Hong Kong Philharmonic Appoints New Resident Conductor

The ensemble appointed Lio Kuokman as Resident Conductor, effective December 1st, 2020

The 39-year-old will hold the position through the 2021/22 season.

Formerly, Kuokman served as the Assistant Conductor to Music Director Yannick Nézet-Seguin at The Philadelphia Orchestra, and was awarded the Certificate of Commendation and Medal of Cultural Merit from both the governments of Hong Kong and Macao.

A graduate of the Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts, the Juilliard School, the Curtis Institute of Music and the New England Conservatory, he is currently the Program Director of the Macao International Music Festival.

“I am thrilled and honored to take up this position and be part of the Hong Philharmonic family," Kuokman said. "It is always a great pleasure for me to work with all the brilliant musicians of the HK Phil, especially during these difficult times. We have tried our best to overcome challenges and to share our passions with and promote classical music to our dear audience in Hong Kong as well as around the world through live and online performances. I look forward to each and every upcoming concert with the orchestra.”

Music Director of the Philharmonic, Jaap van Zweden said, “I am pleased to welcome Lio Kuokman to this position. He is a young and talented musician, his commitment to music is well-acknowledged. I look forward to his energetic and passionate music-making with the orchestra.”