A young singer who is probably going to be famous in the not-too-distant future is going to be performing in Bromley tonight, October 31, to raise money for the Ripley Development Appeal.

Jonathan Lemalu, a bass baritone is hugely talented. The New Zealand-born Samoan has a impressive CV. Graduating in law in 1999, he has completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Voice Performance at London's Royal College of Music. He studies with Madame Vera Rozsa as a Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother scholar and is currently on Postgraduate Studies on the London Royal Schools Opera Course as a President Emerita scholar.

Last year he won no less than 14 competitions and awards, including the inaugural Llangollen International Competition, and was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Rose Bowl at the RCM graduation, presented by HRH The Prince of Wales.

He made his Proms dbut at the First Night of this year's series, held in the Royal Albert Hall.

Michael Hampton will accompany Lemalu on piano. He also completed his studies in 1999, gaining a first class BMus and a Postgraduate Diploma in Solo and Ensemble Performance.

He won the accompanist prize in the Richard Tauber Singing Competition last year and currently holds the Geoffrey Parsons junior Fellowship at the RCM.

So, for a chance to hear these talented young artists performing in the intimate setting of the Ripley Music room, get down to the Ripley Arts Centre tonight.

October 31, Jonathan Lemalu with Michael Hampton on piano, Ripley Arts Centre, Sundridge Avenue, Bromley, £10, 020 8464 5816.

October 29, 2001 17:48

Joan Gardner