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I come from a musical family. My father was head of music at Baptist University and my mother a piano teacher.
My parents expected me to be a musician. They come from mainland China, where they missed many opportunities. They pinned a lot of hope on me.
I've never been rebellious. I've pursued music all my life, unlike my sister who had a few moments of hesitation.
My children have musical talent but I haven't got time to cultivate it like I should. I’m not going to force my children to follow in my footsteps.
I took up the violin because my father was fond of the instrument. It was something he couldn't really do, so he encouraged me.
Everyone should learn to play a musical instrument and to appreciate music.
Being a female conductor is not easy. When I started, many experienced musicians challenged my ability. They were not used to being led by a woman.
I can't say I have all the qualities necessary for a good conductor. No one's perfect.
The earlier you practice the better. If you want to be the next Yo Yo Ma but don’t start learning the cello until the age of 13, it's too late.
You can take up conducting relatively late. That's because it's what you think that matters.
I'm not a music prodigy who doesn't train. I have to work very hard to keep up.
Good music can move people.
As a musical director, I have had to learn administrative skills.
I started as a staff conductor at the Philharmonic Orchestra. I was like an apprentice.
The HKPO musicians were a lot more experienced than I was. They treated me like a little girl. Some were like a teacher to me, some questioned me, some thought I was just lucky to get the job.
Music needs a dramatic element so the audience can relate to it.
After 14 years at the HKPO, I have learned to take a positive approach to critical comments made about me.
My father once said I was not composer material, but I'd have no problem passing exams.
My parents prohibited me from listening to pop music, apart from The Carpenters. My favorite pop singer was Barbra Streisand. As for local stars, I like Teresa Carpio and Jacky Cheung.
When I was a teenager, Sam Hui was a big hit, but my parents thought his lyrics were too vulgar and colloquial.
When I want to relax, I choose not to listen to classical music because I instinctively start examining the quality of the orchestra. It's an occupational disease.
Classical music will always be appreciated. Some of the stuff we listen to is the creme de la creme of 300 years ago, and I'm sure in 300 years, the best of today's music will still be played and cherished.


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Hong Kong Sinfonietta Music Director Yip Wing-sie

Magazines

Hong Kong Sinfonietta music director Yip Wing-sie first waved her baton at the Philharmonic Orchestra in 1986. Since then, she has performed with such world-class as violinist Itzhak Perlman, and Canto-pop star Jacky Cheung. Now 44, married with children, she talks to Victor Chau about her upbringing and how she got where she is.
