Countdown to the Toronto Chinese Orchestra’s June 28th concert: WEEK 12

Countdown to the Toronto Chinese Orchestra’s June 28th concert: WEEK 12

Guest artist: Hang-Kei Kwok

We are honoured to have Mr. Hang-Kei Kwok as our guest conductor at this concert. Mr. Kwok studied piano and accordion from Nevsky in the 1950s, music theory from Bingruo Tan, and composition and conducting from Shangde Xin. Mr. Kwok has worked with the Shanghai Chorus and the Yunnan Song and Dance Troupe. He has also taught at the Yunnan Academy of Fine Arts and the Kunming Normal College.

Not only is Mr. Kwok a well-known conductor, but he has composed over 500 works that feature many distinct ethnic styles of the minority groups in China. His fascination with folk music has led him to do research in various minority groups, recording and documenting their music. Many of his compositions feature their unique styles and instruments. He has been commissioned by the Music Office, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, and the Hong Kong Dance Company. He has also written music for many film productions. Currently, Mr. Kwok resides in Hong Kong, but has a busy touring schedule that includes Europe, Asia, and North America.

He will conduct Thoughts, and Song of Yi Village. Both of these works were composed by Mr. Kwok.

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