The inspiration for creating an orchestra comprising young and talented musicians from across Asia rests with the late Richard Pontzious, whose vision and tenacity have shaped the careers of countless musicians since the inception of the Asian Youth Orchestra.
Their debut concert was performed in 1990 in the ancient Japanese city of Kumamoto under the baton of the great virtuoso, conductor and founding music director Yehudi Menuhin, who passed away in 1999 and was widely considered one of the great violinists of the 20th century.
Over the years, the award-winning orchestra has emerged as one of the finest youth orchestras in the world, and its alumni regularly perform with over 60 of the world's most coveted orchestras and are a reflection of the enduring legacy of its commitment to musical excellence.
Every year more than 100 talented musicians are selected through auditions, representing mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
The carefully chosen musicians begin the intensive six-week program with an extreme rehearsal schedule before they embark on a three-week concert tour performing with celebrated conductors and solo artists.
Their 2023 tour celebrates 33 years of dedication, commitment and excellence and began in Italy at the end of last month before moving to Germany, Hong Kong, Taiwan and concluding in Japan at the end of this month. Their intensive schedule covers five countries, 11 cities and 14 concerts.
Hong Kong audiences will be able to catch the Asian Youth Orchestra this Saturday at the City Hall concert hall, with its principal conductor, Joseph Bastian, and soprano Lydia Teuscher performing Glinka: Ruslan and Ludmilla Overture, Stravinsky: Firebird Suite (1919) and Mahler's Symphony No 4.
The next day, Bastian will once again take the baton with violin soloist Ning Feng bringing alive Rossini: William Tell Overture, Brahms: Violin Concerto in D major and Tchaikovsky: Symphony No 4.
This tour de force is one of this summer's highlights so please turn out to support our Asian World Orchestra.
Bernard Charnwut Chan is chairman of Tai Kwun Culture & Arts Co Ltd.
standard@bernardchan.com
