Local bassoonist Toby Chan to give recital in August

     Talented local bassoonist Toby Chan will perform a selection of classical compositions in August.
 
     The programme of the bassoon recital will feature Stravinsky's "Pulcinella Suite" arranged by Cornelia Sommer for solo bassoon and piano, Bernard Andrés' "Chants d'arrière-saison" for bassoon and harp, Weber's "Andante and Hungarian Rondo", Ludwig Milde's "Polonaise" and Glinka's "Trio Pathetique in D minor" for clarinet, bassoon and piano.
 
      After graduating from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) under the tutelage of Benjamin Moermond, Principal Bassoon of the Hong Kong Philharmonic (HK Phil), Chan received his Master of Music degree at the Juilliard School in New York under Judith LeClair, the Principal Bassoon of the New York Philharmonic. He was awarded the Bernard van Zuiden Music Fund Scholarship and the Juilliard Scholarship in support of his education. He is currently serving as an instructor of the chamber music faculty in the HKAPA.
 
     In 2014, Chan was invited to perform with the Hong Kong Obsession at the International Double Reed Conference in New York. From 2011 to 2014, he held the vice-chairman position of Hong Kong bassoon ensemble the Bassoonion, and gave numerous ensemble concerts aimed at promoting the bassoon to the public.
 
     Chan was appointed Co-principal Bassoon of the HK Phil in 2016. As an active orchestral musician, he has performed with orchestras including the New York Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He has worked under the batons of world-renowned conductors including Michael Tilson Thomas, Andris Nelsons, Charles Dutoit, Lorin Maazel and Fabio Luisi. He was a member of the Asian Youth Orchestra in 2010 and 2011, touring with the orchestra to 12 cities in Asia and performing 32 concerts during the two summers.
 
     Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, "City Hall Virtuosi Series: Bassoon Recital by Toby Chan" will be staged at 8pm on August 3 (Friday) at the Theatre of Hong Kong City Hall. Tickets priced at $150 and $200 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/programs_557.html.