Archbishop Hickey to sing for F J Sheen

21 Aug 2013

By Mark Reidy

U.S. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen is pictured preaching in an undated photo. Daniel Tobin, Secretary and co-founder of the Fulton J Sheen Society, is excited at the talent that will be on display at Trinity College on September 4 for the 13th edition of the annual event. PHOTO: CNS

Expectations are high for this year’s “An Hour for Sheen Concert” with three outstanding Perth artists joining Emeritus Archbishop Barry Hickey in his first performance since 2009.

Daniel Tobin, Secretary and co-founder of the Fulton J Sheen Society, is excited at the talent that will be on display at Trinity College on September 4 for the 13th edition of the annual event.

“This year’s concert will be the first appearance for two wonderfully gifted individuals, Ry Charleson and Chris Waddell,” Mr Tobin said, “and it will be the third performance for Yan Kee who has won numerous vocal awards both here and in Malaysia.”

Yan Kee majored in Vocal Performance at the University of WA and her talents have been acknowledged at the North Perth Music Festival and the WA Music Teacher’s Association.

She has performed with the Australian Opera and currently teaches singing at Perth College and Corpus  Christi College.

Nineteen-year-old Ry Charleson is currently training in classical voice at the WA Academy of Performing Arts, winning the Michelle Robinson Award for Most Outstanding Vocalist in 2012.

Also making his debut will be Chris Waddell, whose voice has been a part of the St Mary’s Cathedral choir over many years.

Trained in London, Mr Waddell spent 20 years as a professional singer, including periods with the WA Opera Company, WA Symphony Orchestra and the Australian Opera in Sydney.

Mr Waddell told The Record he had been born into a musical family and had spent his first three years within a “golf shot” of the Sydney Conservatorium where his father attended.

“He was there at the same time as Joan Sutherland so it was likely I was exposed to her singing in those early years,” he laughs.

Mr Waddell said that he still felt nervous before performances but was looking forward to returning to his “old turf” of Trinity where, as a student,  he had developed his love for singing.

Since the concert’s inception in 2000, the Fulton J Sheehan Society has raised tens of thousands of dollars for missions within Australia and overseas and a percentage of this year’s funds will be used for the training of priests at the St Charles’ Seminary in Guilford.

An Hour for Sheen Concert. Wednesday, September 4, 7.30pm. Gibney Hall, Trinity College, East Perth. Cost: $30 including supper (concession for Seniors and Pensioners).

Bookings and Enquiries: 9291 8224 or sheensociety@globaldial.com.