7/28/2019 Weekly operatic singing sessions keep retired seniors in glowing spirits by Zheng Jiayin

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Vocal instructor Zhang Jian Hua, 57, trading smiles with her students during class.

Despite throbbing pain in her left leg, 76-year-old Madam Neo Lye Kee plodded down to the DunmanHigh clubroom as usual to attend bel canto vocal training class this Sunday afternoon.

Bel canto (beautiful singing in Italian) is a traditional vocal technique used by operatic singers such

as the late 20th

century sensation Pavarotti. Now, the bel canto method has found its way to the

heartlands and been picked up by a growing community of retired elderly, including Madam Neo,

who actively searches for forms of recreation outside.

Asked why she chose to learn bel canto instead of the regular light-hearted karaoke, the chirpy

grandmother replied, Well Ive sought out many singing classes, and this is the best I think. The

teacher is very skilled. Plus, I have so much time on my hands now My commitment to vocal

mastery keeps me well-occupied.

7/28/2019 Weekly operatic singing sessions keep retired seniors in glowing spirits by Zheng Jiayin

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Her sentiments were echoed by housewife Koh Chai Thuan, 55, who feels that life-long learning is

essential. Before this, Ive taken up traditional Chinese ink painting and calligraphy, and now Im

keen to enter a completely new territoryoperatic singing! It has not been easy, but I do feel that I

can control my vocal sound more accurately now. When I project my voice, the whole floor trembles.

She also finds her new pursuit a meaningful and constructive way of spending time at home. Now, shegoes through karaoke tapes daily to put the vocal techniques she has learnt to practice.

Another student, Madam Chan Kwan Tai, 61, has been moody and low-spirited for a long time, but

experienced a change after Madam Koh convinced her to join the class.

Said Madam Chan: Ever since I came here to learn singing, my outlook on life and humanity has had

a big turnabout. You know, my three children have moved out so it sometimes gets a little lonely at

home with just me and my husband. Now I look forward to seeing friends every week.

When approached for comment, the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS)

stressed the importance of the elderly staying active after retirement. Elderly residents should engagein community activities on a regular basis, as this helps to fill the post-retirement void caused by the

loss of previous roles, thus enhancing the feeling of self-worth and providing rest, relaxation and

direction in life.

Vocal instructor Zhang Jian Hua, 57, a Chinese citizen who came to Singapore 17 years ago to teach

singing, is glad that her bel canto programme has been embraced by the elder-folk. Afterall, bel

canto singing keeps the mind and body in good shape.

Comparing operatic singing to physical exercise, she said that it requires you to work your whole

body, channeling your voice from the diaphragm rather than your voice box alone.

On this respect, the instructor showered praise on Madam Neo, whom she said had intuitively

grasped the methods of bel canto and improved in leaps and bounds.

Lye Kee approached me to request for individual lessons, way back in 95 when I taught at

Kembangan Community Centre. I was thinking then, theres something special about this student. We

started a small class of 5, which blossomed into this current group 17 years later.

Smiling, the long-time student interjected, I would like to continue as long as these legs are able to

take me to class.