote opera and musical theatre to the people of Hong Kong. Since 1992, the Chorus of The Opera Society of Hong Kong has performed in the Urban Council's productions of Verdi's Otello, Rigoletto, La Traviata and Aida, Donizetti's Lucia di Lommermoor and Puccini's Turandot under the direction of Chorusmaster and Chairman Raymond Fu. In 1996, the Chorus presented A Night at the Opera in association with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta with great success. 1997 was another exciting year for the Chorus. Performances included Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 with Sir Neville Marriner and St. Martin in the Fields presented by The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts; Prokofiev's Alexander Nevsky as well as the New Year Concert with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus; Hong Kong Ballet's The Emperor and the Nightingale; and Melodies of New Era Concert in the 97 Reunification Music Festival.

In 1998, the Opera Society took part in the Provisional Regional Council?s first operetta production The Merry Widow in January and J.S. Bach's St Matthew Passion presented by Radio 4, RTHK, both with rave reviews.

Soprano
Sharon Chiew
Brigit Fung
Patience Fung
Peggy Fung
Han Sung-jin
Fanny Ho
Ellie Kung
Katherine Kwong
Lai Ka-man
Lee King-yee
Becky Lee
Esther Lee
Pau Fung-mei
Joanne To
Frances Wong
Pancy Wong
Shirley Yeung
Gloria Yuen

Alto
Petra Bach
Esther Chan
Cheng Ka-yiu
Marilyn Cheng
Cathy Chong
Elsie Ho
Sharon Kwok
Rachel Lo
Vicky Ma
Angel Sin
Sze Siu-wan
Nancy Wong

Tenor
Choi Sze-yick
Simon Kwan
Kenneth Lee
Henry Leung
Orlando Mang
Rupert McCowan
Pun Chi-kit
Ting Ka-lam
Tucky To
Ricky Tsang
Tony Wong
Yip Pak-hay
Peter Yuen
Yung Chi-wai

Bass
Chan Kwok-kin
Chan Chi-wang
Samuel Cheng
Chiu Pak-shing
Ho Kai-wing, Kevin
Kwok Ka-kit
Lee Ka-hing
Milton Leung
David C P Lo
Pong Chung-lam
Tang Sik-sum
Wong Ming-hay
Wong Po-to
Wu Hiu-fung

Children Chorus
Au Hiu-man
Chan Cho-yan
Chan Sei-min
Fiona Chan
Cheung King-him
Cheung King-yan
Cheung Siu-wing
Cheong Sek-chao
Eunice Ho
Ko Hiu-ki
Patience Lai
Lam Yin-ting
Leung On-yue
Jonathan Leung
Davina Levy
Aya Lowe
Lorraine Lui
Athena Mok
Wan Sin-yu
Mancy Wan
Wong Ho-lun
Wong Tze-wai, Keli
Wong Sum-wai, Jenny
Michelle Wong
Eugene Yip

Synopsis of Scenes
Overture Balisirener Waizer
Act I    Pontevedrian Embassy in Paris
Act II   Hanna's Garden Party
Entr'acte   Vilja Ballade
Act III   Maxim's of Paris

The Opera Society of Hong Kong Chorus
The Opera Society of Hong Kong was founded by a group of dedicated and enthusiastic singers. They come from all walks of life and share a common desire to promote opera and musical theatre to the people of Hong Kong. Since 1992, the Hong Kong Opera Society Chorus has performed in the Urban Council's productions of Verdi's Otello, Rigoletto, La Traviata, Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor and Puccini's Turandot under the direction of Chorusmaster and Chairman Raymond Fu. In 1996, the Chorus presented A Night at the Opera in association with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta. 1997 has so far been another exciting year for the Chorus. Performances have included Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with Sir Neville Marriner and St. Martin in the Fields presented by the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Prokofiev's Alexander Nevsky and the New Year Concert with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus, and Verdi's Aida presented by the Provisional Urban Council.

Soprano
Chiu Wai-tak
Patience Fung
Fanny Ho
Ellie Kung
Sandy Lee
Sonia Lee
Winnie Lee
Noel Leung
Mak Yuen-yee
Angel Man
Shirley Yeung
Yu Sau-chu
Gloria Yuen

Alto
Petra Bach
Marilyn Cheng
Cathy Chong
Esther Chung
Sharon Kwok
Katherine Kwong
Rita Leung
Chris Lo
Ma Wing-ki
Shirley Pau
Juniata Wible
Nancy Wong

Tenor
Alberto Choi
Ku Kin-keung
Kenneth Lee
Henry Leung
Robin Mak
Ken Ng
Tucky To
Ricky Tsang
Stanley Wong
Tony Wong

Bass
Herbert Au Yeung
Patrick Chan
Raymond Cheng
Samuel Cheng
Aric Hung
Kong Yuk-on
Enoch Lam
Pierre Lam
Colin Lau
Tang Sik-sum
Wong Po-to

Chorus of The Opera Society of Hong Kong
The Opera Society of Hong Kong was founded by a group of dedicated and enthusiastic singers. They come from all walks of life and share a common desire to promote opera and musical theatre to the people of Hong Kong. Since 1992, the Chorus of The Opera Society of Hong Kong has performed in the Urban Council productions of Verdi's Otello, Rigoletto, La Traviata, Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor and Puccini's Turandot under the direction of Chorusmaster and Chairman Raymond Fu. In 1996, the Chorus presented A Night at the Opera in association with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta. 1997 has so far been another exciting year for the Chorus. Performances have included Beethoven's Symphony No.9 with Sir Neville Marriner and St. Martin in the Fields presented by The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Prokofiev's Alexander Nevsky with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus and Verdi's Aida presented by the Provisional Urban Council. The Opera Society will be performing next in the Provisional Regional Council's operatta production The Merry Widow by Lehar in January 1998.

SOPRANO
Chen Wen-chi
Chiew Tsz-ying
Chin Wal-tak
Gwena Freeman
Fung Pui-shan
Julia Han
Diana Hellerman
Sid Hellerman
Hni See-Ink
Kung Ka-pui
Katherine Kwong
Lai Ka-man
Lee King-yee
Becky Lee
Leung Po-pui
Leung Siu-kum
Amy Leung
Mak Yuen-yee
Pau Fung-mei
To Cho-ying
Tzeng Li-chin
Leora Williams
Wong Chun-fong
Wong Yan
Yeung Shuet-kwan

ALTO
Petra Bach
Chan Chni-lin
Chan Ngai-yuan
Esther Chan
Cheng Ka-yin
Cheng Man-li
Cathy Chong
Jeanny Chou
Ho Ngai-zie
Kwok Wan-man
Sidney Lee
Leung Shuk-han
Lo Wai-lin
Luk Wing-san
Ma Wing-H
Ng Fung-man
Poon Wai-sum
Sin Wing-yee
Sze Siu-wan
Tai Tsui-wah
Phoebe Tang M.S.F.
Wong Man-ki
Mabel Wong
Nancy Wong

TENOR
Chan Chi-hang
Chung Chi-wing
Fung Ying-wai
Hon Cheong-wah
Ku Kin-keung
Kwan Ke-lin
Lam Chung-ming
Lee Kun-fai
Rnpert McCowan
Mui Kei-ho
Mni Wai-lok
Skip Myers
Pong Tze-yu
Tam Tin-Ink
Peter Thorp
Ting Ka-lam
To Tak-kee
Wong Chi-chuen
Wong Chi-Iok
Wong Kwok-tai
Wong Yiu-tong
Yeung Yun-Ioong
Yip Pak-hay
Yung Chi-wai

BASS
Chan King-chung
Cheng Hoi-chnng
Cheng Hon-wing
Chiu Pak-shing
Hung Yiu-tung
Jeffrey Kim
Kong Yuk-on
Lee Ka-hing
Leung Wai-lam
Lob Chi-sing
Mak Chi-keung
Mang Hoi-pui
Lucas Ng
Pong Chung-lam
Richard A. Smart
Wai Kar-yan
Wong Po-to
Matthew Wong
Wu Hiu-fung
Yung Hoi-sun

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra
Chorus of the Opera Society of Hong Kong
The Cecilian Singers
Diocesan Boys' School Senior Choir
William Preucil (violin)

Conductor: David Atherton
Chorusmaster: Wing-sie Yip

THE CAST
Lucia: Martile Rowland  (3 & 5 Nov), Nancy Bergman (4 & 6 Nov), soprano
Edgardo: Warren Mok (3 & 5 Nov), Jing-ma Fan (4 & 6 Nov), tenor
Enrico: Ping Yu, baritone
Raimondo: Derek Anthony, bass
Arturo: Euro Nava, tenor

The Cast Violetta (Soprano): Nova Thomas (20, 22, 24/9) Myra Cordell (21, 23/9) Alfredo (Tenor): Warren Mok Germont (Baritone): Adib Fazah Flora (Mezzo-soprano): Blythe Merrifield Gastone (Tenor): Euro Nava Grevnil (Bass): Derek Anthony Douphol (Baritone): Michael Rippon Marguis (Baritone): Sylvester Che Annina (Soprano): Cindy Wong (20, 22, 24/9) Margaret Yim (21, 23/9) Giuseppe (Tenor): Bastien Tai Commissario (Baritone): Lam Ho-chi Servo (Tenor): Wong Chi-cheun Repetiteurs: Anna Chan Gordon Kember Peter Lally The Opera Society of Hong Kong Chorusmaster: Raymond Fu The Hong Kong Ballet Choreographer: Bruce Steivel The Hong Kong Sinfonietta Conductor: Paul Nadler (20, 22, 24/9) Long Yu (21, 23/9)

The Story

Act I

Opens in a salon in Violetta' house, where she is giving a party. Her friend Gastone arrives with Alfredo, and tells her that Alfredo has for some time been in love with her. Alfredo then sings a lively drinking song.

As the guests proceed to the ballroom to dance, Violetta is seized by a fit of coughing. Alfredo, who has stayed behind, speaks of his love for her. Violetta tells Alfredo that what she seeks is not love but pleasure, but she promises to see him the next day.

After the guests have departed, Violetta, alone and contemplative, sings of how her heart has been touched by Alfredo's love. But she ends with the brilliant "Semprelibera..." as if to discard the softer emotions.

Act II

Scene 1

Opens a few months later, when Violetta has abandoned her former life and is living with Alfredo in a country house outside Paris. Alfredo enters and sings of his joy in life with Violetta. His joy is short-lived, however, when he learns from the maid Annina that Violetta has been selling her jewellery to meet the costs of upkeep of the house. He rushes off to try to raise the money himself.

Violetta comes in. She has received an invitation from her former friend Flora to a party that night, but she laughs at the idea of returning to her former life. Just then, an unexpected visitor arrives. It is Germont, Alfredo's father. Germont begs her to leave Alfredo, not only to save Alfredo from ruin, but because the continued relationship will harm the marriage prospects of his sister.

Violetta at first refuses Germont's request, but as he continues to plead, she finally makes the agonising decision to give up Alfredo. Left alone, Violetta writes to Flora accepting her invitation, then begins a letter to Alfredo. Before she has finished it, Alfredo arrives to tell her his father is coming to see him. Violetta, pretending to leave so as not to interrupt father and son, tells Alfredo how much she loves him and then departs. A servant hands Alfredo a note; it is Violetta's farewell letter, telling him that she is returning to her former life. At that moment, Germont returns, just in time to console his son as he realises the implications of the letter.

Scene 2

Takes place in the same evening, at Flora's party. It opens with a group of gypsies singing and dancing, then Gastone and his friends arrive dressed up as matadors. Alfredo arrives alone. Violetta appears soon afterwards, escorted by Baron Douphol. The two men play at cards for high states and Alfredo wins. When all the guests retire to the adjoining room for the banquet, Violetta has a chance to speak to Alfredo. She begs him to leave, saying the Baron is a dangerous adversary. When Alfredo replies that it is the Baron she fears for, Violetta, remembering her promise to Germont, agrees that she does indeed love the Baron. At that, Alfredo throws open the doors to the banquet room and calls for all to come. He tells them of Violetta's betrayal and says he will pay back every penny she spent on him. He throws at her the purse containing his winnings from the gaming table.

Germont arrives to witness the scene, but can do nothing except rebuke his son for his shameless behaviour.

Act III

It is set in Violetta's bedroom, she is seriously ill with tuberculosis. The doctor arrives and tries to cheer her with hope of a speedy recovery. But to Annina he reveals that Violetta is dying. Left alone, Violetta reads again a letter from Germont telling her that Alfredo now knows of her sacrifice. He has been sent for to come as quickly as possible. Violetta, however, realises she is near death.

Returning from the carnival in the street below, Annina excitedly tells Violetta that she has seen Alfredo. He arrives and they sing of a happy future together. Violetta is once again in the arms of her lover - but it is too late; death has come to La Traviata ("the fallen woman").

Chorus of the Opera Society of Hong Kong Chorus of the Opera Society of Hong Kong was founded by a group of dedicated and enthusiastic singers.  They come from all walks of life and share the common interest in promoting western opera and musical theatre to the general public. They performed in the 1992 and 93 productions of Verdi?s Otello and Rigoletto under the supervision of chorusmaster and chairman Raymond Fu.  They aspire to attain the highest standards of performance comparable with the best western choruses around the world. Chorusmaster : Raymond Fu Rehearsal Pianists: Faith Fung / James Milar / Grace Yue Magician: Mr Magic / Albert Tam / Tami SOPRANO Simfonia Chan Wini Chiu Beatrice Kung Winnie Lee Noel Leung Amanda Liu Sandra Partridge Linda Peach Sue Wilkinson Shirley Yeung Maureen Chan Alison Cripps Fanny Ho Katherine Kwong Sandy Lee Leung Sze-wai Sung Mei-kwan ALTO Amanda Chan Vivian Ko Lai Ka-man Ursula Matthews Maggie Siu Sze Siu-wan Gloria Chan Lam Yuen-yee Rita Leung Tilda Wat TENOR Cheung Chun-wa Ho Man-cho Stephen Ng Herbert Tam Tam Yu-leung Wong chi-chuen Kenny Lui Albert Tsang Chak Ho-yin Orlando Mang Suen Chung-yin BASS Lam Ho-chi Timothy Lam Lee Ka-kit Leung Tsun-kai Ian Yeung Anton Luiten Colin Lau Law Ching-kwok Brian Leung Albert Lim Wilson So Eric Tang Matthew Wong

The Story

Act I
Scene 1: Ah the palace where a party is taking place, the Duke of Mantua, a libertine notorious for his dissolute way of life, tells a lackey about a girl he is planning to seduce. The court jester Rigoletto encourages the Duke's corrupt existence in order to retain his master's favour. The courtiers hate him for his malicious insults, and are waiting for a chance to wreak vengeance. In the meantime, Rigoletto taunts Count Ceprano, whose wife is being molested by the Duke. Old baron Monterone suddenly appears to interrupt the party, denouncing the Duke for dishonouring his daughter. The Duke allows Rigoletto to mock the old nobleman, who curses them both. The curse strikes terror in Rigoletto, for he too, unknown to the court, has a daughter.
Scene 2: On the way home, Rigoletto is still deeply troubled by Monterone's curse. He is accosted by a professional killer, Sparafucile, who offers his services. Having no immediate target, Rigoletto dismisses Sparafucile, and alone broods on his own misery. His daughter Gilda greet him as he arrives home, and they express deep mutual love and care. As soon as Rigoletto leaves, the Duke enters in disguise. His sweet words intoxicate Gilda who falls helplessly in love with him. Noises are heard, and the Duke departs after a passionate farewell. For their revenge on Rigoletto, the courtiers have come to abduct Gilda, believing that she is his mistress. They fool him into thinking that the Countess Ceprano is their target. He realises too late that his own daughter has been taken off. In anguish, he remembers Monterone's curse.

Act II
The Duke, having gone back to Rigoletto's house later that night and found it empty, is now in his palace feeling dejected. The courtiers tell him about Gilda's abduction, and the Duke hurries off to enjoy his new prey. Rigoletto arrives, pretending indifference while searching desperately for his daughter. The courtiers take silent revenge for the injustices the jester has always done them. Their cruel mockery reduces him to abject pleading. Gilda rushes in to confess her disgrace. In a terrible rage, Rigoletto vows vengeance on the Duke.

Act III
Outside the dilapidated inn kept by Sparafucile, Rigoletto has brought Gilda to witness the true character of the Duke whom she still love. Sparafucile, hired by Rigoletto to murder the Duke, uses his sister Maddalena to lure the victim to the inn. Here, Gilda sees the libertine Duke's shameless behaviour. Thinking that she is now convinced of the Duke's worthlessness, Rigoletto sends her home to disguise herself as a man and prepare to leave the city. Gilda obeys only half of his instructions. She puts on the disguise but returns to hear Maddalena persuade her brother not to kill the Duke if anyone should come to be the unfortunate substitute. She decides to sacrifice herself for him. At the height of a storm, she goes into the inn. Rigoletto returns at midnight to collect his victim. As he gloats over the wrapped body, the Duke's voice is heard. Horrified, Rigoletto tears open the sack to find his own daughter, dying. Monterone's curse has been fulfilled.
 

THE HONG KONG OPERA SOCIETY CHORUS

The Hong Kong Opera Society Chorus was founded by a group of dedicated and enthusiastic singers. They come from all walks of life and share the common interest in promoting western opera and musical theatre to the general public. They first performed in the 1992 production of Verdi?s Otello under the supervision of chorusmaster and chairman Raymond Fu. They aspire to attain the highest standards of performance comparable with the best western choruses around the world.

Chorusmaster: Raymond Fu
Pianist: Fung Yuen-hong, Ivy Lo
 
TENOR
Andrew Carverhill
Cheung Chun-wa
Neil Drave
Ho Man-cho
Kenny Lui
Ng Chee-sing
Suen Chung-yin
Tsang Hin-fai
Tse Shu-chee
Wong Chi-chuen
Wong Chi-lok
Raymond Yeung
Yip Ling-fung

BASS
Cheng Hoi-chung
Eddy Jang
Edmund Kwan
Lam Ho-chi
Colin Lau
Law Ching-kwok
Leung Yiu-ming
Li Ho-man
Nick Mainprice
Mang Hoi-pui
Eric Tang
Bernard Whaley
Wong Siu-man
Rolief Yam

LADIES OF THE COURT
Wini Chiu
Ho Ming-chong
Lee King-yee
Leung Po-pui
Leung Shuk-han
Yeung Shuet-kwan

The Story

The setting in Cyprus in the mid-sixteenth century, when the island was under the rule of the Republic of Venice. Otello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, was the governor. He had recently promoted Cassio as captain. For that, his ensign Iago hates him bitterly while pretending to be loyal and honest. Roderigo, a Venetian gentleman who nurtured a secret love for Otello's wife Desdemona, had followed her to Cyprus. The opera begins with a raging storm at night.

Act I

Otello returns from battle and his ship arrives as the tempest subsides. He is greeted by a cheering crowd as he announces his victory over the Turks. Iago sets out to plot his vengeance by making Cassio drunk and inciting Roderigo to proboke a brawl, in which a senior officer, Montano, was wounded. Otello at once restores peace and in his anger dismisses Cassio. Left alone, Otello and Desdemona tenderly recall their courtship in a profound expression of love and happiness.

Act II

Iago advises Cassio to seek Desdemona's help in regaining Otello's favour. Then, alone, he proclaims his belief in a cruel god of evil who inspires his hatred and malignity. With Otello, Iago succeeds in arousing his suspicions of Desdemona's faithfulness with casual hints of her intimate relationship with Cassio. When indeed Desdemona comes to plead for Cassio's pardon, Otello becomes distraught. Fearing he is ill, she tries to soothe his brow with the handkerchief which is his first gift of love. This he throws to the ground and is picked up by Emilia, Iago's wife and Desdemona's lady-in-waiting. From Emilia's hand, Iago snatches that handkerchief away. Otello orders the women to leave, and Iago poisons his mind further by describing how he heard Cassio call Desdemona's name in his dream and saw her handkerchief in his hand. Frantic with rage, Otello swears revenge.

Act III

Iago assures Otello of more proof of Desdemona's guilt and leaves as he sees her approaching. When Otello demands the handkerchief, Desdemona again pleads for Cassio's reinstatement. He calls her a courtesan and forces her out. Alone, Otello bewails his misery. He hides as Iago returns with Cassio engaged in a light-hearted conversation. Eavesdropping at a distance, Otello believes Cassio to be talking about Desdemona. Iago cleverly flashes her handkerchief for him to see. Thereupon Otello resolves to kill his wife that night. The ambassador Lodovico arrives to announce the ruling Council's decision to recall Otello to Venice and the appointment of Cassio as the new governor. Otello loses control and strikes Desdemona. Having rudely dismissed the courtiers, he collapses in fit.

Act IV

Desdemona sings the willow song, about a forsaken maiden. She bids Emilia good night, says her prayers and retires to bed. Otello comes in, and his kiss awakens her. Without hearing her protestations of innocence, he suffocates her. Emilia knocks and cries for help. Before Lodovico, Cassio and others, she reveals Iago's treachery. Otello realises his tragedy and stabs himself, dying upon one final kiss on the chaste Desdemona.

CHORUS

SOPRANO
Chan Sim-fong, Simfonia
Wini Chiu
Kang Tae-eun, Sarah
Kung Shuk-ring, Beatrice
Leung Po-pui, Noel
Linda Peach
Sze Wing-oil, Nancy
Yeung Shuet-kwan, Shirley
Maureen Chan
Fung Hoi-yi
Ho Ming-chong, Fanny
Lee King-yee
Lee Lai-hung
Tam Wai-kwan
Lee Sau-nin, Sonia
Leung Sin-man, Melissa
Sung Mei-kwan
Yu Sau-chu

ALTO
Lee Wai-sze, Grace
Cathy Chong
Chung Shun-wai, Esther
Sheena Graham
Ko Wai-kwan, Vivian
Leung Shuk-han, Rita
Pau Wai-mei
Wat Hoi-yee, Tilda

TENOR
Neil Drave
Tim Groves
Ng Chee-sing, Stephen
Tse Shu-chee
Wong Chi-chuen
Chow Chung-kai
Kenny Lui
Lam Li, Leo
Suen Chung-yin
Ivan Szeto
Gary Tong
Wong Chi-lok
Raymond Yeung
Herbert Tam

BASS
Andrew Carverhill
Lam Ho-chi
Leung Yiu-ming, Brian
Mang Hoi-pui
Erie Tang
Rolief Yam
Cheng Hoi-chung
Cheung Kin-wah
Fung Ki-shui
Colin Lau
Nick Mainprice
Ng Ka-yin, Kelvin
So Chun-cheong
So Wai-sang

HONG KONG OPERA SOCIETY CHORUS
Chorusmaster: Raymond Fu
Pianist: Fung Yuen-bong, Faith
Chorus Secretary: Yeung Shuet-kwan
Honorary Treasurer: Andrew Carverhill
Membership Officer: Sheena Graham
Committee Member: Mang Hoi-pui, Eric Tang

Founded in September 1992, the Hong Kong Opera Society Chorus has 54 members all singing in the current production of Verdi's Otello. Under the supervision of the chorusmaster Raymond Fu, the chorus aspires to attain the standard of some of the best and long-standing western opera choruses in terms of dedicated commitment and enthusiasm for music. The society's members are from all walks of life. These founders of the society all share the common interest in promoting western opera and musical theatre to the public and in assisting local professional productions of grand opera. 

Raymond Fu is regarded as one of the most talented choral conductors in Hong Kong. His meticulous approach to interpretation and strict requirements of discipline enable his choirs to achieve utmost expressiveness to their fullest potentials. Holder of a degree in music education from Sterling University, Scotland, he studied conducting with Moses Wu at the age of fifteen and immediately won many first prizes at the Schools Music Festival. In 1977, he was appointed choir manager of the Silver Jubilee performing group which gave 18 concerts in the United Kingdom. In 1978, he was awarded a scholarship to study church music in England. Raymond Fu was for various periods conductor of the Pro-Musica Chorus and the Hong Kong Jubilee Singers. He was appointed chorusmaster of the Hong Kong Chorus in 1983. Over the years, he has been actively involved in mote than 15 opera productions. He is currently head of the music department of St. Paul?s College and master of the St. John's Cathedral Choir.