This workshop will lead participants in an in-depth analysis of the unique characteristics of Cantonese lyrics, exploring the pronunciation and diction techniques of Cantonese words to enhance a choir’s clarity and expressiveness. Acclaimed lyricist and multi-media creator Jessie You will join participants to discuss the pronunciation structure of Cantonese, the relationship between diction and tone, and how to effectively convey the message and emotion of Chinese songs.
Using musical scores and publicly available audio or video recordings as a guide, the curriculum will explore a range of practical topics. These include how to handle rising and checked tones, consonants that require special attention, the timing of syllable endings, the relationship between mouth shape and tone color, the precise expression of rhythm and mood, and how diction can be coordinated with different song styles.
Through this workshop, choral conductors and music educators will master key techniques for Cantonese choral singing, enabling their choirs to sing with greater accuracy and clarity and fully showcase the charm of a musical work.
About jessie You
Jessie You is a veteran lyricist and multi-media creator who graduated from the Chinese University of Hong Kong with a degree in Journalism and Communication. Her pop song lyrics are widely popular, with hit works including Vincy Chan’s “Sensing,” Hins Cheung’s “His Story,” and Fiona Sit’s “Dear Fiona.” She has collaborated with a wide range of artists and her works span various genres, from children’s songs to film and television theme songs.
In recent years, she has actively contributed to the choral world, collaborating with local renowned musician Ng Cheuk Yin on numerous musicals and choral works. Her a cappella theatre work “Shek Kin” won the CASH Golden Sail Music Award for “Best Serious Music Work.” Her theme song for the “International Festival for Outstanding Chinese Young Singers,” “I Sing the Voice of the World,” has twice won the CASH “Most Performed Work Award.” In recent years, she has collaborated with the Hong Kong Inter-school Choral Festival to create commissioned works, which are widely loved by teachers and students and are frequently performed in the choral community. Her Cantonese mixed choir piece, “As a Painted Sky,” has been featured on international choral festival stages, demonstrating the unique charm of Cantonese choral music to the world.
