PH’s Gerard Salonga is new assistant conductor in HK Philharmonic Orchestra

Award-winning musical conductor Gerard Salonga has been chosen to be the new assistant conductor in the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) for the 2016-2017 season.

 

MAESTRO GERARD SALONGA. The new assistant conductor for HK Philharmonic. (Image grabbed from absphilharmonic.blogspot.com)

 

According to an Inquirer.net report, in an announcement made by the group on Monday (September 12), Salonga and Hong Kong native Vivian Ip, were chosen among 170 applicants worldwide.

“We were delighted to attract such a strong field for the position, and that the orchestra and Jaap van Zweden chose two such talented people to share the post. Both Vivian and Gerard are great communicators, and have proven skills as conductors. We look forward to working together,” said HK Phil Director of Artistic Planning Raf Wilson.

Salonga is set to start his role with principal guest conductor Yu Long in September for the season opening concerts. According to Salonga, his appointment was a dream come true. “I look forward to many more great musical experiences with the HK Phil, and am very happy to be a part of this amazing orchestra. The big bonus is that I get to spend more time in one of my favorite cities, Hong Kong,” said Salonga in a statement.

Salonga is currently the music director of the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra. He is the brother of well-known Broadway performer Lea Salonga. Also, his works have been performed by various orchestras such as the HK Phil, New York Pops, and National Symphony in Washington DC.

Source: Inquirer, ABS-CBN News, DZRH News