Francesca Chan vehemently denies she is a prima donna.
'Divas like to think of themselves as stars but I see myself as a dedicated musician, performing and interpreting beautiful music,' says Francesca, one of the few sopranos active on the local music scene.
Francesca believes versatility helps make a good singer. She admires Jessye Norman, whom she says is capable of singing more than just opera.
Francesca teaches singing in her spare time and her students include some high-powered people.
'People come to me to learn to sing, but I also teach them a breathing technique which helps them to relax and to project their voices when they are at a meeting.
'When you learn to project your voice properly, you don't get tired but instead feel energised.' Francesca performs on November 7 at the City Hall in a chamber concert entitled Mendelssohn in Memoriam.