Interview with Tong Wai-ho, cellist of the CCOHK:
Where are you from, or what brings you to Hong Kong?
I'm from Hong Kong.
What inspired you to learn the cello?
My father is a music lover so I attended many concerts with my parents during my childhood. I was not all that interested in music until the moment I attended a concert in which the famous Haydn cello concerto in C was played. The piece had a deep impression on me and I was also deeply moved by the stunning sound of the cello. I found the sound of the cello to be so close to the human soul. This concert experience inspired me to take up cello lessons at the Hong Kong Music Office at the age of seven.
You have won some scholarships during your years of study - could you tell us how important these were in terms of furthering your study/career?
During my years of study at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, I was fortunate to win the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation Scholarship and the Exxon Mobil Scholarship. These scholarships enabled me to purchase a better instrument and build my own music resources. They also gave me encouragement and strongly motivated me to choose music as a career.
What do you enjoy most about playing in the CCOHK?
I enjoy playing music with the CCOHK because it has provided me with many opportunities and a good environment for me to learn new skills. Because the CCOHK is a chamber-sized orchestra, I have learnt a lot about what it means to play as part of an ensemble. My colleagues are so helpful and nice and I have learnt a lot from them too. Also, I love the music that the CCOHK programmes and the various styles of music we play, plus collaborations with different media, like classical music, dance music, story telling and even some rarely seen instruments. All of these have led to an interesting and fascinating experience.
Which CCOHK guest artist has made the biggest impression on you?
My favourite artists thus far have been Alexander Rudin, Michala Petri and Catrin Finch. All of them are great musicians and I enjoyed their performances.
What CCOHK concert has been the most memorable for you?
Of all the concerts I have played so far, I think the Magic Jungle is the most memorable one. It was the first time I have ever played in a concert in the role of a leopard - makeup and all! It was an amazing experience and the audience really loved it too.
Name one of the most important milestones in your music career.
My most important milestone would have to be a concert I played in at Zhaoqing in 2008 where I was invited to perform the Elgar cello concerto with the Hong Kong Pro Arte Orchestra. It was the first time for me to perform a concerto with an orchestra on stage and it was a great honour. The experience was unforgettable and helped me to become more confident performing in public.
What message do you have for our friends?
Thanks for supporting City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong! I will try my best to make you enjoy every musical moment with us in the future. Keep an eye on us!
