East Meets West at Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park

East Meets West at Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park

A fifteen year old Korean singer is set to dazzle Aucklanders at Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park on Saturday 11 December with her rendition of ‘Do You Hear What I Hear’, the Christmas song made famous by Whitney Houston.

You Jin Choi, who has been involved in musical theatre since she was eight years old, has already appeared on stage in several productions as a singer and dancer and has also been responsible for choreographing several children’s theatre productions.

But while Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park is her biggest performance yet, she is quietly confident of her ability to create a piece that is uniquely her own. You Jin has thoroughly researched the music, listening to the versions performed by Whitney Houston, Tina Cross, and others, in order to apply her own creative interpretation to the song.

“I am singing it my way, I am not copying one style, I am doing what I feel comfortable with,” she affirms.

The student of Epsom Girls Grammar migrated to New Zealand from Korea at the age of seven, and while much of You Jin’s childhood has been devoted to her passion to the performing arts, she keeps an open mind about career prospects as a performer. “I am studying music, but also other courses,” she explains. “I’m not sure yet what I will do.”

You Jin will join a range of young talent at Coca-Cola Christmas at the Park, including three of the New Zealand Idol finalists.

Coca-Cola spokesperson Annette Chillingworth believes that You Jin is an excellent example of how talent nurtured from youth often sparkles the brightest. “Coca-Cola has supported New Zealand music for many years. The talent at this year’s Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park ranges from school aged youth through to veterans of the music industry. The line up is a great reflection of how far we have come.”

Proceeds from Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park 2004 will benefit Youthline and funds will go towards Youthline’s nationwide youth help line, internet based information services, health promotion and youth and community development programmes. Youthline is the first point of contact for thousands of young people seeking help.

Goldenhorse will also be joining the Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park gang. Goldenhorse are one of New Zealand’s most popular and appealing bands: their song ‘Maybe Tomorrow’ was the most performed New Zealand song on radio for 2003, and sales of their debut album ‘Riverhead’ have gone Triple Platinum. Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park is hosted by Jeremy Corbett, Kelly Swanson-Roe and Petra Bagust.

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Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park 2004 Saturday, 11 December 2004 - Auckland Domain - Auckland

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