Parkroyal Penang, Malaysia

01 December 2007, Saturday – Some 100 people were present to witness Parkroyal Penang’s Christmas tree light-up ceremony with the theme A Traditional Christmas. The ceremony was officiated by Chin Yin Fat, general manager of Penang Tourism Action Council together with hotel general manager Mark Losi and hotel guests.

Hotel general manager Mark Losi in his speech, announced that this is a tradition every year. “Each year we adopt a home or group as the beneficiary of our festive fund-raising project in line with our Christmas tree light-up ceremony. For this year, Parkroyal Penang and Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur have adopted the Operafest Children’s Choir, a group of young vocally talented children from Kuala Lumpur. They have represented Malaysia in many local and international choir competitions, and intend to continue doing so.  As the group is not funded by any organisation, Parkroyal embarked on this project to help the children develop their talent. “We will continue to organise events such as charity dinners and concert performances in 2008 to raise funds for them.”
The evening concluded with a joyous Christmas performance of festive melodies by the Operafest Children’s Choir.

“Parkroyal Christmas Tree Light-up Ceremony”
Parkroyal Embraces the Operafest Children’s Choir
01 December 2007, 7.30pm
Lobby, Parkroyal Penang

Parkroyal Embraces the Operafest Children's Choir

Artistic director and international opera singer Mrs Kam Sun-Yoke formed the Operafest Children’s Choir in 1986. Mrs Kam took on the challenge to teach a group of 30 musically talented children, age from six to 18 in a conducive environment. The children's choir group became the first Malaysian Choir that won second place in their presentation of Purcell's SOUND THE TRUMPET held in Wales and third place in Koorfestival of Arnheim, Holland, a choir Olympics held once every four years.

The children's choir group is not funded by any government bodies or corporate companies, therefore, Parkroyal Penang together with Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur embarked on a fund-raising project to raise funds for the group to enable their needs to strive further with their musical talent. In order to perform locally or overseas, they need to raise their own funds for provisions such as hall rental space, stage materials/props, rental of musical instruments etc.

Fund-raising methods by Parkroyal Penang:
For the project, a donation box is allocated at the lobby for those who wish to contribute for a good cause.  A charity envelope will also be placed in all guestrooms for those who want to generously give. For those who wish to support the choir group can also send a cheque to “Operafest Children’s Choir Fund-raising Project” c/o Parkroyal Penang, Batu Ferringhi Beach 11100 Penang. 

Targeted events for 2008:
Parkroyal Welcomes the Year of the Rat 2008 Gala Dinner – a Charity Dinner in aid of the Operafest Children’s Choir
Tentative date: mid-February 2008
Venue: Grand Ballroom of Parkroyal Penang and Kuala Lumpur
Programme: Ticket sales and proceeds will be channeled to the Operafest Children’s Choir.
Entertainment: The Operafest Children’s Choir will perform selected favourites from the “Yellow River” Piano Concerto for dinner guests.

"American Pop Classic Night” jointly with Allo’ Expat, UOB & HSBC
Tentative date: July 2008
Venue: Grand Ballroom of Parkroyal Penang and Kuala Lumpur
Programme: Dinner sales will be channeled to the Operafest Children’s Choir

Operafest Children’s Choir jointly with the Federal Academy of Ballet
Tentative date: November 2008
Venue: Grand Ballroom of Parkroyal Penang and Kuala Lumpur
Programme: Parkroyal is the official hotel sponsor, supporting the event where parents and guests will enjoy a night of ballet dancing with operatic singing in the background.