The opera-singing 'TikTok uncle' whose videos are viewed by millions including Laufey & Paris Hilton

Key Concepts:

• Bel Canto Singing
• Viral Content Creation
• Vocal Passage Opening Technique
• Community Music Instruction
• Intergenerational Collaboration
• Personal Resilience through Art
• Music's Social Impact

Introduction to Low Choon Yong and His Viral Success

Low Choon Yong, a 75-year-old amateur bel canto singer, experienced unexpected internet fame when a video featuring him went viral. His daughter informed him of the phenomenon, noting that the video had already garnered "40,000 or 50,000 hits" in a short period, a development he found "really surprising."

Bel Canto Practice Regimen and Locations

Mr. Low maintains a consistent practice routine in a park near his residence. His daily schedule involves practicing in different spots: in the mornings, he can be found "around this area or under the shade," while in the evenings, he moves "over there on the bridge." He emphasizes a core technical aspect of bel canto singing, which involves learning "how to open up the passages so that your voice can travel into all these cavities."

Community Engagement and Vocal Instruction

Beyond his personal practice, Mr. Low actively shares his passion and expertise. Every Sunday, he meets a group of friends outside Nicoll Highway to teach them his bel canto technique. During these sessions, he provides specific instructions, such as "Get the muscle working. Eyes open," to help his students master the vocal method.

Intergenerational Collaboration and Family Bonding

The "project" that led to his viral video significantly strengthened his relationship with his daughter, making them "even closer." His daughter played a crucial role in the filming process, guiding him in his "expression" and "everything." She also took creative control over his repertoire, deciding "what I sing" and directing him with specific instructions like, "Okay, you sing this."

Personal Philosophy and Motivation

Mr. Low lives by a philosophy of persistence, stating, "I belong to the group of people who don’t believe in stopping." He uses his singing practice as a deliberate coping mechanism during challenging times. When feeling down, he purposefully tells himself, "I must go for my singing practice now," highlighting music's role in his emotional resilience.

Impact and Public Reception

The public's response to his video has been overwhelmingly positive. Mr. Low notes that he receives "a lot of comments [that] are so heartwarming." He expresses profound satisfaction that "through music, the good side of people flourish," underscoring the positive social impact of his artistic endeavor.

Synthesis and Conclusion

Low Choon Yong's journey exemplifies the power of lifelong passion, community engagement, and intergenerational collaboration. His unexpected viral success as a 75-year-old amateur bel canto singer not only brought him closer to his daughter but also allowed him to inspire others and foster positive connections through music. His dedication to his craft serves as a testament to personal resilience and the enduring ability of art to bring joy and cultivate the "good side of people."