Local talents shine in the Hong Kong Open Music Competition

The highly-acclaimed Hong Kong Open Music Competition (HKOMC) (Piano) recently returned for its 2nd edition to provide a poignant platform for pianists of all ages from all over the world to showcase their musical talents as they interpret timeless piano masterpieces.

As a strong believer that music serves as one of the most powerful and effective tools of communication, Ms Kitty Chan, founder and chief executive officer of HKOMC, created this competition to “share the excellence of music and the joy it promotes”.

“People in Hong Kong have talents and creativity. They excel in many aspects and receive international acclaim, particularly in music,” she adds.

Organized in cooperation with Hong Kong International Music Academy, the 2nd edition of HKOMC (Piano) welcomes talents of any age to interpret one piece of music of their own choices. The contest fosters a strong sense of musical appreciation and cultural exchange across generations.

The first round of the competition was held on Jan 10-12, with over 132 entries from the age of 4 to 40. 18 talents were chosen to be finalists to compete for the coveted honors and prizes at the final competition, held on Jan 18 at the auditorium of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Wong Fut Nam College. In addition, 16 of the contestants were chosen to be the special recognition honorees to reward their excellent performances in the rigorous contest.

Rachel Wai-Ching Cheung, a local classical pianist who has taken home numerous prizes and awards in Hong Kong and overseas, is the special performing guest for the 2nd HKOMC (Piano)’s final competition. Another special performing guest is Mr Malcolm Mok, an autistic and accomplished pianist. He is renowned for his interpretation of Chopin’s music despite that he cannot read music. He learnt note by note and plays from his heart and memory.

“We invited Mr Malcolm Mok to be the guest performer to make a statement that there is no boundary in music,” Ms Kitty Chan stresses, “He shows our contestants that nothing is impossible to a keen heart.”

Dr Allan Zeman, ?GBM, GBS, JP, chairman of the organizing committee of the 2nd HKOMC and one of the judges, is very impressed with the musicians in Hong Kong, especially youngsters. “It is very gratifying to see so many talented young musicians in Hong Kong,” he enthuses. “It poses a big challenge to the judging panel in picking the winners.”

Mrs Lamae Loo, president and founder of The United States Open Music Competition (USOMC), continues to lend her support for the HKOMC to adopt the best features of the USOMC’s 26 years of world class competitions. As a member of the judging panel, she is pleased to note the continued improvement in the standard of local performers.

Two new adjudicators in the panel are Professor Eleanor Wong, one of the most sought-after music teachers and lecturers, and Mr Stephen Chan, a media celebrity in Hong Kong.

“I’m very impressed with the way they interpreted the various works,” says Prof Eleanor Wong. “They are all of a very high standard.”

“It’s a wonderful experience to see children with feet hanging in the air play such beautiful music,” says Stephen Chan. “They should thank their parents.”

After a grueling contest among the 18 gifted finalists, Lee Wing Ting, the winner of the 1st edition of HKOMC, continued his legacy and took home the championship with his impeccable interpretation of Liszt’s Transcendental Etude #9 ‘Ricordanza’.

The first runner up was Kong Tsz Ying, followed by a young pianist, the 12-year-old Lee Paak Yu Jetthew. The fourth place went to Cheung To Mei Panmela.

In addition to cash prizes ranging from HK$5,000 to $30,000 and a certificate, the champion and the runners-up were awarded with a 24K gold, silver and bronze medal respectively, made by the renowned fine jewelry brand, Chow Tai Fook.

Sponsored by a wide range of company, the HKOMC presents an incredible array of gifts to contestants, including watches from Swatch; natural body filter from Propectin; skincare products from Black Pearl; health supplements from Tycoon Group Holdings Limited; and delectable cookies from Cookies Quartet. 

“As we have numerous talented young contestants in the 1st and 2nd edition of the competition, we would like to introduce a brand new Rising Star Award for piano prodigies aged under 10 starting from the 3rd edition of HKOMC,” says Ms Kitty Chan, “we would also like to introduce singing contest and music competition for other instrument.”

The HKOMC judging panel is composed of acclaimed piano pedagogues, concert artists, examiners, conductors and arts management partners from all over the world. They include Mrs. Lamae Loo, president and founder of the United States Open Music Competition (USOMC); Prof. Eleanor Wong; Mr. Stephen Chan; and Dr. Allan Zeman,? Chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group.

The HKOMC (Piano)’s organizing committee is chaired by Dr. Allan Zeman, while Ms Kitty Chan is the founder and chief executive officer.

Enquiries: 2336 3303/ 9695 3303

Website: www.hkomc.org