75-Year-Old Teacher Captivates TikTok with Opera in Parks

In Singapore’s Woodlands Crescent Park, a 75-year-old retired French teacher captivates passersby with his opera singing. Known as Mr Low Choon Yong, he practices vocal scales on Thursday evenings, his voice carrying through the park despite the distractions of children playing nearby. Clad in a crisp shirt and pants, he remains focused on his craft, undeterred by curious onlookers. “Some people appreciate my singing, but some don’t like it,” he remarked, adding with a laugh, “That’s normal.”

Mr Low’s commitment to his singing is evident. He chose the park to avoid disturbing neighbors, selecting a venue out of consideration rather than a desire for attention. His repertoire includes selections from the Italian opera La bohème and a Chinese song in preparation for a performance at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts scheduled for April next year. While local residents have grown accustomed to his presence, some have recently begun requesting selfies and even spontaneous performances. “I just sing for fun, but suddenly, people know me,” he said with a hint of surprise.

Under the TikTok handle SG French Tutor, Mr Low has amassed over 30,000 followers and garnered 2.5 million likes for his videos featuring operatic renditions of trending songs. His popularity surged after a dinner conversation with his daughter, Ms Angela Low, who suggested they share his singing technique on TikTok. Their first video, featuring a playful line from Sabrina Carpenter‘s hit “Espresso,” unexpectedly garnered 40,000 views within hours. One of his most popular videos, an operatic take on a line from rapper Travis Scott, has since reached 4.3 million views.

Mr Low’s passion for singing has deep roots. Growing up in a household of six siblings in Yishun, he was often surrounded by the sounds of Teochew opera as his father prepared food. He fondly recalls, “Every day, my father played his Teochew opera. That was how I started to love music.” His love for singing continued throughout his education, leading him to join the Metro Philharmonic Society Choir, which opened new opportunities for him.

After nearly 40 years, Mr Low returned to France this month, visiting the University of Besançon for the first time since 1986. His journey back to his alma mater was marked by reflections on his life, including his academic pursuits and the accolades he received for his singing technique. Initially a physical education and Chinese teacher, he transitioned to a freelance career involving translation and private tutoring after fulfilling his scholarship obligations.

Mr Low’s life took various turns, including starting a provision store and facing personal challenges. He found solace in singing during difficult times, noting, “When I’m practising my singing, everything lifts. I forget about everything else. It’s just me and the music.” In 2006, after enduring a significant personal loss, he moved to Bangkok, where he joined a choir and maintained a disciplined practice routine, further honing his vocal skills.

In recent years, Mr Low has embraced the bel canto technique, which emphasizes breath control and resonance. This newfound knowledge has enabled him to teach others, as he gathers with friends for vocal exercises every other Sunday. During a recent session, he worked closely with a fellow retiree, guiding him through breathing exercises and vocal techniques. Each practice session typically lasts an hour, underscoring Mr Low’s dedication to sharing his passion for music.

While he acknowledges that he is not a pop singer, Mr Low enjoys the creative collaboration with his daughter as they manage his TikTok account. “I must admit that I’m not a pop singer. I am into bel canto opera or art songs,” he chuckled. Despite his initial unfamiliarity with current pop trends, he appreciates the joy his performances bring to a younger audience.

“I feel heartened that through music, the good side of people flourishes,” he said. Mr Low continues to inspire those around him, proving that music can be a powerful connector, regardless of age or background.