Programs

MYO consists of six orchestras at different levels and genres, ranging from beginner to advanced, catering to students of all ages and skill levels. Our performing groups present a wide variety of musical experiences, including concerts, flash mobs, overseas exchanges, outdoor performances, community and inclusive performances, and performing art crossover events. These performances are guided by the orchestra's conductors and sectional tutors, offering students diverse and enriching opportunities. All orchestra members are required to pass an audition to ensure the overall standard and quality of performances.

For children interested in learning an instrument or exploring their options, MYO periodically hosts the Instrument Petting Zoo. Through instructor demonstrations, supervised try-outs, and professional guidance, these interactive sessions allow young participants to explore a wide range of orchestral instruments firsthand, helping them better understand which instrument aligns with their interests and strengths.

Want to see how students progress from beginner to advanced? Click HERE.

(1) Select a Program

(2) Select Your Grade Level

Symphony Orchestra (SO)

Tailor-made for young players at a more advanced level, the Symphony Orchestra (SO) caters to players who have obtained ABRSM Grade 8 or above, or equivalent, along with extensive orchestral experience. Members are further exposed to a challenging range of orchestral repertoire through weekly rehearsals and have collaborated with internationally renowned masters such as violinists Lin Cho-liang and Lu Siqing, cellist Wang Jian, pianist Michelle Kim, maestro Nikolaus Harnoncourt, and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Additional collaborators include Mr. Yang Li of the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing and theatrical artists from the U.S. Magic Circle Mime Co., among others. Players are offered numerous performing opportunities that emphasize the importance of perseverance in achieving artistic excellence.

MYO members undergo music training at various institutes and perform globally during the summer. They are stimulated by different learning cultures, motivated to self-explore, and inspired to revisit the joy of music learning by participating in music festivals where they can interact with orchestras from other countries. The MYO has toured Austria, the UK, the US, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Japan, and many more, and was honored with invitations to perform at the prestigious Musikverein in 2012 and 2013.

In addition to pursuing artistic excellence, the orchestra continues to inspire people from all walks of life by collaborating with numerous inspirational artists, including limbless warrior Nick Vujicic, one-handed violinist Adrian Anantawan from Canada, armless horn player Felix Klieser from Germany, four-fingered pianist Lee Hee-Ah from Korea, local blind singer Pinky Li, visually impaired pianist Lee Hin, and autistic pianist Lau Chi Ming.

Members perform a sophisticated repertoire across various platforms, not only in concerts with world-class musicians and conductors but also in our community-serving flash mob performances over the past ten years.

Level

ABRSM above Grade 8; other orchestra experience is required

Rehearsal Schedule

Fridays 7:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m.

Rehearsal Venue

Hong Kong Cultural Centre Rehearsal Room

Fee

$290 / session

Conductor

Synthia Ko ▸

Join the Program

Application Form ▸

Intermezzo Orchestra (IO)

The Intermezzo Orchestra (IO) caters to intermediate-level musicians who have achieved ABRSM Grade 6 or higher, or an equivalent level of proficiency. Under the expert guidance of conductor Ms. Synthia Ko, the program is meticulously designed to foster students' technical growth and encourage their autonomy in interpreting musical scores. This setup allows students to develop a deeper connection with the music, enhancing their individual skills while harmonizing with the ensemble.

The IO challenges its members with an increasingly complex repertoire, preparing them for performances in major venues alongside esteemed global artists. Students engage in intensive rehearsals that not only refine their technique but also imbue them with the discipline required to excel in high-stakes musical environments. The orchestra also opens up opportunities for its members to participate in international tours.

Level

ABRSM Grade 6-8; other orchestra experience is required

Rehearsal Schedule

Fridays 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

Rehearsal Venue

Hong Kong Cultural Centre Rehearsal Room

Fee

$340 / session

Conductor

Synthia Ko ▸

Join the Program

Application Form ▸

Repertory Orchestra (RO)

The Repertory Orchestra (RO) provides quality orchestral training for students who have obtained ABRSM Grade 5-6 or equivalent. Each full orchestra rehearsal challenges students to flexibly apply their techniques, significantly improving their rhythm, sight-reading abilities, and overall musical performance. This rigorous training enables members to confidently tackle a wide range of musical genres and complex compositions.

In addition to technical development, the RO prioritizes a thorough understanding of orchestral dynamics and the nuances of ensemble performance. This environment deepens their understanding of musical interaction and team collaboration, while fostering leadership qualities applicable across different musical contexts. As members grow, they develop sophisticated musical skills and build confidence, which prepares them for higher-level musical performances in the future.

Level

ABRSM Grade 5-6 or equivalent; other orchestra experience is required

Rehearsal Schedule

Saturdays 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. / Sundays 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

Rehearsal Venue

Hong Kong Cultural Centre Rehearsal Room

Fee

$360 / session

Conductor

Chris Cheung ▸

Join the Program

Application Form ▸

Orchestra-Lite (OL)

Orchestra-Lite (OL) is specially designed for beginners with ABRSM grades 3 to 4 or those who are new to orchestral settings. OL aims to develop students’ interest in orchestral music by introducing students to a carefully selected repertoire of classical pieces, arranged to suit their developing skills. The program enriches students' understanding of diverse musical genres and foundational ensemble principles.

Different from traditional orchestral practices, each rehearsal in OL is structured to include both sectional and full orchestra practices, providing a balanced approach to learning. In sectional rehearsals, students receive focused instruction that enhances their technical abilities in score reading, rhythm as well as articulations. The full orchestra practice immerses them in the dynamics of performing in a larger group, teaching them to synchronize with different sections, follow a conductor’s lead, and appreciate the collective sound of an orchestra. This dual approach not only boosts their individual skills but also fosters a collaborative spirit, essential for their growth as musicians.

Level

ABRSM above Grade 3-4 or equivalent; other orchestra experience is preferred

Rehearsal Schedule

Saturdays 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. / Sundays 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Rehearsal Venue

Hong Kong Cultural Centre Rehearsal Room

Fee

$400 / session

Conductor

Jacky Leung ▸

Join the Program

Application Form ▸

Beginners Program (BP)

Unlike typical orchestral training, our beginners program is designed to nurture young musicians with limited experience in orchestral instruments. It focuses on those who have briefly studied but are eager to be part of an orchestra. Our program fast-tracks student development through comprehensive training and performances, preparing them for potential advancement to the MYO orchestra.

To enhance their learning experience, we provide tailor-made pieces that align with their skill levels. Our approach integrates both sectional and full orchestra rehearsals within each session. Sectional rehearsals allow for personalized coaching from our professional instructors, helping students refine their rhythm, articulation, and score reading skills, setting our program apart from conventional orchestra practices. MYO ensures that even our less experienced members have a variety of opportunities to perform, which helps them refine their skills, build their confidence, accumulate performance experience, and enhance team collaboration skills.

Level

ABRSM Grade 3 and below; no orchestra experience is required

Rehearsal Schedule

Saturdays 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. / Saturdays 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.

Rehearsal Venue

Cheung Sha Wan Catholic Secondary School

Fee

$420 / session

Remarks

Students must at least be learning one orchestral instrument.
Beginners who can play Grade 1 pieces are welcome to join, regardless of formal exam completion.

Conductor

Alan Wong ▸

Join the Program

Application Form ▸

Children can begin learning string and percussion instruments from age 3, and wind and brass instruments from age 4. We encourage families to expose their child to a variety of live and recorded music before formal training begins to nurture musical interest and ear development.

If your child is interested in learning an orchestral instrument, we encourage parents and children to join our "Instrument Petting Zoo" to explore their options. Families attending the event may also receive suggestions or guidance on how to take the next steps in learning an instrument.

Once students have reached approximately Grade 1 level (exam not required), they can audition for our Beginners Program (BP), where they will further develop ensemble skills and gain performance experience in a wide range of local and international settings.

As a dynamic extension to our classical offerings, the Metropolitan Pop & Jazz (MPJ) Youth Wind Orchestra brings a fresh and engaging blend of jazz and pop. Featuring a rhythm section with electric guitar, bass, and keyboard, alongside woodwinds, brass, and percussion, our orchestra allows young musicians to explore a variety of styles, from anime and film scores to wind and brass band pieces, diverse jazz genres like swing, bebop, and fusion, as well as contemporary pop compositions.

At MPJ, rehearsals go beyond notes on a page. In a relaxed, encouraging environment, students develop essential skills such as aural training, jazz rhythm articulation, and solo improvisation. Through this process, they gain the confidence and creative freedom to express themselves through music. Students are also encouraged to submit their own compositions, with the chance to bring their original works to life on stage.

With opportunities to perform at festivals, flash mobs, collaborative concerts with pop and jazz artists, and on international stages, MPJ offers a lineup that challenges and inspires. As they master the techniques of jazz, students will enjoy a performance-driven journey that’s all about growth, confidence, and having a blast in these vibrant musical genres.

Level

ABRSM Grade 3-6 or equivalent

Rehearsal Schedule

Saturdays 11:30-13:30

Rehearsal Venue

Cheung Sha Wan Catholic Secondary School

Fee

$340 / session

Why MPJ?

Explore diverse pop, jazz, and anime/film scores
Fun and challenging repertoire, from swing to bebop
Develop ensemble skills and individual expression where each section contributes melodic, harmonic, or rhythmic elements
Platform for aspiring young composers to perform original music pieces
Explore improvisation and creative interpretation — a key aspect of jazz
Perform locally and on international stages
Join flash mobs and collaborative concerts with jazz and pop artists

Conductor

Jacky Leung ▸

Join the Program

Application Form ▸

To support families in exploring suitable instrument options, MYO regularly hosts the Instrument Petting Zoo — an interactive, hands-on event where children can try out over 10 orchestral instruments.

The event is designed for children who are curious about music but haven’t started learning an instrument, as well as those interested in exploring a second one. With guidance from experienced instructors, both children and parents can discover the unique sounds, features, and playing techniques of various orchestral instruments.

These sessions help young learners explore their interests and develop a clearer sense of which instruments they feel most comfortable and excited to learn, providing helpful insight before committing to formal lessons.

What to Expect

Introduction to 10+ orchestral instruments
Live demonstrations and guided explanations
Interaction with professional instructors
Try out and handle real instruments
Advice for parents on choosing a suitable instrument

MPJ