Hong Kong top string player Andrew Ling says don’t worry, be happy ... with music

Philharmonic Orchestra member has put down the bow for the conductor’s baton at a prestigious competition in France

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Andrew Ling is one of 20 finalists in the 55th Besancon International Competition for Young Conductors. Photo: David Wong

Published: 2:38pm, 12 Sep 2017Updated: 2:07pm, 25 Sep 2017

For Andrew Ling Hin-yau, who has been the leader of the viola section of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra since 2010, the pursuit of the arts can offer a quiet moment away from life’s worries.

Ling, 34, one of the city’s top string musicians, has recently put down the bow to take up the conductor’s baton as a finalist at the 55th Besancon International Competition for Young Conductors in France starting on Monday.

Violist Andrew Ling is immune to stage fright and has been taught by the best

“I have been preparing for it since I did not pass the preliminary round two years ago, so I must have made some progress given the same judges are in charge,” the Hong Kong-born violist said, referring to the biyearly contest with past winners such as former Boston Symphony Orchestra music director Seiji Ozawa and local conductor Yip Wing-sie.

My job is to perform music for all to enjoy. How audiences take it is their own business

Andrew Ling Hin-yau

Political and social tensions in Hong Kong in recent years have not caused Ling’s focus to waver, although he admitted that some issues did get on his nerves.

“I can’t say I am insulated from the divisions in society,” Ling said.

“But I am a professional musician. My job is to perform music for all to enjoy. How audiences take it is their own business,” he added.

He cited the controversy sparked by legislation in mainland China over the national anthem, criminalising acts of disrespect to the song. The law is expected to apply in Hong Kong, ruffling many feathers in a city already rife with political tension.