Some of us can't wait to leave our high school memories behind us, but that certainly wasn't the case for Ensemble Studio tenor Charles Sy when he reunited with his alma mater, Cawthra Park Secondary School, this March Break in a special performance in the COC's Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre.

Before Charles embarked on his career as a professional opera singer, he was a member of Cawthra Park Chamber Choir. "Cawthra Park was when the classical music seed was inserted into my brain and my love for the genre grew exponentially while I was there," says Charles. The acclaimed choir (just one of 12 music ensembles at Cawthra Park, which is home to one of the Peel District School Board’s Regional Arts Programs), led by conductor Bob Anderson, performed in the Free Concert Series on March 17.

Charles was eager to reunite with his former choir for a program that spanned a variety of vocal styles. "It was very nostalgic for me," says Charles. "This choir was such an important part of my life as a young singer. It taught me so much about musicality and working together with others to create collaborative art."

In addition to taking on the solos in pieces such as the crowd-pleasing "Nessun Dorma," Charles joined the choir on the risers for an energetic encore of "I'm a Train" - he even remembered all the choreography from his school days! He displayed his signature enthusiasm, which Bob remembers from Charles' time in the choir. "He always worked hard but I don't think he considered it 'work.' He was always interested in new experiences and opportunities."

Can you spot Charles? He's on the end of the last row in the photo above. Just like old times! 

Now, Charles is giving back to the school that set him on his career path. "Hearing Charles helps [students] to see what the next level is," says Bob. "With time and work, someone like them can go further in their art." Grade 12 student, Kai Leung, is a composer, conductor and performer with dreams of writing for Broadway. "We were really looking forward to this performance," says Kai. "Seeing a Cawthra grad go on to be so successful is really inspiring." In addition to performing with the chamber choir, Charles went back to Cawthra Park the following week for an exclusive recital for the school's music majors.

Kai Leung introducing the choir he formed, The Boys in B, an ensemble made up of mostly non-vocal majors from the school.

About 15 per cent of Cawthra Park students go on to have careers in the arts, whether it's performing or in administration - some even work in the COC admin office or are members of the COC Chorus! Perhaps in a few years we'll see another Cawthra Park alum performing on the Four Seasons Centre stage and they'll remember the moment they sang with Charles in their own choir days.

 

Don't miss Charles in the COC's production of Maometto II, running from April 29 - May 14, where he sings the role of Condulmiero alongside superstar bass-baritone Luca Pisaroni.

Photos: Lara Hintelmann