Obituary of 朱譚天眷 Giulietta Tam Chu

Giulietta Tam was born in Guangzhou, China. She studied at Pooi To Middle School where she was a boarding student along with her older sister. After graduating from high school she attended the National Music Conservatory of Shanghai where she studied Voice. She met Louis Chu in Shanghai and they were married in 1947. During the civil unrest in China they moved to Hong Kong, where they later raised their children, Christopher Siu Wah, Siu May, and Pierre Siu On. Once settled in Hong Kong, Giulietta started her illustrious music career. Working closely with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, she performed in numerous recitals, concerts, oratorios, and media presentations. In 1963, she travelled to Austria, Italy and the United States to further her vocal training. She received vocal instructions from Gilda Scheider, Dr. George Linquist, Dame Isobel Baillie, and John Howard. She was a devoted Christian and was very involved in church music. She taught singing and trained a boy's choir for many years.In 1969 Giulietta immigrated to Toronto, Canada and continued her vocal teaching. She gave two recitals; one at the Ontario Science Centre, and another at the St Lawrence Performance Arts Centre. She also joined the Canadian Opera Company Chorus, travelling and performing in different cities, including once at the White House for the United States Bicentennial in 1976. On several occasions, she was invited back to Hong Kong to perform, the most memorable performances being Mozart's Mass in C minor and Verdi's Requiem. She never missed a season with the COC until her retirement, and considered it the happiest time in her music career. Giulietta often sang in concerts and music worships at local churches. She supported many choirs throughout Toronto by providing vocal training and workshops. She was the Honorary Advisor of the Association of Toronto Chinese Evangelical Church Musicians, and was the soprano soloist for the premier performance of Huang An-lun's Psalm 22 in 1987.Giulietta loved to travel and enjoyed the finer things in life, especially food. She loved her students and cherished their visits. She lived a long and fruitful life. On June 5th, 2020, she was called home to join the chorus in Heaven, where she will keep on singing.