Local music director Ken Lam King-kei conducted his first and last concert with the Federation of Youth Groups' Melody Makers choir on Sunday. That's because the local maestro will leave this month to study conducting at one of the finest music conservatories in the US, the Peabody Institute in Baltimore. It's a two-year programme led by acclaimed conductor Gustav Maier.
The performance at the Li Hall of St John's Cathedral, with the youth-oriented choir started by Rosanna Wong Yick-ming, was therefore Lam's farewell appearance.
But the Melody Makers won't be the only local arts group deprived of a leader because of Lam's departure. He has also had to resign from the helm of the Hong Kong Voices, the Hong Kong University Choir and the Hong Kong Chamber Orchestra. In addition to these gigs, Lam gave his two weeks' notice to his boss at law firm Clifford Chance, where he worked full-time as a support lawyer. Whew, we're tired just listing his responsibilities.
Let's hope Lam finds time between classes to join a frat and go to some toga parties. Good luck, Ken.