With his suggestion of Impressionism and mists of sound, at  one time lively, at others quiet, does Debussy sound a difficult and inaccessible composer to you?  With illustrations and some demonstrations, famous Hong Kong soprano Chan Siu-kwan will reveal more about this great French composer in four lectures, his life, the time when he lived, and the characteristics of his compositions of a variety of style.  Young local soprano Amanda Li will join in some demonstrations in the second lecture, about Debussy’s enchanting songs which are relatively less often performed.

Lecture I (3 Oct): Who is Debussy?

Debussy's life and his special position in the history of Western music.

Lecture II (10 Oct): Debussy’s Works - Stage 1 (1884-1900)

Works to be illustrated include: Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune; Two Arabesques; some forgotten songs (Soprano: Amanda Li)

Lecture III (17 Oct): Debussy’s Works - Stage 2 (1900-1910)

Works to be illustrated include: Pelléas et Mélisande; Estampes; Images; Préludes; La mer.

Lecture IV (24 Oct): Debussy’s Works - Stage 3 (1910-1918)

Works to be illustrated include: Syrinx; Etudes; Cello Sonata; Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp.

Chan Siu-kwan

Chan Siu-kwan is the vocal advisor in residence at the Hong Kong Children’s Choir.  She is an eminent vocal instructor who teaches the voice at The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Baptist University.

Chan Siu-kwan has extensive experience in training of the voice.  She was conductor of the Canberra Boys’ Choir, Hong Kong Baptist University Christian Choir, Staff Choir and Women’s Chorus.

From time to time, Chan Siu-kwan conducts vocal workshops and masterclasses, and adjudicates for local and overseas vocal and choral contests, especially serving the younger generation.

Chan Siu-kwan is a fervent music promoter as well.  She has given numerous lectures and pre-concert talks for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department on the appreciation of opera and vocal music.  In the 2010/11 season, she toured schools in the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s Arts Experience Scheme to share the joy of opera among youngsters.

Chan Siu-kwan first cultivated an interest in singing at the Hong Kong Children’s Choir.  She toured extensively with the Choir as a member and soloist.  She graduated from the Hong Kong Baptist College and furthered her study at the Glasgow University and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music.  Her teachers include Mak Chi-shing, David Parker, Bill McCue and Heather Harper.  Chan Siu-kwan has given numerous recitals and appeared as soloist in concerts in Hong Kong and abroad.