Post date: Dec 08, 2015 6:50:56 PM
I met Richard Pontzious, the founder, artistic director and conductor of the Asian Youth Orchestra, 25 years ago in a chance meeting.
Richard is a great leader with phenomenal zeal and dedication when it comes to nurturing young classical musicians. His vision and hard work have paid off after 2½ decades.
The ensemble rivals the best among its peers and can possibly match professional orchestras for sound and colour.
I have been a fan for many years now; the two weekend concerts featuring mainly romantic-period composers moved me to tears.
Artistic ability aside, these remarkable young men and women from 11 countries and regions serve up spirit and enthusiasm which is unmatched even by more experienced orchestras.
The face of section soloists radiated pure and genuine joy when called upon to acknowledge the applause, showing great humility and harmony.
Against the backdrop of regional tensions of late, these young musicians must have a thing or two to teach our politicians, that peace and harmony could not be too far away if we are willing to put down pride and ambition to pursue humanistic goals of a higher order.
Philip S. K. Leung, Pok Fu Lam22 August, 2014http://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/1578824/letters-editor-august-22-2014