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143 performers to take part in ChildAid concert this year

04 September 2018

(From left) Beatboxer Brisel Choo, 14, and singers Ashley New, 16, and Melissa Hecker, 13, are performing at this year's ChildAid concert, which will be held on Nov 25 and 26 at Resorts World Sentosa.ST PHOTO: KHALID BABA

 

Student Ashley New, 16, took time off to audition and prepare for this year’s ChildAid concert despite being busy preparing for her O-level exams.

 

The aspiring singer saw the concert as an opportunity to showcase her talent as well as help a charitable cause.

 

The annual charity concert is co-organised by The Straits Times and The Business Times, and raises funds for The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund and The Business Times Budding Artists Fund.

 

The former provides pocket money to schoolchildren from low-income families and the latter helps fund arts training for underprivileged children and youth.

 

“I think the cause is really important and it would be my first large-scale performance, so I think this would be a really good opportunity for me,” said Ashley.

 

The Methodist Girls’ School student is one of 143 performers for this year’s ChildAid concert, which will be held on Nov 25 and 26 at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS).

 

The mix of new and repeat performers met yesterday for a briefing at RWS.

 

This year’s concert will centre on the evolution of pop music, and performers will sing, dance or play their instruments to more than 35 pop songs from the past six decades. The song selection ranges from hits from the 60s, such as Fun Fun Fun by The Beach Boys, to more recent chart-toppers, including Pharrell Williams’ Happy, which was released in 2013.

 

Dancing and singing workshops for the performers will be held today and tomorrow. Rehearsals will start from Nov 3.

 

Veteran singer-songwriter Dick Lee has reprised his role as creative director for this year’s concert, which is now in its 14th edition. He said he was glad for the opportunity to work on a music show with children.

 

“The auditions were great. There were some really amazing young talents... I think we chose the right songs for the right kids, and I can’t wait to see how they interpret them,” said Mr Lee.

 

A repeat performer is Melissa Hecker, 13, a Year 1 student at the School of the Arts. This will be her third appearance in a ChildAid concert.

 

“A lot of my friends are returning, and I can meet new people too; it’s all for a great cause, and at the end of the day, it’s just really fun to perform,” said Melissa.

 

 

The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission

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