Annual Concert 2025 - East meets West · Music Interchange

Embark on an enchanting musical journey from West to East! The University Philharmonic Orchestra, HKUSTSU will join hands with the Chinese Orchestra, HKUSTSU to present a vibrant music interchange at our Annual Concert. You will start off your journey in the West, where you'll be captivated by the lyrical beauty and dynamic rhythms of Western music. Then, journey back to the East as we blend traditional Chinese instruments with orchestral melodies, creating a rich and fascinating soundscape. What are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity and join us for the extraordinary musical journey across cultures!

PROGRAM

Ludwig van Beethoven | Coriolan - Overture

Henryk Wieniawski | Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 22

Edward Elgar | Pomp and Circumstance March No.4

He Zhanhao and Chen Gang | The Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto

Liu Tieshan and Mao Yuan | Dance of the Yao People

Joseph Koo, arr. Ken Cheng | Hong Kong TV Classic Themes Songs

ORGANIZER

University Philharmonic Orchestra, HKUSTSU

The University Philharmonic Orchestra (UPO), HKUSTSU, is a student-led society registered under the Student Union of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). Founded in 2005 from the merger of the Wind Ensemble and Strings Ensemble, UPO has developed into a vibrant musical community. It provides students, alumni, and staff with an opportunity to pursue their passion for music and showcase their talents to the HKUST community and beyond.

As a cultural ambassador for HKUST, UPO enhances the campus’s artistic scene and engages with the broader Hong Kong community through its performances. Its mission is to inspire audiences, nurture musical talent, and unite people through the universal language of music.

Driven by a genuine love for music, UPO consists of members who join for the joy of playing rather than academic requirements. This enthusiasm leads to heartfelt performances, as members invest their time and energy in rehearsals and events to create something truly special.

CONDUCTOR

Dr. Ken CHENG

From 1997 to 2005, Ken led the HKUSTSU Wind Ensemble in various exchange programmes as a conductor, regularly organizing concerts of various types and scales with eclectic repertoire. In 2005, the HKUSTSU Wind Ensemble and String Team underwent restructuring and merged to form the present University Philharmonic Orchestra, HKUSTSU, and Ken has remained the conductor throughout. The orchestra performs regularly, with programs including Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto, New World Symphony, Beethoven Symphony No.7, Brahms Symphony No.1 and No.4, Tchaikovsky Symphony No.4 and No.5, and Enigmas Variations. Apart from conducting, Ken is also actively involved in music arrangement, and such works has often been selected for performances in professional and school programs. For two consecutive summers, Ken conducted orchestral performances in Vienna — at the concert hall of the Vienna Boys' Choir in 2018 and the Musikverein in 2019 respectively. In 2023, Ken was honored to participate in the HKUST University Anthem recording project. He was also invited to conduct an orchestral performance at the Variety Show celebrating the 74th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China held at Hong Kong Coliseum on October 1st, 2023. Furthermore, Ken was honored to collaborate with Mui Nation, the largest fan club of the late Hong Kong pop legend Anita Mui, and conducted the Anita Mui Orchestra Concert, a charity concert in December 2023.

STUDENT CONDUCTOR

Mr. James LAI

James Lai is a tubist, trombonist, and pianist. His orchestral appointments include performances with the University Philharmonic Orchestra, HKUSTSU, and Amicis Sinfonia.

James's passion for music was kindled at an early age, inspired by numerous American cartoon classics such as Looney Tunes (Merrie Melodies) and Disney films. His formal musical journey began in 2007 under the tutelage of Ms. Win Shao, with whom he studied piano and ultimately attained ABRSM Grade 8 with distinction in 2016. During his secondary school years, James expanded his musical repertoire, venturing into low brass instruments under the guidance of Mr. Yongyut Tossponapinun. He went on to perform with the school’s concert band in a variety of roles, including keyboardist, tubist, euphoniumist, and trombonist. In 2023, James was honoured to participate in the recording of the University Anthem of HKUST.

Alongside his dedication to music, James is currently pursuing an M.Phil. in Bioengineering at HKUST.

VIOLIN SOLOIST

Mr. Terry LEUNG

Terry Leung began violin lessons under late violinist Lim Kek Han and late Professor Lin Yao Ji. He was awarded the APA Advanced Diploma, LRSM, LTCL and FTCL Fellowship Diploma in violin performance. He then received the Chancellor Award to further his studies in USA under renowned violinist Tiberius Klausner, Benny Kim and Paul Hatton at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

He was the founding First Violin player of the Hong Kong Sinfonietta. He appeared as guest conductor and soloist to perform the violin concertos of Vivaldi and Mendelssohn with the China Philharmonic Orchestra (Hong Kong). He became the orchestra’s Music Director from 2014-2019. He is currently the conductor of the Hong Kong Southern District Philharmonic Orchestra.

Mr. Anthony WONG

Anthony is a Year 4 engineering student majoring in Computer Science with an extended major in Artificial Intelligence. Anthony started learning violin at the age of 6 and currently studies under Mr. Joe Kwok. In 2018, he received his LTCL diploma in Violin Performance. As a music enthusiast and active orchestral player, Anthony had been a member of the Pro Arte Orchestra of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Children’s Symphony Orchestra, serving as a First Violinist. He has participated in masterclasses with Ilya Grubert and the Tana Quartet and collaborated with renowned soloist such as Alexander Markov and Shlomo Mintz.

GUEST PERFORMER

Chinese Orchestra, HKUSTSU

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Student Union Chinese Orchestra was established in May 2000. Its members include undergraduate students, graduate students, alumni, and staff from various departments. Through regular rehearsals and performances, the orchestra fosters connections among its members and promotes musical exchange. Currently, there are over twenty members.

The performance content of the orchestra is diverse, covering Chinese classical music, folk music, and contemporary works. The members are dedicated to promoting traditional Chinese music culture at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology while actively exploring innovative and fusion performance styles.

SPONSORED BY

Student Enrichment Activities Support (SEAS) Scheme

REMARKS 備註

• Free admission
• Online registration is required
• Recommended for ages 4 and above
• Please arrive at the venue 15 minutes before the showtime
• Program duration is approximately 111 minutes, intermission included

• 免費入場
• 請預先網上報名
• 適合4歲或以上
• 請於演出前15分鐘抵達場地
• 演出長約111分鐘，設中場休息

ADMISSION RULES 入場守則

• Free-seating on first-come-first-served basis
• No food, drinks or fresh flowers are allowed in the concert venue
• Late-comers will be admitted only if there is a suitable break in the performance
• The organizer reserves the right to add, withdraw or substitute artists and/or vary advertised programs, seating arrangement and audience capacity

• 不設劃位，先到先得
• 音樂會場内嚴禁飲食或携帶鮮花
• 遲到者需按工作人員指示在合適時間下方可進場
• 主辦單位有權保留更改表演者、節目資料、座位安排和觀眾人數上限的權利