Extraordinary Talents • Unlimited Potential

The Orchestra Academy Hong Kong is the first joint programme co-directed by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) and the School of Music of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA), funded by “TrustTomorrow” of The Swire Group Charitable Trust (Swire Trust) with a promising sponsorship of approximately HK$9 million over a 3-year period. The programme, consisting of two schemes namely Fellowship Programme and Young Pro Platform, aims at enhancing professional training for distinguished graduates from HKAPA’s School of Music and facilitating their career development in the orchestral field. Those who are admitted to The Orchestra Academy will contribute their talents to servicing the community through volunteering opportunities.

FOUNDERS' MESSAGES

Prof. Sharon Choa

The greatest challenge young musicians face is how to break into the professional world upon graduation. It is therefore ​essential that we help them connect with the industry and provide them with opportunities to perform at high professional levels. The Orchestra Academy Hong Kong was founded for these very reasons. It provides vital platforms for talented graduates of the HKAPA to hone their skills in a world-class symphony orchestra; and allow their creativity to roam free in the newly-formed ‘Young Pro Platform’ – to experience what it takes to be a 21st-century artist. We are grateful to our collaborator, Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra; and our sponsor, TrustTomorrow of The Swire Trust.

Benedikt Fohr

The Orchestra Academy Hong Kong (TOA) offers additional training and experience to young professional instrumentalists from Hong Kong. This can be of great value in furthering their personal development and career in the industry. Students generally have excellent professors, opportunities for international masterclasses, and can join student orchestras to gain repertoire and concert experience.  What they don’t have are insights into the working life of a professional orchestral musician, with its daily challenges and rewards. This is what we can offer through TOA.  We supplement this with additional useful training sessions and lectures.

OUR SPONSOR

Established in 1983, the Swire Group Charitable Trust (Swire Trust) aims to effect positive change in the areas of Education, Marine Conservation and the Arts by supporting registered non-profit organisations primarily in Hong Kong. In March 2021, Swire launched a HK$150 million funding TrustTomorrow initiative under Swire Trust to fund inspirational projects, including The Orchestra Academy Hong Kong, which aim at bringing lasting benefits and positive changes to the community.

OUR TEAM

The Orchestra Academy Hong Kong (TOA)

Prof. Sharon Choa

Founder

Benedikt Fohr

Founder

Woodland Tse

Programme Manager

Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra

Benedikt Fohr

Chief Executive

Kary Hon

Director of Development

Vanessa Chan

Director of Orchestral Operations

Lam Yik Wing

Assistant Orchestral Operations Manager

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

Prof. Sharon Choa

Head of Conducting and Cultural Leadership

Prof. Yiu Song Lam

Head of Woodwind, Brass and Percussion

FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME

  • Up to 6 Fellows will undergo an intensive orchestral training over one season
  • Around 70% programme participation in orchestral services with the HK Phil. It includes observing and
    attending the orchestra rehearsals and concerts, as well as performing alongside the HK Phil
    musicians
  • Around 30% programme engagement in chamber music, masterclasses, audition training and workshops
  • Participation in mentorship scheme with an assigned HK Phil musician
  • Contribute talents to society through volunteering opportunities
  • Monthly stipend over one season

OUR FELLOWS

Ryan Wan

Clarinet

Holly Ao Ho-i

Oboe

Jimmy Chiu Hon-kuen

Trombone

Vincent Leung Cheuk-yan

Cello

Winnie Yiu Wing-yue

Viola

Winnie Yiu Wing-yue | Viola

Winnie Yiu Wing-yue

Viola

Winnie Yiu is a violist born in Hong Kong. She graduated from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) with a Bachelor of Music degree in 2020 and complete a master’s degree with a full scholarship at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University in 2022, under the tutelage of Choong-Jin Chang, Principal Violist of The Philadelphia Orchestra. As one of the Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence Scheme awardees, Winnie has participated in the Round Top Summer Festival Institute and appeared at the Kent Blossom Music Festival, playing in a side-by-side concert with the Cleveland Orchestra. 

Vincent Leung Cheuk-yan

Cello

Vincent Leung Cheuk-yan is one of the Fellows under The Orchestra Academy Hong Kong Fellowship Programme with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra in the 2022/23 Season. Conductors he collaborated with include Lorin Maazel, Trevor Pinnock, and Michael Stern. He was previously a member of the Tallahassee Symphony in Florida and the Johnstown Symphony in Pennsylvania. He was invited as guest artist to perform at the South Florida University and Western Kentucky University. He also collaborated with contemporary composers such as Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, Clifton Callender and Liliya Ugay. 

Jimmy Chiu Hon-kuen

Jimmy Chiu Hon-kuen

Trombone

A top prize winner in numerous prestigious competitions, Samuel Chan’s diverse performing experiences have taken him to celebrated concert halls in multiple continents. Samuel’s past highlights include appearances as soloist with the Houston Symphony and Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, as orchestral musician with the Malaysian and Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestras, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, and in summers at the Lucerne, Verbier and Pacific Music Festivals. He toured around Europe as Co-principal with the World Percussion Group and has collaborated with such acclaimed artists as Lawrence Lesser, Angelo Xiang Yu, Orli Shaham, and Aiyun Huang. Samuel obtained his Artist Diploma from the Colburn School and Master of Music from The Juilliard School, as well as previously studied at the New England Conservatory and HKAPA.

Holly Ao Ho-i

Oboe

Born in Macau, Holly Ao began her oboe learning at the age of 11. She graduated from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts with a Bachelor of Music degree in 2022, under the tutelage of Professor Yiu Song-lam. She toured with the Macau Wind Symphony, Macau Youth Symphonic Band and Macau Youth Symphony Orchestra, performing in Austria, Portugal, Germany, Italy, Japan and Korea. Holly was awarded The Society of APA Non-Local Scholarships (2018- 2022). Active in orchestral and chamber ensembles, she appeared in an interview with and performed at the radio programme “GBA Concert Hall” of Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) Radio 4 with her quintet group (S.K.E.T.H. Quintet). 

Ryan Wan

Ryan Wan

Clarinet

Ryan Wan completed his Bachelor of Music degree at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts with John Schertle, Co-Principal Clarinet of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and his Master of Music degree at the Conservatoire Royal de Mons in Belgium with Ronald van Spaendonck. As an active orchestral player, Ryan appeared in many orchestras as a freelance player, such as the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong. He was also selected to perform with the Asian Youth Orchestra in 2019 and 2022, touring in Asia and Europe. 

YOUNG PRO PLATFORM

 

  • Up to 25 elite musicians will take part in concert programming and performance
  • 2 full ensemble concerts and a series of chamber music concerts
  • Invited to attend TOA masterclasses, workshops and lectures
  • Selected players to participate in HK Phil educational and community concerts
  • Contribute talents to society through volunteering opportunities
  • Project based renumeration

OUR PLAYERS

Calvin Cheng Ho-chung

Violin

Martin Kuo

Viola

Shawn Tam

Cello

Yvonne Chan Yui-woon

Double Bass

Angus Lee Yi-wei

Flute

Alice Hui Ka-ching

Flute

Kenneth Sze Yu-hey

Oboe

Cecilia Wan Lok-yu

Oboe

Eric Fung Chi-hang

Clarinet

Frederick Fung Chi-chuen

Clarinet

Kaden Yim Ho-yan

Bassoon

So Lo-ling

Bassoon

Jacky Leung

Saxophone

Herman Pong Tin-yau

Saxophone

Rainbow Sun Xijun

Horn

Oscar Lam Wai-hang

Trumpet

Jimmy Chiu Hon-kuen

Trombone

Sunny Ho Tze-fai

Percussion

Bryony Che Hiu-lam

Percussion

Frederick Fung Chi-chuen

Clarinet

Frederick Fung Chi-chuen is an active orchestral player and has been selected as Principal Clarinet in a collaboration programme with players from the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Symphony Orchestra under Maestro Jaap van Zweden for two years. He has also played for orchestras such as the City Chamber Orchestra in Hong Kong and the Sun Symphony Orchestra in Vietnam. Frederick was a recipient of the SAR Philharmonic Scholarship. As one of the HKAPA concerto competition winners, he performed as a soloist in Fantasy on La Traviata with The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Symphony Orchestra.  

Calvin Cheng Ho-chung

Violin

A graduate of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA), Calvin Cheng Ho-chung started playing the violin since 6 years old and is now studying with Associate Professor Ivan Chan. He is a multiple winner in the Hong Kong Music Festival and has participated in the Asian Youth Orchestra and the Kent Blossom Music Festival. Calvin won the HKAPA Concerto Trial, performing Chausson’s Poème, op. 25 for violin & orchestra with the Academy Symphony Orchestra. He also has extensive chamber experiences and actively participates in different concerts in Hong Kong.

Martin Kuo

Viola

Born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, violist Martin Kuo Tzu-Ming started learning classical music with his music teacher mother on the piano. He then followed the footsteps of his elder brother to learn the violin at six. Martin first played in a quartet when he was studying in middle school. He has developed a strong enthusiasm for chamber music since then. He went to the music class of Kaohsiung Municipal Kaohsiung Senior High School, majoring in violin and minoring in piano performance. In 2016, Martin was awarded a full scholarship at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts to study with Associate Professor Ivan Chan, the former leader of Miami String Quartet. He was also the winner of the concerto competition at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and performed Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy with the orchestra in 2018. Martin is currently a master’s student at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.

Shawn Tam

Cello

Shawn Tam studied with renowned cellist Professor Ray Wang, and Dora Lam, Assistant Principal Cello of Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and graduated fromin The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in 2015. He has attended masterclasses given by numerous notable cellists, such as David Waterman, Liwei Qin, Yao Zhao, Hai-Ye Ni, Zvi Plesser and Keith Robinson. Shawn is also active in participating in chamber music and has taken lessons with members of the Miami Quartet, the Endellion Quartet, and the Chilingirian Quartet. He also performed in numerous places such as Jerusalem Academy for Music and Dance and Hong Kong Asia society, among others.

Yvonne Chan Yui-woon

Double Bass

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Yvonne Chan Yui-woon started studying the double bass at the age of 11. She graduated with First Class Honours from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts with a Bachelor of Music degree, under the guidance of Feng Rong. Yvonne toured with the Asian Youth Orchestra to Europe, the United States and Asia in 2017 and participated in the Round Top Music Festival 2019.

Angus Lee Yi-wei

Flute

Angus Lee Yi-wei Lee (b. 1992) is a versatile performer-composer.

During his studies, he has performed under such renowned conductors as Marin Alsop, Paavo Järvi, Vladimir Jurowski, Christian Thielemann and the late Lorin Maazel in his capacity as an orchestral musician. He has also studied at the Lucerne Festival Academy, furthering his specialised training in new music, and having performed under the direction of Pierre Boulez.

Parallel to his work as a flautist, Angus is equally recognised as a composer. His work have been premièred by Ensemble InterContemporain, Ensemble Modern, and Ensemble Multilatérale.

Alice Hui Ka-ching

Flute

Alice Hui graduated from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) with First Class Honours and Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris with First Prizes. She won the Concerto Trial at HKAPA and was chosen as one of the Young Music Makers by Radio Television Hong Kong Radio 4 with the award of “Adjudicators’ Choice”. She has been playing as a freelance flutist and piccoloist with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta since 2014 and has worked with Asian Youth Orchestra, the Inheritage Philharmonic and Pro Arte Orchestra of Hong Kong for many years.

Kenneth Sze Yu-hey

Oboe

A native of Hong Kong, Kenneth Sze Yu-hey is one of the most
prominent oboists in the region. He has performed in numerous festivals
and venues in Hong Kong and abroad. From 2010 to 2018, Kenneth
served as Principal Oboist for the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra. He
is frequently invited to perform with leading ensembles in the region. He
is a graduate of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, CNR
Rueil-Malmaison (France) and HEM Lausanne (Switzerland).

Cecilia Wan Lok-yu

Oboe

Cecilia Wan Lok-yu is a graduate of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and The Royal Academy of Music. She has received the Jardine Matheson Scholarships, ABRSM Scholarships, Nora Seary Award and performed as a soloist on Revelation TV in New Malden, UK. She has performed under the baton of world class conductors, including Christian Thielemann in the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Westminster Abbey. In May 2018, Cecilia was selected to perform in Philharmonie Berlin with Sir Simon Rattle. She has been invited by the Vietnam Symphony Orchestra to perform as Guest Principal Oboe. Currently, she performs frequently with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta as a guest oboist.

Eric Fung Chi-hang

Clarinet

Clarinetist Eric Fung graduated from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Mannes College of Music and Yale University, studying with John Schertle, Charles Neidich, Ayako Oshima and David Shifrin. His festival appearances include, the Pablo Casals, Norfolk and Texas Music Festival among others.

Eric has participated in performances with the HK Philharmonic Orchestra, HK Sinfonietta, the HK New Music Ensemble, CCOHK and the National Center for the Performing Arts Orchestra in Beijing. An avid chamber musician, Eric is a member of The Chamber Music Society of Yale Club of Hong Kong and Reedsonance Reed Quintet.

Bryony Che Hiu-lam

Percussion

Bryony Che Hiu-lam has been learning music from her parents since
young. With full support from the HKSAR Government Scholarship Fund,
she is completing her Bachelor of Music Degree at The Hong Kong
Academy for Performing Arts, under the tutelage of James Boznos.
During her study, she won Champion at the 2018 IPEA Elite Competition
(Marimba category) and attended the National Music Festival,
Chestertown, MD in 2019. Recently, she has commissioned composer
OZNO for a new piece called Red Metals, written for 6 Timpanis and
mp3. It was premièred in June 2021.

Kaden Yim Ho-yan

Bassoon

Kaden Yim Ho-yan started learning bassoon with Angel Cheung On-kI since the age of 11. He attained his Bachelor of Music Degree from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) in 2018, under the tutelage of Kam Shui, former Principal Bassoon of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. His study was supported by scholarships such as SAR Philharmonic Scholarships and Breguet Trey Lee Scholarship in Pursuit of Musical Excellence. Kaden is currently a visiting student in HKAPA, studying under Chan Ting-yuen, Principal Bassoon of Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. He is active in orchestral and chamber ensembles.

So Lo-ling

Bassoon

Graduated from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, So Lo-ling studied bassoon under the tutelage of Kam Shui, former Principal Bassoon of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. She has participated in performances with the Asian Youth Orchestra, Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong. When Lo Ling does not play bassoon, she loves to paint, read and write. She believes in the power of storytelling. Through a journey of story, we get healed by connecting to our deeper selves.

Jacky Leung

Saxophone

Jacky Leung is the First Prize winner of the 2020/21 International Music Competition in Germany & Canada. He has toured, performed and conducted masterclasses in different universities and events. Jacky also performed with many international renowned artists and his music composition also received high acclaims from various festivals. He is currently Music Director of the Music Children Foundation, Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong International Single Reed Association and a freelance saxophonist of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and the Hong Kong Sinfonietta. Jacky is also a Vandoren artist.

Herman Pong Tin-yau

Saxophone

Herman Pong Tin-yau completed his Bachelor of Music degree at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) in 2018, majoring in Saxophone and graduating on the Dean’s List, under the tutelage of Michael Campbell. With full support by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Music and Dance Fund Scholarship, he graduated from HKAPA with a Master of Music degree in 2020. Herman is an endorsing artist of Légère Reeds, BG France.

Rainbow Sun Xijun

Horn

Rainbow Sun Xijun is the first graduate of Master of Music in Horn at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. She is animating the music world with her outstanding talent and infectious personality, bringing classical music to new audiences through her tenderness horn sound with rare sensitivity and depth. Rainbow performs as a horn player touring around the world with such orchestras as China National Opera Symphony Orchestra, Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra, Hangzhou Philharmonic, Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra and Macau Orchestra under world-renowned conductors, including Johannes Wildner, Lawrence Foster, John Nelson and Manfred Honeck.

Oscar Lam Wai-hang

Trumpet

Oscar Lam Wai-hang completed his Bachelor of Music degree at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in 2019 and has been an active trumpeter since graduation. He was a member of the Asian Youth Orchestra and toured with the Orchestra in 2016. He was a member of the Fiesta Brass Quintet under Premiere Performances of Hong Kong and performed in a family concert in 2018. He is also a freelance trumpet player with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.

Jimmy Chiu Hon-kuen

Trombone

Jimmy Chiu Hon-kuen is currently studying his Master of Music degree with Zachary Bond and completed his Bachelor of Music degree with Maciek Walicki, both at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. He started learning the trombone from Ng Chung-pang when he was a secondary school student. An active trombonist in Hong Kong, Jimmy was invited to perform as a soloist with the Hong Kong Professional Winds in 2018 in their annual concert. He is also the Principal Trombone of the Hong Kong Symphonic Winds and appears frequently as a guest player in different professional orchestras.

Sunny Ho Tze-fai

Percussion

Sunny Ho Tze-fai graduated with First Class honours from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) and is a great achiever in both academic and performing aspects. He is an awardee of the Best Academic Achievement Prizes at HKAPA and the 2019 HSBC Hong Kong Scholarship, among many other scholarships. He is also the Co-founder of M.A.R.B.L.E.S. Percussion and Associate Member of The Up:Strike Project. He won the 3rd Prize at the 2016 Parsons Music Scholarship for Wind, Brass and Percussion Instruments and the 2nd Prize (1st Prize is not presented) of the 19th Hong Kong Asia Piano Open Competition (Liszt Free Choice Class) in 2016. In 2020, he explored his talents in conducting by taking the baton to lead the Academy Symphony Orchestra in the Beethoven Symphony Marathon.