FOUNDER & MUSIC DIRECTOR

h k chong

HK received his B Sc Econ. and MBA from the London School of Economics and Washington State University respectively. Professionaly he has previously worked in the hotel industry, investment banking, consulting and  corporate planning.  He studied the piano and his interest in choral work and theatre  was developed and honed at the Anglo Chinese School, Ipoh; under mentors Chin Yoong Kim (Music Director) and Chin San Sooi (Drama Director),  teachers at the school.  His introduction to to stage musicals started off by being in the cast of  The King and I.  He later established himself in the music ensemble for Camelot and as accompanist for other productions and music festivals.  He went on to conduct the school choir at St John's Institution in 1973-74, introducing a touch of Broadway as a themed concert during his tenure.

HK's public debut as a conductor was thrust on him upon the launch of Scripture Union Malaysia's touring production of Come Together in 1975, when the music director had to return to the USA.  As a student at home as well as in the United Kingdom and the USA, he was involved in forming various vocal groups.  He has sung with the Central Westminster Choir, London during its performing season of If My People.

As a Founder  and Music Director of The Canticle Singers, established in 1992,  he has been responsible for producing the following musical productions: The Word, In Heaven's Eyes, Because He Lives, Celebrating the God of Our Generation, Find Us Faithful, Robert Sterling and Karla Worley's Broadway musical drama Two From Galilee, the oratorio The Rose of Sharon , Make His Praise Glorious, Do You Hear the People Sing?, The Season of  Light,   The Gift Goes On,  Refugee:Images;  For the Love of Music,  A Grand Night for Singing in  2008 and Be Our Guest in 2009.

In 2005, at the invitation of the  Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (School of Church Music and Drama and the Legacy Centre),  Kentucky;  HK was invited to attend  Robert Edwin's masterclass "From Bach to Rock" and was a guest at the Broadway Sound Masterclasses at the Tribeca Performing Arts Centre, New York City;  at the invitation of Abe Jacob, New York City Opera.  During the  summer of 2006, HK attended Judith Clurman's masterclass on voice and conducting  at the Julliard School of Music, New York.  In 2008, he was invited by the Philippine Cultural Center, Manila to attend a choral workshop conducted by choirmaster Mark Carpio of the world renown Philippine Madrigal Singers.