Curator / Piano
(Perform on 05.11, 12.11.2022)
Joyce is a jazz pianist, arranger and composer based in Hong Kong. She is a co-artistic director at Music Lab, an emerging festival organiser for different genres in Hong Kong.
Both of her albums, Set Loose (2020) and Jazzical Collection (2022), were released under Ginger Muse, a recording label under Music Lab that presents local instrumentalists on the global stage.
Joyce’s latest performances include the opening performance of Freespace Jazz Fest 2021 - Jazzical Collection in Oct 2021 and Gingers’ Tonic, organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department in July 2021, where Joyce and her 14-piece big band showcased jazz arrangements of classical music. In the same year, she also played for Chan Fai Young x Women’s Choir at the Hong Kong Coliseum as well as Our Jazz Pianist curated by the Jazz World Live Series.
Joyce spent her formative years at the Berklee College of Music, having graduated with first honors in Film Scoring as well as Contemporary Writing and Production in 2014 and obtained her Master’s degree in Contemporary Performance in 2017.
Aside from her performing career, Joyce is also a passionate educator. She has been invited to conduct masterclasses and perform at the Musicians.Education Festival, Prague. She also teaches the jazz program at the Education University of Hong Kong. Joyce is a frequent collaborator with Hong Kong musicians, including Chan Fai Young, Joey Yung, Alfred Hui, On Chan and the Grasshoppers. She was responsible for arranging the latest album of the harmonica world champion CY Leo, and has worked on projects ranging from pop string quartet arrangements to a 100-piece orchestral and choral musical. Joyce maintains an active presence in Hong Kong’s jazz and pop music scene, and has had the pleasure of sharing her music with live audiences across the world, including in the Mainland, Indonesia, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Boston, Spain, Germany, Belgium and France.
(Perform on 01.11.2022)
Freddy graduated from the Berklee College of Music, majoring in Vocal Performance with a minor in Drama. He is currently a vocalist, actor and music educator in Hong Kong.
With strong enthusiasm in musical theatre, Freddy was involved in different theatrical productions in both Hong Kong and the US, including “The Emperor’s New Clothes”, “Spring Awakening”, Berklee’s Production of “City of Angels”, “Godspell” and “Cabaret”. He was nominated as a proud representative of the Musical Theatre Initiative Award in the musical “Godspell” – held at the Kennedy Centre American College Theatre Festival.
After moving back to Hong Kong, Freddy has performed in local festivals, events, theatre companies and live houses including Hong Kong International Airport and the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival. In 2019, Freddy was invited by the Hong Kong Ballet as the Live Jazz vocalist of “The Great Gatsby” production at the HKAPA. In 2022, Freddy was invited twice by the Hong Kong Symphonic Winds Orchestra as the Lead Vocalist of the production “Disney In Concert”.
Apart from live shows, Freddy served as a voice-actor for animated movies and series including “My Little Pony”, “Frozen” and “The Lion King” - as the role of Simba. Recently, he performed at the annual Compassion Award with the Golden Voice entertainment broadcasted on Phoenix TV. Despite having the experience of playing different roles on stages, Freddy also takes on the role of being a music educator. With great professionalism and compassion, Freddy puts forth his tremendous effort in conducting classes in drama, musical theatre, pop singing and public speaking in various schools and organizations around Hong Kong, and aspires to encourage those who are ambitious for musical theatre. For the past years, he had been the vocal coach and co-director of diverse productions including” Oliver”, “Addams Family”, “Oklahoma'', “Bugsy Malone'', “Big the musical” and “Cinderella”.
(Perform on 01.11.2022)
Floro Sernade, Jr. is an experienced multi-instrumentalist and bandleader. He began studying music at the age of 6.
As a graduate of the Philippine High School for the Arts and the University of the Philippines College of Music, Floro is one of the most talented flautist in Hong Kong, in addition to being a highly trained percussionist.
He is a virtuoso classical player and a ground-breaking Jazz and Latin Flautist. He had been member of the Manila Symphony Orchestra and played with the pHilippine Philharmonic Orchestra, whilst also performing at the Clockenflap Music Festivals, Various Jazz Festivals in Asia.
He currently leads two groups in Hong Kong: Banda Orbita, an Afro-Cuban Jazz Ensemble as well as Salvage, a Brazilian Batucada group. Floro is also regularly invited to perform in Hong Kong and overseas with many Canto-pop stars.
(Perform on 01.11.2022)
Adriel is a Filipino pianist/keyboardist with more than a decade of experience in performances and music production. He received his musical training at the University of Philippines (Composition), and furthered it online at the Berklee College of Music (Arranging).
Currently based in Hong Kong, he landed a job in 2008 as a resident pianist at a five-star hotel. He has since then been playing with various artists and bands at shows, festivals, musical theatres, and events at different venues. Artists Adriel worked with include Teresa Carpio, Janice Vidal, Jill Vidal, Robynn & Kennedy, Crisel Consunji, Lara Maigue, Susan Wong, Jolie Chan, Liza Melfi (as front act for Pointer Sisters), etc. Some of Adriel’s notable projects include a music production for the TV series “The Expats” that stars Nicole Kidman, and orchestrations for a concert that featured Classical Indian singers Ronkini Gupta and Rahul Vellal.
He has released two self-produced albums (“Gratitude” & “Forever Starts Here”) and is currently working on a third. He also loves playing at church, something he enjoys doing since young.
(Perform on 02.11.2022)
Fascinated by neo-soul, R&B and jazz music, her singing style is deeply influenced by these genres. In 2016, she officially started her singing journey at the live house 1563 At The East. Currently focuses on pop and jazz music, Sara has performed in live houses, weddings, malls, events, including Hong Kong International Airport, the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 2017, etc.
In 2019, She also participated in Leo Ku’s “We Tour Part 2” concert and Jan Lamb’s “Happy Monday Standup 2019” stand-up comedy show as one of the choir members in Hong Kong Coliseum.
She has recently collaborated with CoverDog in their unplugged series, covered the songs “Say Something” and “Human Nature” in their music videos.
Besides live performances, Sara C. has also been participated in singing recordings, including recent work of renowned composer Vicky Fung and lyricist Yiu-Fai Chow’s "Social Gathering Ban(d) Song”, and “All The Same” from the multi-media stage show “Utopia, momentarily”.
(Perform on 02.11.2022)
1-part academic, 2-part creative and 3-part adventurer, Ricky Wong is a self taught composer/pianist with a thirst for musical experiments. His projects include percussion-inspired modern jazz group ‘maRK Quartet’; high-energy, lyrical funk band ‘ARICLAN'; quirky Souna-Trombone soul-funk group ‘The Majestic G’. Alongside Joyce Cheung, Ricky co-directed Cy Leo’s ‘Lost in Time’ project. He is currently part of guitarist Alan Kwan’s ‘Invisible Architecture’ (HK Edition).
Wong is also actively teaching, arranging and performing. Recent notable works include Vincy Chan’s ‘Diving’; performances with Jason Kui, Rubberband, duo settings with various jazz artists such as Alan Kwan and Joyce Cheung, and his piano trio with viola and cello.
(Perform on 03.11.2022)
Established in 2020, M.A.R.B.L.E.S. Percussion is a chamber percussion group named after the initials of seven members: Michael, Alvin, Rainbow, Bevis, Lauren, Eugene, and Sunny. The ensemble performs actively in local music events. In 2019, they were invited by The Hong Kong Arts Festival to perform Varese’s Ionisation with Li Biao and Li Biao’s percussion group. They also performed in Day of Percussion 2017 held by Percussive Arts Society Hong Kong Chapter, and Sha Tin Drum Festival 2018 as one of the celebration events of HKSAR.20th anniversary. The ensemble also presented their own percussion ensemble concert including “Ritual”, “M.A.R.B.L.E.S.” and “4 Against 7” from 2018 to 2021. The septet met through their studies in The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, where they played numerous concerts with each other, developing ensemble-ship and gaining intimacy. Members of the group were also participants of the Sō Percussion Summer Institute 2019, where they performed with chamber musicians from all around the world in Princeton, New Jersey. Through these experiences, M.A.R.B.L.E.S. Percussion share the same values on music-making, and are devoted to promote collaboration, trust, and equality through high-quality percussion chamber music.
(Perform on 04.11.2022)
Multiple prizes and scholarships winner Lam Sum Yu Kevin has recently graduated from Royal Academy of Music where he studied with Lionel Handy for last 5 years. During his study, Kevin participated in several masterclasses by Chu Yi-bing, Walther Schulz, Adrian Brendel, Josephine Knight, Gary Hoffman and Kathryn Stott. On top of numerous solo performance experiences, Kevin was privileged to play in orchestra under the baton of Christoph Eschenbach, Semyon Bychkov, Oliver Knussen, Sir Mark Elder and more.
Kevin was an active performer in UK and Europe, he has been invited to perform in numerous occasions during his study in the UK. Including diplomatic performances in Helsinki, Stockholm and Hamburg representing the HKETO (Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office), a concert held by another distinguished Hong Kong cellist Chor Kai Hei in the world’s leading V&A museum in London. During his holiday between studies, he was invited to festivals and performances as well. Including invitation to 2018 UK Hubei Music Festival as a teaching assistant and performer, a livestream concert organized by Hong Kong String Orchestra in 2020 and more.
Kevin picked up his interest in music in his early years when he started piano at 4 and cello at 6. By obtaining both FTCL certificates for piano and cello at the age of 14 and 15, Kevin’s teachers Maria Ho, Dr. Edward Ho, Christy Wong and William Tsui has played a significant role in further extending his talent to pursue music performance as his first study in post-secondary studies. He then received both BMus (Hon) and MA awards at Royal Academy of Music. Along his fruitful music journey, Kevin has been awarded numerous prizes and scholarships including the most outstanding cellist award for three consecutive years in Diocesan Boys’ School, The Jacland Lai Foundation Scholarship for five consecutive years, Entrance scholarship of Royal Academy of Music, Highly Recommend in the Wolfe Wolfinsohn String Quartet Prize and more. Apart from solo and chamber music experience, Kevin has been to orchestral tours with the Hong Kong Children’s Symphony Orchestra founded by Dr. Yip Wai Hong all around the world, including major countries in Asia, Australia, Europe, US and Canada.
Lam is recently based in Hong Kong as an active member in numerous orchestras in Hong Kong, including Hong Kong New Music Ensemble, Pan Asia Symphony Orchestra, Inheritage Philharmonic, Cantabile, Gustav Mahler Orchestra and more.
(Perform on 04.11.2022)
One of the most active cellists in his generation, Chor Kai-hei graduated from Royal College of Music, Guildhall School of Music and The Chinese University of Hong Kong. His prizes include Schoenfeld International Competition, International Competition 'Giovanni Musicisti - Città di Treviso', Italy, Hong Kong Jockey Club Music and Dance Fund, Croucher Foundation Prize and “Hong Kong Scholar” title conferred by the Hong Kong Government etc.
As an orchestral cellist, he was the first ever principal cellist appointed from Hong Kong in the Royal College of Music Symphony Orchestra; and have performed with orchestras including London Symphony Orchestra, Hong Kong Sinfonietta etc, working alongside with Unsuk Chin, James Macmillan; conductors Sir Simon Rattle, Bernard Haitink, Loren Mazzel, Vladamir Jurowski etc.
He is currently a cellist of the Hong Kong New Music Ensemble; and serves as Ensemble-in-Residence in CUHK and Cello Instructor at The Education University of Hong Kong.
(Perform on 10.11.2022)
Sean Lai holds degrees from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and Hochschule für Musik Carl Maria von Weber Dresden. Under the tutelage of Miss Ho Hung Ying from Hong Kong and Miss Natalia Prishepenko from Germany.
Lai has been an active chamber musician, as the first violinist in the Zephyrus String Quartet formed in Hong Kong, Lai and his team were invited to perform in the open stage of the Hong Kong Chamber Festival, “Academy New Generation Artists Concert”, and “Academy Dance: Opus 16: Point of Departure”, all ended with good comments.
(Perform on 10.11.2022)
Li Wen-juan began learning the piano at an early age. She was admitted to the Shenzhen Arts School in 2004, and studied with Professor Dan Zhao-yi from 2008. After graduating from the Sichuan Conservatory of Music, Li studied under professor Gabriel Kwok since 2017 and completed her Master degree from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in 2019.
Li went on recital tours throughout the Mainland during 2013 to 2017 and participated in several seminars presented by Professor Dan as guest performer. Li also performed with the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, Guiyang Symphony Orchestra, and Shanghai Opera House Symphony Orchestra.
Li has appeared frequently in numerous local and overseas music festivals, receiving high praise from many renowned professors and won several international piano competitions held in Japan, Italy and the Netherlands.
(Perform on 05.11, 10.11.2022)
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Bernard graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) under the tutelage of Letty Poon, and recently finished the Master of Arts degree with distinction at the Royal Academy of Music where he studied with Professor David Strange.
During his studies, He was chosen by the Academy to participate in an exchange programme with the NDR (North German Radio) orchestra. Bernard is active both in orchestral and chamber music. Being a member of the Cellistra, He is also a guest tutti cellist of the Hong Kong Sinfonietta. Bernard is also frequently featured as a soloist recently in Tai Kwun’s afternoon concert series. In 2014, he toured with the Asian Youth Orchestra.
Bernard is the recipient of multiple scholarships, including the Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence Award, Breguet Trey Lee Performing Arts Scholarship for two consecutive years, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Alumni Association Scholarship, etc. Bernard has performed in masterclasses of renowned artists such as Gary Hoffman and Colin Carr.
(Perform on 11.11.2022)
Members:
Kitty Cheung (Violin)
Kiann Chow (Violin)
Ringo Chan (Viola)
Eric Yip (Cello)
Named after the Romer’s Tree Frog endemic to Hong Kong, the Romer String Quartet is agenuinely local ensemble formed by four musicians all born and raised in Hong Kong. The quartet has been recognised locally and abroad as one of the most active string quartets in town since its debut in 2013.
Romer String Quartet has toured Asia and the United States to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York, Toppan Hall in Tokyo, Shanghai Concert Hall, Sabah Art Gallery in Malaysia, Eastman School of Music in USA and Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. It has performed at festivals including Hong Kong Arts Festival, Hong Kong World Cultures Festival, Beare’s Premiere Music Festival, Hong Kong Freespace, and Taiwan Hong Kong Week, and has also taken part in various local and overseas projects engaged by the Hong Kong Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Radio Television Hong Kong, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, Hong Kong New Music Ensemble, Hong Kong Composers’ Guild, Hong Kong Art Museum, Tai Kwun - Centre for Heritage and Arts, Haw Par Music, Vantage Music, and Premiere Performances of Hong Kong.
The quartet enjoys many cross-genre performances in collaboration with artists ranging from dancers, choreographers, multimedia artists, and storytellers to indie rock bands. As part of a multimedia project titled “Muted Situations”, Romer performed in a pre-recorded video which featured in the Asia Triennial Manchester in the UK, Hong Kong Art Basel, and the Hong Kong New Vision Arts Festival. Romer also frequently works with both established and young composers to give world-premieres of many commissioned works. It is featured in the recently-released CD by composer Austin Yip, “Eurydice: Ballet de la Nuit”, and album
“Freespace Mixedtape Vol. 3”, produced by the West Kowloon Cultural District. In 2021, Romer collaborated with the Kamishibai Studio HK and launched a series of online musicanimation supported by the “Arts Go Digital Platform Scheme” of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council.
Romer String Quartet is dedicated to promoting chamber music to the younger generations in Hong Kong and Asia. It is currently the Quartet in Residence of Premiere Performances of Hong Kong. As teaching artists, Romer String Quartet was the Ensemble-in-Residence of The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2014-15; previous residencies included the Hong Kong New Music Ensemble’s ‘Modern Academy’ and the Hong Kong Children’s Symphony Orchestra. It has given masterclasses and workshops at the Hong Kong Institute of Education, Macao Polytechnic Institute and the Kota Kinabalu String Music Festival. The quartet was invited as a jury member and guest performer at the Hong Kong ‘New Generation 2014 Concert’ composition competition. It also provided free educational workshops and concerts to children through a 5-year partnership with the Hong Kong Playground Association.
More details can also be found at www.romerstringquartet.com
(Perform on 05.12.2022)
Maggie is one of the 28 members of Chan Fai-young x Women’s Choir, and has performed in all its concerts.
“When words fail, music speaks.” She believes that music is the best way to express herself, and simply hopes to fill the emptiness in our hearts.
(Perform on 05.11.2022)
moon tang is a Thai Chinese singer-songwriter whose soft vocals and soothing bossa nova style have attracted a large online following. After joining Warner Music Hong Kong, she has released "lately", "i hate u", "i love u" & a collaborative single "honest" with Gareth.T.
(Perform on 05.11.2022)
Nic Tsui is a guitarist, song writer and arranger of Hong Kong pop singers.
(Perform on 08.11.2022)
Lester Lam is a singer-songwriter from Malaysia, based in Hong Kong. A new journey embarks after winning the ICMA Singing Competition in 2019. The mixture of influences from Pop, R&B and Indie music has built the foundation for his raw and personal story telling, which is reflected in his debut EP "Unwithered Blue". The color blue not only represents himself (his Chinese surname), but also his emotions coming from his personal growth and struggles of living alone in a foreign country. The project consists of five brutally honest conversations with his deepest emotions, including his pre-released singles "Out of This World”, “Realize” and the title track "Battles".
Moving on to the next chapter, Lester released his new concept album titled “Aquilo”, including tracks "Shadows", "Do Monsters Sleep at Night"; exploring new sounds with world music elements while incorporating thematic writing inspired by mythologies and epic poems. The project consists of seven distinct chapters that piece to complete a fictional story-one which reflects challenges in life Lester has faced over the years.
(Perform on 08.11.2022)
Daniel Toh is a producer, arranger, session musician and singer-songwriter based in Hong Kong. With musical influences from R&B to Rock, Acoustic Pop to Soul, he exhibits flexibility and finesse in his rhythmic style. As a session musician, he works as guitarist, drummer and bassist for various live performance and studio recordings.
(Perform on 08.11.2022)
Tam Hiu Ching (Chris) was a classically trained musician starting from the age of 5, which obtained LTCL in Cello recital, ABRSM Piano Grade 8. As a pianist, keyboardist and cellist, he performed for various occasions including band show, musicals and live shows such as KMB 2021九巴 x Jer 柳應廷 初心物語音樂會. He also helped artist Lester Lam, Moon Tang to arrange and record cello such as “Realize” and "Dear Moon". He is now currently the keyboardist and the recording engineer of "Hedgehog", which has won various price including HKCAA香港青年樂隊大賽 2021 Teritiary Division Championship and HKFYG 2021 香港青年樂隊大賽 Open Division First Runner-up.
(Perform on 08.11.2022)
Eason YH Chan is a multifaceted musician and composer whose work bridges genres from contemporary classical, film score, jazz, pop, R&B, to indie. Graduated from HKBU majoring in contemporary composition in 2020, Chan worked as a film composer under award-winning composer Day Tai. Since 2019, he has participated in a number of local film and TV productions. Chan is active among the local jazz scene. He had performed at venues such as Tai Kwun, Lau Bak Livehouse and at the Freespace Jazz Fest in 2020 & 2021. Chan is also interested in indie and pop music. He is a collaborator on the album "Aquilo" by local independent artist Lester Lam. He also collaborated with singer-songwriters Moon Tang and Anna Hisbbur on various projects.
(Perform on 07.11.2022)
Miriam is a soulful songbird born and raised in HK. Miriam was one of the top 4 finalists of “The Voice of China 4 - HK stop” and is the lead vocalist of a high energy RnB indie band, Hippogroove. Besides performing, Miriam is also a passionate music educator, and the Co-Director of a youth music education company called YRock.
(Perform on 07.11.2022)
Chris is a much sought-after, professionally trained musician who is accomplished in a wide variety of contemporary styles in both guitar and bass guitar. He has played with many of Asia’s finest artists and musicians including Jacky Cheung Hok-yau, Leehom Wang, the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and numerous top session musicians; he has supported two international stadium rock acts with his original bands; won competitions with his playing and writing skills and has also built a recording studio to cater to Hong Kong’s ever expanding independent music scene.
(Perform on 09.11.2022)
Vera Lai is an active vocalist and flutist in Hong Kong. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Education Degree (Contemporary Music and Performance Pedagogy) at The Education University of Hong Kong, received Awards in singing competitions and music performance. She studied flute with Hong Kong Philharmonic’s Co-principal Flute Olivier Nowak. In the path of her singing, she is greatly influenced by Ella Fitzgerald, Lalah Hathaway and Gretchen Parlato.
(Perform on 09.11.2022)
Nelson Fung is a local classical and jazz double bassist who actively performs and participates in different jazz ensembles, big bands and classical orchestras. He started receiving classical double bass training at the LCSD Music Office at 12. He had played in various orchestras including the Hong Kong Youth Symphony Orchestra (HKYSO). He had also played in KongU Big Band under conductor Taka Hirohama.
He is the co-founder and double bassist of a young jazz ensemble - Rootless Voyagers and has been invited to play at various venues and events including West Kowloon Cultural District’s Freespace Jazz Fest 2020 and Jazz Marathon 2019 presented by LCSD and Jazz Up.
Recently, Nelson has been playing with singer-songwriter Olivier Cong in different programmes including “The Interpretation of Milou's Dream”, an online concert in partnership with Clockenflap Music, and a cross-media live performance “In Sync: Music in Motion'' presented by WKCD. Nelson is also a member of Freespace Ensemble, a new group-in-residence at Freespace.
(Perform on 09.11.2022)
Rachel Wong Wai Ching, pianist and cellist, graduated from The Education University of Hong Kong.
Majoring in Contemporary Music, minor in Jazz. She was the keyboardist of Dama de Jazz and the pianist of Hong Kong Youth Jazz Collective in 2020 &2021. Now is the tutor in Hong Kong Cello Factory and the keyboardist of INTROVERSE.
Actively performing in Lau Bak Livehouse，Play it Loud and West Kowloon Freespace.
(Perform on 12.11.2022)
It took Ashley three auditions to score a place in the Hong Kong Children’s Choir — for a reason perhaps — she was not particularly gifted. With (a lot) luck and sheer stubbornness, she managed to persevere through her many failures and decided to pursue a career in music.
Ashley is now completing an unrelated degree in Architecture at the University of Hong Kong and has yet to receive a formal education in music.
(Perform on 12.11.2022)
Jackiz Tsang is an experienced bass guitar instructor whom also has a versatile profile in performance. He has performed in all venues ranging from hotels and lounges to arenas such as the Asia Expo, Queen Elizabeth Stadium, TVB, etc. He has shared the stage with singers and artists including Justin Lo, Albert Au, Phil Lam, Ruth Chen, Frances Yip, Dominic Chow, Jayesslee, Joey Tang@Tai Chi Band, Donald Cheung, world champion harmonica player CY Leo, pianist Joyce Cheung and many more. His band - Ocean Boulevard has won 1st-runner-up in LiveTube 2015 Competition. Jackiz is definitely one of the most wanted bassist in the scene.
(Perform on 12.11.2022)
A rather late start for a musician, Dean Li learnt his first drum groove at the age of 15. Starting his drumming journey from playing Cantopop, Dean was exposed to the vast music world after his friend brought him to his first band show during his first year in the university. After years of exploration in different music styles, Dean is unsatisfied to focus on playing one kind of music and keeps trying to extend his playing to different genres.
(Perform on 13.11.2022)
Formed in 2018, jmJazz is an a cappella quintet that focuses on the vocal jazz repertoire. The group won a Gold Medal at the World Contemporary A Cappella Competition held in Taipei October 2018. jmJazz was also selected to perform in #TakeTheStage by Cathay Pacific at Clockenflap 2018, and received the Most Voted Prize. Their video, “Despacito x Shape of You” also won Best Music Video in the New York Mobile Film Festival 2019. In 2020, jmJazz was also invited to perform with singer Gigi Leung at "Gigi LEUNG Cheer Up Concert" organised by CIC-Zero Carbon Park. In 2021, they performed at the Central Market for the French May Arts Festival.
