Related stories

The 10th China Beijing International Hi-Tech Expo Activity ScheduleThe 10th China Beijing International Hi-Tech Expo Activity Schedule Brands in Transition: Making it Work in China One Night in Beijing, Luxury in China Reeling Back the Years: Development of a Film Industry in China Circular on Approval of Short-term Foreign Debt Quotas for Foreign-invested Banks in China in 2005

Pamela International Star-Maker Back in China

Pamela Nicholson (or simply Pamela,as she prefers) knows how to use the time of her life.

An incredibly talented artiste, but also a TV presenter, actor, dancer, lawyer, accomplished concert pianist, composer, arranger, producer and director, Pamela is now turning her attention to making superstars of some of China’s most accomplished sports personalities via her China World Star programme. This is in keeping with Pamela’s inspirational reputation as one who has assisted with the careers and performances of numerous musicians, including her daughter, the widely admired violinist Vanessa-Mae.

Pamela’s accomplishments are far more than cosmetic. As a pianist she has performed in almost every major concert venue in the world and at some unconventional venues such as Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. Her composition Happy Valley, written in 1997 for the reunification of Hong Kong to China, was selected for inclusion in the official Athens Olympics Commemorative Album. She has recorded and produced records that sell millions globally and that are featured in commercials and movies.

Of Chinese ancestry and born in Singapore, Pamela has a passion for China and is interested in the country’s mixed culture of 56 ethnic groups.

“It seems that I have had a ten-year appointment with China,” she said as she recalled her first visit to the mainland in 1988. “I was so excited and overwhelmed in this place that gives me a feeling of belonging.”

In 1997 she brought her famous daughter Vanessa-Mae to China and gave successful performances in Beijing. Pamela was astonished by the great changes that had taken place during ten years. “And now, with two years to go before the 2008 Olympic Games, I decided it is time for me to return and do something for the country and the Olympic Games.”

Thus the China World Star project, during which Pamela will guide the training of eight former Chinese Olympic medallists with the aim of making them global showbiz superstars, using the “reality-show” concept.

“Olympic medallists are neither ordinary people nor immature child talents. They are achievers in their own right and already know what it takes in terms of dedication to be a sports star,” she said, explaining why  she chose Olympic medallists as reality-show contestants.

Since they are already well-disciplined because of their hard training since childhood and mentally and physically prepared for what it takes to make a transformation from sports to showbiz stardom, “It will be very exciting to work with them and watch them rise to new challenges, and yes, that will include performing all over the world as a star reborn to a new life.”

Over a period of 11 weeks beginning in November, Pamela and artistic director and creative producer Vasko Vassilev, who is also the creative producer at the Royal Opera House in London, working in collaboration with Grammy award-winning producer Kipper, will train the contestants (four men and four women) in performance techniques; health, beauty and etiquette skills; social graces and public relations. In addition to getting professional song and dance training, contestants will also be taught yoga to transform their physically strong bodies and minds into long, slim lines with a good posture, pleasing aesthetic and dignified bearing. They will learn how to care for their skin and to enhance their looks for different situations. Contestants will be challenged to refine their etiquette skills, manners and social graces, and they will be taught communications skills that will enhance their professional profiles and help establish stronger relationships with their fan bases. Language and cultural training will be included so the athletes can learn how to handle various social situations while in the international eye.

Candidates for Pamela’s ministrations have not been decided, but this most valuable player clearly has her standards.

“First of all, he or she must have a real passion for music and performing. They should be serious enough to use this opportunity. I do not want them to be shooting stars, famous for a moment before disappearing into obscurity. I want them to become real artistes.”

But that’s not the end of it. In 2007, Pamela intends to take the winner on a world tour as part of a new multiethnic musical extravaganza The Five Earths of China. “The show’s aim is to promote China worldwide.” In 2008, they will return with Magic Monkey, an innovative cross-genre stage and cinematic show that will feature music and action of dazzling virtuosity to celebrate the Olympic Games.

As Vassilev said, “The China World Star will be an ambassador for the country, for the Olympics and for new cultural works which will be created to showcase their unusual transformation into a performer. I think this is a wonderful opportunity for them and for all of us to be part of something new. After all, we all now live in a brave new world where everything is possible.”