Hong Kong Sinfonietta music director to step down in 2020 after 18 years at the helm
- Yip Wing-sie, the first Hong Kong woman conductor to head a professional orchestra, says she is proud of the way Sinfonietta connects with audiences
- Search for successor to the first Hong Kong woman conductor to lead a professional ensemble will begin soon
The orchestra, which was founded in 1999, announced on Monday that its 2019/2020 season will be Yip’s last as music director. After that she will stay on as conductor emeritus.
Yip says she will have led the ensemble for 18 years by 2020. “I think the musicians are more than ready to face new challenges and, maybe, to have a new leadership will help to stimulate the group. And the orchestra can be elevated to an even higher level,” she says.
The 58-year-old conductor says during her tenure the orchestra has succeeded in connecting with the audience. “That is the thing that I’m very proud of,” she says. “I think we have made a strong impact on the younger generation and I hope the orchestra will continue this vision.”
Made up mostly of local musicians, the Hong Kong Sinfonietta is known for its creative and diverse programming, performing major works from the classical repertoire as well as commissioning new pieces and organising popular concerts such as the “Good Music” series for babies and toddlers.
