Interview

Hello, Mr. Lam! Could you please share what inspired you to become an opera singer?

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Opera is a multidisciplinary art form, encompassing visual arts, classical music, vocal music, and drama. I deeply enjoy and am deeply interested in each of these arts. In fact, in secondary school, I chose visual arts, not music, as my elective subject. I was fortunate enough to receive a visual arts scholarship from my school, and I even considered pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree at the Hong Kong Art School. Of course, it was just a thought.

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I've loved singing since childhood. In primary school, I joined the Wong Tai Sin Children's Choir, where I was introduced to classical vocal music. I also developed a passion for classical music through the school concert hall. Although I'm not a particularly talented actor, I truly love the art of drama. From kindergarten to secondary school, I seized every opportunity to perform on stage and was fortunate to participate in various plays and musicals.

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Opera is a synthesis of all the arts I love. When I sing opera, my voice represents me, and I am not my usual self. In opera, I reinvent myself and live another life. I love this feeling.

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What is the most memorable and fulfilling experience you have had as an opera singer?

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While studying in the UK, I performed at a special needs school with two classmates. It was a thrilling experience. The school director warned us before the performance that if any students disliked us, they might attack us. We needed to be prepared, as we might interrupt the performance or even run away. I initially assumed they were just students and their potential for harm would be limited. However, upon arriving at the venue, I discovered their large, powerful bodies—a truly formidable force if they went berserk.

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Before the performance, I was very worried that they wouldn't like my singing, because I knew that even in a normal school, there are many people who don't like classical vocal music. I thought, if they hate it or even feel disgusted by it, then wouldn't this performance become meaningless?

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Fortunately, most of the students were quiet while I sang. Of course, some of them occasionally yelled or made strange noises, but I was able to sing the entire song safely and they didn't mind.

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Just as I finished singing, a burly classmate suddenly stood up. His expression was serious, a sense of desolation and a touch of gangsterism, and he trudged toward me. I feigned composure and a smile, not flinching, nor making any particular defensive or offensive moves. He walked in front of me and paused, his tall frame blocking the light, his eyes radiating dominance. A sense of oppression froze the air, and all the teachers, classmates, and my two friends present fell silent, their entire attention focused on him and me.

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He extended his hand. He wanted to shake my hand! I breathed a sigh of relief and reached out to shake his. Then, the teachers applauded, cheering and praising the student. He immediately ran shyly back to his seat. Yes, he was truly courageous! Later, the school teachers told us that the student rarely initiated conversations with others, and that was the first time he had shaken a stranger's hand. I was so happy he enjoyed my performance!

This is the power of music, and this is what I should do.

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It's truly a unique experience! What's your dream role?

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Rigoletto from Verdi's Rigoletto!

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Rigoletto is one of the greatest masterpieces of Italian opera, Verdi. Could you share a funny or exciting moment you've experienced on stage?

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During a performance in Germany, there was a sword fight scene. One of the opera singers was so engrossed in the performance that he didn't follow the instructions and just rammed the sword straight into my abdomen. As a result, the sword broke!

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The final question is more "daily-oriented": What is your favorite food? Which restaurant do you usually go to for dinner?

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Pizza and burgers...! I usually eat at "tea-restaurants" and fast food shops on weekdays, and usually have lunch at school on school days.

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Thank you Mr. Lam for accepting the interview!