Hong Kong maestro seeks fresh challenge after two years with one of the ‘big-five’ US orchestras
Lio Kuok-man ends his stint as assistant conductor at the Philadelphia Orchestra with a special collaboration on Asian tour
A locally trained young maestro is ready for new opportunities after two “inspiring” years with the renowned Philadelphia Orchestra as assistant conductor.
Lio Kuok-man, whose appointment in 2014 at one of the so-called American big-five orchestras was a first for a Hong Kong-trained conductor, will conclude his two-year stint with a big show during an Asian tour this month.
“I will be conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra performing jointly with the Shanghai Philharmonic to celebrate the upcoming new Disney theme park in Shanghai,” the 34-year-old told the Post during a brief stopover in Hong Kong last week.
The performance will be a special moment for Lio who grew up watching the legendary Disney animation Fantasia of 1940, in which seven of eight soundtracks were performed by the Philly orchestra.
“I am very grateful for the honour of being a member of that legendary orchestra, and working together with the musicians who give it all for the love of music. That’s the very essence of the famous Philadelphia Sound,” he says.