ABOUT MYO
"Passionate and vibrant, a very refined youth orchestra"
— Lu Siqing, first Asian winner of the Paganini violin competition
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Founded in 2003, Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of Hong Kong (MYO) is a registered charity and one of the finest and innovative music training organizations for young musicians in Asia. MYO holds a significant and unique position in Hong Kong's musical scene, bringing together exceptional artists, experienced coaches, and passionate young musicians from every corner of the region. Our training programs are designed to foster the musical growth of talented instrumentalists, from beginners to those preparing for a professional music career. Through our diverse offerings, MYO provides young musicians with a solid foundation in both classical and contemporary music, helping them excel in their artistic journey.
Comprising orchestras at six different levels, MYO provides professional training and performance opportunities for over 500 young musicians from more than 120 music colleges, universities, secondary and primary schools, as well as kindergartens. Led by Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Synthia Ko, with conductors Chris Cheung guiding the Repertory Orchestra, Jacky Leung leading the Orchestra-Lite and Metropolitan Pop & Jazz, and Alan Wong directing the Beginner Program, our members participate in weekly rehearsals that enhance their musical repertoire across various genres and periods, nurturing a lifelong passion and enjoyment of music.
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With a strong emphasis on performance, MYO frequently collaborates with some of the world's finest musicians to bring outstanding musical performances to local and international stages. In addition to regular local concerts, community performances and flash mobs, MYO has showcased its talent in prestigious venues worldwide, including the Musikverein, Langenwang Art Haus, and Brahms Museum in Austria, Yamaha at Nemunosato in Japan, and major venues in China like the Shanghai Concert Hall, National Centre for the Performing Arts, Xinghai Music Conservatory, and Grande Auditorio do Centro Cultural de Macau.
MISsion
The Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of Hong Kong is committed to nurturing the musical talent of young people by providing high-caliber training, performance opportunities, and international exposure. Our mission encompasses:
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Delivering comprehensive musical education through a structured program that emphasizes both individual skill development and ensemble playing.
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Organizing a wide array of performances that challenge and showcase our members’ talents, from local concerts to international performances, ensuring that every musician experiences the thrill and discipline of public performance.
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Engaging with the broader community through innovative outreach programs that include flash mobs and community events, strengthening a love for music and an appreciation for its social value.
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Promoting cultural diplomacy through global music events and exchanges, where our musicians can learn, share, and grow with peers from around the world, enhancing their global perspective and cultural understanding.
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Pioneering new ways to experience and interact with music through the integration of technology and diverse artistic crossover, making classical music accessible and relevant for today's audiences.
milestones
2025
2024
2023
2022
2020
2017
2016
2015
2014
2012
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2005
2003
Invited by the Hong Kong Tourism Board to perform a flash mob at the WTCF Hong Kong Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit.
Held a series of flash mob performances across major shopping malls and financial institutions event in Hong Kong.​​​
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Performed at the Cremona Music Festival in Italy and broadcast on the local TV channel Cremona1.
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Performed flash mobs at the 25th anniversary of the Hong Kong International Airport and at the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit.
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​Performed at the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit.
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Conducted online rehearsals and produced an adaptation "My Class Will Go On" during the pandemic.
Performed in London to promote Hong Kong, invited by the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
Invited by the Airport Authority Hong Kong, the Hong Kong International Airport flash mob performances went viral, reaching over 5 millions online.
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Invited by the Hong Kong Tourism Board to perform at the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival.
Since 2014, MYO has been enriching local communities with orchestral flash mob performances, praised for their excellence and creativity. These performances feature melodies that tap into the collective memories of Hong Kong, with videos going viral and reaching over 10 million viewers worldwide.
Gave a highly received performance in Musikverein, Vienna, where the audience was particularly impressed by the two east-meets-west repertoires.
Participated in a unique music learning experience at Brahms Easter School of Music, Mürzzuschlag, Austria.
Visited Kagoshima, Japan, and performed with MBC Youth Orchestra. Maestro Shinya Ozaki praised MYO for their "energetic and passionate performance."
Invited to perform at the Beijing National Centre for the Performing Arts and Tianjin Concert Hall, setting a new milestone for the orchestra. MYO also had the honor of performing with well-known choral conductor Professor Yang Hong Nian and the Children and Young Women Chorus of the China National Symphony Orchestra.
Invited by Johannes Brahms Music School in Austria, under the patronage of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and Maestro Nikolaus Harnoncourt, to première in the prestigious Haydn Hall in Esterházy Palace.
Shared the stage with renowned violin virtuoso Lu Siqing, the first Asian winner of the Paganini Violin Competition, in the Butterfly Lovers violin concerto. The same night, MYO played the Yellow River piano concerto with Korean pianist Michelle Kim, earning high praise for being "compatible with professional orchestras."
Invited to perform in the finale concert of the Aberdeen International Youth Festival and the opening performance of the British Youth Orchestra Festival, the only youth orchestra in Asia to be invited to both festivals.
Performed with the Magic Circle Mime from the US at the Shanghai International Children's Theatre Festival, held at the Shanghai Concert Hall, and received the "Excellent Production Award."
Performed with world-renowned cellist Wang Jian in a charity concert. Wang Jian remarked, "I am deeply impressed by the performance of MYO through this collaboration. These young musicians are the new blood of Hong Kong's classical music scene."
Since 2003, MYO has collaborated with renowned Hong Kong pianists Nancy Loo, Colleen Lee, Les Six, New Art Strings Quartet, Russian pianist Maria Raszwetaeva, conductor Ernest Smole, Robert Rieder, Mak Ka Lok, Choi Ho Man, Jerome Hoberman, and Yang Li, among others, to present a variety of concerts.