Asian Spotlight Shines For Wa Sung
by Richard Tam and Karen Dea (1992)
S.F. Chinese Children's Chamber Orchestra
The months of planning and hard work during the "Bay Area Asian Talent Search" culminated into the first ever "Asian Spotlight" - Talent Search finals. The results were excellent. The event, held on Friday, October 25,1991 at The Parc Oakland Hotel, drew a larger audience than was expected. There was enough seating for 460 attendees, but additional chairs were brought in to accomodate the over 500 people in the audience.
The general consensus was that the 16 finalists made the show an original one because of the variety of talents, nationalities, ages and backgrounds. The crowd reaction was not just warm, but enthusiastic. "Would you like to see them do this event again?' asked Master of Ceremonies Mario Machado. "Yes!" the audience and contestants screamed back. The foundation has been set down for Wa Sung to build this event to its fullest potential.
The prize winners were: First prize - The San Francisco Chinese Children's Chamber Orchestra, a 16 piece violin group which performed a classical piece entitled "Czardas", Second prize - Craig Fok, who performed, on the piano, an original piece entitled "Thank You", and Third prize -Raymond Tuazon, who sang "Once Upon a Life.
The evening raised approxiamately $6,200 for the Wa Sung Charity Fund. In a last minute announcement, a portion of the proceeds went to benefit the East Bay Hills Fire victims as well. There are Asians all over the Bay Area preparing their acts for the next Bay Area Asian Talent Search in 1992. Performers are setting goals for themselves to win the next competition. Will you be one of the Wa Sung members making their opportunity possible with an even bigger and better Asian Spotlight?
Phiroze Kazi
Finalist - Tiffany Louie
Vivian Bayubay