Get to know our NYCC Tenors: part 2

Tenors: part 2

Ryan Henwood - Nova Scotia
Chenuka Lakwijaya - British Columbia
Spencer Sweet - Nova Scotia
Andrew Whiteside - Alberta
Frank (Enquan) Yu - New Brunswick

When did you first start singing/singing in choirs?

RH - I was somewhat of a late bloomer to choir! I began singing with my high school choir in grade 12 as I was preparing for my university auditions. Since then, I have had the opportunity to work with many inspiring choral conductors during my time at Dalhousie University and through participation in the Nova Scotia Choral Federation’s programs like the Nova Scotia Youth Choir and Adult Choir Camp.

FY - I first started singing in choir back in Grade 9 in Fredericton. Our choir director encouraged me to join as they needed tenors, just like every other choir! I started taking voice lessons in Grade 8 when I first started doing theatre and continued throughout high school with both classical and musical theatre repertoire.


What are your other passions/hobbies/interests? What inspires you? 

CL - I love to read (favorite book at the moment: Nocturnes by Kazuo Ishiguro), play sports (ultimate frisbee, cricket, and table tennis), and listen to podcasts (my favorites being the Anthropocene Reviewed and Philosophize This)! 

SS - I enjoy spending time with friends and family and playing games of all sorts. I am inspired by the chance to better the lives of people around me and to enjoy those moments of happiness with others, no matter how big or small.


How did you learn about NYCC and/or what made you decide to audition?

RH -  My decision to audition for the NYCC in 2018 was the culmination of many factors. I had just participated in the Nova Scotia Youth Choir for the first time in 2017, led by Rachel Rensink-Hoff, and she recommended that I look into the program. Many of my friends and fellow choristers had participated in prior years and I was already working with Jeff Joudrey through the Halifax Camerata Singers. Feeling as if the universe was urging me to audition, I sent in my audition tapes and was excited to be picked as the Tenor for Nova Scotia in 2018!

FY - After hearing about NYCC through Dr. Jamie Hillman here at the University of Toronto, I decided it would be an excellent opportunity for me to not only create music with great singers, but also to represent New Brunswick and the Chinese community. I have heard many amazing things about NYCC through teachers, peers and friends which makes the experience even more exciting.


What are you most excited about for NYCC 2022?

CL - Getting to know my NYCC colleagues and perform with them on tour and at PODIUM!

SS - I’m most excited to create an extremely high quality of music with some of the best musicians I’ve met. I’m also excited to get a chance to make music with my fellow Canadians from all across the country and to share that bond with them.

Next up... the NYCC Basses: Part 1!