The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Orchestral Fellowships – in
partnership with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra
Background
The leading music
academies of China have a long history of producing outstanding young string
players, trained to a high level of technical excellence. While an elite number
of these young musicians go on to forge solo careers, the vast majority will
look to the orchestras in China and the world for their future
careers.
Aims and
Objectives
Playing in a fine symphony orchestra
requires an extra set of skills on top of technical excellence and only a
professional symphony orchestra can provide this experience to young players to
help them bridge the gap between graduation and entry into the
profession.
The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation and the Hong Kong
Philharmonic have devised an Orchestral Fellowship Scheme to provide this
crucial professional training. Exclusive relationships have been established
with the Central and Shanghai Conservatories and the Hong Kong Academy for
Performing Arts. Each year, up to ten young graduating string players from these
leading institutions will be selected to join the scheme for a full season of
the Hong Kong Philharmonic.
Program highlights
Under the scheme,
these young musicians will gain the full experience of professional orchestral
life, under the guidance of Maestro Edo de Waart. They will perform in many of
the Hong Kong Philharmonic’s major concerts under Maestro de Waart and wonderful
guest conductors. Behind the scenes they will work on repertoire preparation,
chamber music and audition preparation under the mentorship of the Hong Kong
Philharmonic’s string principals and they will participate in masterclasses and
special projects to enrich their experience and to prepare them for the
challenges and the triumphs of professional orchestral
life.
Upon their return to
their home cities, they will bring a wealth of experience from their Fellowship
year and contribute to the flourishing orchestral scene in China. The Hong
Kong Philharmonic is honoured to be hosting this inspiring scheme and is
immensely grateful to The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation for its visionary
sponsorship and its significant contribution to the musical life of China.
