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Spotlight Interview with Chris Cheung, violist of the CCOHK. Where are you from and how long have you been in Hong Kong? I was born in Hong Kong and received my initial training in music here. I went to the United States to further my music studies and obtained my Bachelor's and Master's degrees there. After graduation I worked in Italy with an orchestra named "Sinfonica di Milano". I returned to Hong Kong about ten years ago. What brought you back to Hong Kong? During the time I was working with Sinfonica di Milano, I received a long-distance call from my viola teacher in Hong Kong, to whom I was greatly indebted. He asked me if I would consider taking up a teaching post in Hong Kong. In addition to performing, I felt it was important to teach and share one’s knowledge with younger people. Hence I accepted his advice and came back to Hong Kong to take up the teaching post. What do you enjoy most about playing in the CCOHK? If one is tired of listening to the conventional "overture-concerto-symphony" concert, CCOHK is definitely the answer. Each CCOHK concert is meticulously planned with a special theme or feature for the audience. That is why I love to play with this orchestra. Which CCOHK guest artist has made the biggest impression on you? I was deeply impressed by the bandoneon player Daniel Binelli, the soloist in our "Tango!" concert in January 2007. The bandoneon looks similar to the accordion, an instrument which I once associated with clowns and circuses. Daniel Binelli, however, changed my impression of the bandoneon by bringing it to the centre of the classical music stage. Which CCOHK concert has been the most memorable for you? I would like to say, "The next concert will be the most memorable for me." However that has become a cliché, so I will pick the "Tango!" concert because of the marvellous collaboration we had with the bandoneon player Daniel Binelli. How did you come about choosing the viola? I started on the violin like many people do, but later I switched to the viola. It was not a difficult choice for me. The sound of the viola speaks to me the most. Name one of the most important milestones in your music career. I would like to mention TWO milestones. The first one was obtaining a full scholarship and stipend to pursue my Master’s degree in the States, and the second one was being accepted as a member of the Sinfonica di Milano. What message do you have for our friends? If one is tired of listening to the conventional "overture-concerto-symphony' concert, CCOHK is definitely the answer. I like this phrase, so please allow me to repeat myself!
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