GUEST ARTIST RAPHAEL WONG

Raphael Wong is an alumnus of the Australian Boys Choir and is currently carving a career as one of Australia’s most exciting performers in opera and musical theatre. Raph will perform alongside the Australian Boys Choir and The Vocal Consort in the second instalment of the 2023 ABCI Concert Season ‘Songs of the Sea’ on May 20 & 21 in both Ballarat and Melbourne.

Raph, when did you join the ABCI?
I joined the choir as a Probationer in 1997, before becoming a member of the Performing Choir in 2000. After leaving the choir in 2003, I joined The Junior Consort (now called The Kelly Gang), and was a member of The Vocal Consort from 2006 to 2012.

What are you most looking forward to about 'Songs of the Sea’ in Ballarat and Melbourne?
Stanford holds a bit of a special place in my heart. His Beati Quorum Via is quite possibly one of my most favourite works - and his choral works are always a pleasure to perform. Songs of the Sea presents a little full circle moment for me. I spent many summers in Ballarat at ABCI Music Schools, and I performed this work as a choir boy, then in 2011 as a member of the Vocal Consort. So I feel like my journey with this work will complete it's course, now that I get the opportunity to perform the baritone solo, and in two fantastic Victorian venues. Can't wait!

What can the audience expect from this performance?
Stanford writes exceptionally well for the voice. His choral works are masterful and I do feel that you get to hear everything the voice has to offer when listening (and performing) his works. As for the rest of the program… well you'll just have to come hear it for yourself!

What are the key things you learned when you joined the ABCI?
Quality over quantity - it can be daunting singing in small groups, but working together to produce and make high quality music is so rewarding and the sense of achievement with one another is so memorable; The importance of listening; the pace with which you progress is not as important as the consistency with which you apply your knowledge and skills.

You were also a member of The Vocal Consort. Why did you choose to sing with them?
I think the defining moment was going on tour with TVC when I was in the performing choir. It was like sitting next to your heroes for 3 weeks straight. When the Vocal Consort performed every boy would stop what they were doing and watch them, audience too. Seeing this group captivate an audience and look like they were having fun doing it was so cool. And all I wanted was to be able to sing with them when I was old enough! I ended up joining when I was 16. I felt so honoured! Many of the TVC members became my colleagues and friends, and a number of the mates I had in choir came along and joined TVC too! Some of my longest friendships are from TVC - they really taught me how to find the fun in the performance, all whilst making great music.

What do you consider you biggest career achievement?
Ooft. I'm so grateful to have been spoilt with so many career fulfilling opportunities. This is too hard to choose. But recently I debuted the role of a lifetime, as The Phantom of the Opera at The Sydney Opera House, and eventually went on a dozen times during the Australian tour, and last year ticked off a huge bucket list dream of singing the National Anthem at the Boxing Day Cricket Test at the MCG. But mostly I pinch myself every time I get to perform. It can be a really tough industry, and sometimes we don't get the choice to decide when our next opportunity is going to be so I try to remember that little fact and remind myself that every performance is an achievement in and of itself.

What’s rewarding about singing choral music?
The voice is such a unique instrument. No two voices are the same, so I like to think that every time a choir sings together, no matter if they sing the same piece over and over again, each time will be different. The musical footprint is like a little snowflake, special and unique and never the same. Hearing so many voices working as a singular unit, breathing together, moving together, is such a moving experience. Being in and amongst it as a choir member is incredibly uplifting.

What have been your favourite operas to perform?
Puccini has my heart and soul. I've been lucky to perform in Tosca, La Boheme, Gianni Schicchi and Turandot. All have the ability to make you laugh, cry, and sometimes at the same time.

What do you do when you’re not singing?
I watch a lot of Bluey with my two year old son. I'm OK with this!

What would you say to ABC boys thinking about moving into opera singing?
Opera is a slightly different beast to choral singing but much of it is very similar - if anything it's like choral singing but everything is dialled up a fair few notches!! Trust what you've learnt in choir, and apply your knowledge to all of your future music making, not just opera. It will put you in good stead.

Finally, what advice would you give to boys in the Choir now – and those hoping to join?
Learning skills in choir can be a really rewarding but sometimes challenging experience. Everyone moves at their own pace and if a skill is hard at the moment, give it time, and let it breathe. One day the penny will drop and you won't look back! So much of my life has been influenced by being a member of the Australian Boys Choir community. I’m glad I made the choice to join. The skills I learnt are still skills I regularly utilise to this day, not just as a musician, but as a teacher - and even the odd life skill, too! I have many longstanding friendships with other alumni, and am very thankful for the performing opportunities and community experiences I had during my time there.