Featuring:

Throw the yule log on, Mr. Scrooge [Bob Cratchit's plea]
Christmas is coming [A charitable request]
You're a mean one, Mr. Scrooge [Bah! Humbug!]
Sleep [Marley's lullaby]
I'll never fall in love again [Belle's lament]
It's the most wonderful time of the year [Fred's party]
Prayer of the children [Ignorance and want]
Believe [Scrooge has a change of heart]
The spirit of the season [Scrooge honours Christmas for all time]

Narrated by local actor Michael Harley, 'A Kassia Christmas Carol' is the perfect introduction to Dickens' classic tale that has inspired generations since 1843.

Tickets available from URBTIX from 15th November

Rehearsals

Every Wednesday evening during termtime from 7.30-9.30pm

If a Typhoon 8 signal or black rainstorm warning is hoisted 4 hours prior to a rehearsal starting - the rehearsal is cancelled.

Auditions

Auditions are quick and easy - the ability to read music isn't essential - just enthusiasm and a good ear for a tune.

They are more an opportunity for Bethan to meet you and see what voice you have (soprano or alto).

Contact us in the office to arrange an audition time.

About the choir

Kassia Women's Choir was set up by Bethan Greaves in April 2003 to cater for the many women in Hong Kong who love a good sing-along to their favourite tunes. Active membership currently stands at around 70, with women from all walks life including teachers and lawyers, journalists and mothers. Each regular season* comprises of:

* Summer Fling seasons run slightly differently with 2 rehearsals a week for the month of August. Spring Thing is a 10 week term of workshops, classes and socials.

Repertoire

Kassia's repertoire is mostly taken from the worlds of pop music, world music, broadway, country, jazz and gospel.

We have had four pieces composed for us so far - Survive The Night (composer Phil Tudor, text Alexander Martin) Christmas Spirits (composer Paul Barker, text Rodney Bruce), Softly, Little Child (composer Daniel E Gawthrop, text Jane Griner) and Through Your Eyes (composer Barry Lee, text Lindsay Robertson).

We have performed in many of Hong Kong's most prestigious venues including:

We have performed on RTHK's special Christmas edition of 'The Works' (aired Boxing Day 2006) and recently recorded an original song 'Through Your Eyes' that was premiered at 'Peace Train' in Dec '07 and will appear on a documentary in 2008.

Charity

The choir have supported the following charities:

Further Details

Kassia Women's Choir is directed in English by Bethan Greaves
Fees per regular season* are HK$1,500 which cover:

Members are normally required to sell a minimum of 6 tickets per performance
Standard concert dress is floor length, plain black trousers and Kassia's jacket (ordered at the beginning of each season) although sometimes we will have themed outfits.

* Excluding Spring Thing & Summer Fling

Who was Kassia?

Kassia (born c.810 A.D) was a Byzantine composer of chants and hymns. According to tradition, she defied Emperor Theophilos, during a 'bride show" in which a woman was selected as queen on the basis of her physical appearance rather than her compassion, honesty, or her ability to lead. Casting his eye upon the charms of a lovely woman named Icasia, the emperor declared that in this world women were the occasion of much evil. "And surely, sir," said Kassia, "they have likewise been the occasion of much good." Theophilos chose Icasia and rejected Kassia. The incident, however, led to Kassia's religious calling as a nun and abbess, where her vocation, leadership and musical gifts flourished.