Harry Gong
Harry Gong is a French horn player attending Grade 12 at St. George’s School. Having played his current instrument since age 8, Harry has a profound love for the warmth and versatility of the horn’s sound and is excited to share it with the audience in today’s concert. Harry has been an active member of his school’s Wind Ensemble since Grade 7, taking on various leadership roles, while performing in ensembles like the Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra, BCMEA Honor Wind Ensemble, and Denis Wick Canadian Wind Orchestra. Harry has been a part of brass chamber ensembles, competing in events like the Friends of Chamber Music Competition, where his ensemble advanced to the final stage, and the Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival, where his ensemble received two 1st places. More recently, he has performed in the University of British Columbia Concert Winds and Symphonic Wind Ensemble.
When not practicing and playing in ensembles, Harry can be found performing chemical experiments and jogging in the nearby forest.
Michael Li
Michael Li is a Grade 12 student and Rigg Scholar at St. George’s, with a deep passion for music. As a dedicated clarinetist and pianist, he currently studies clarinet under Christopher Lee and frequently attends UBC Clarinet Studio classes under the guidance of renowned clarinetist Professor José Franch-Ballester, as well as Michelle Anderson, the owner of the world’s largest online clarinet teaching resource.
Michael earned his ARCT performance diploma for piano in 2022 under the tutelage of Dr. SunSung Kong and has completed his ARCT for clarinet in June 2024. He is an avid participant in various orchestras and ensembles, having served as the former Principal Clarinet of the Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra and the current Principal Clarinet of the Vancouver Youth Symphony Senior Orchestra. He also served as Principal and Eb Clarinet in the Boston University Tanglewood Institute (BUTI) Young Artist Wind Ensemble, performing under conductors David Martins, Amy Acklin, and Mallory Thompson. His musical talent led him to be recommended by BUTI to the final round of the YoungArts 2024 National Competition (US). Michael was also the Principal and Eb Clarinet for the British Columbia Music Educators Association Honours Wind Ensemble (BCMEA) and has performed Mozart’s iconic Clarinet Concerto in A Major K. 622 with the Vancouver Korean Symphony Orchestra. He has won numerous scholarships and awards for both clarinet and piano at the VAYA International Music Festival and the Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festivals.
Aside from music, Michael is also an athlete in various sports, a master procrastinator, and an e-sports pursuer. He hopes to continue sharing his passion for music with others for the foreseeable future.
Joseph Wang
A Grade 12 student at St. George’s School, Chuanji (Joseph) Wang is a rising cellist and dedicated musician with distinguished artistic expression and authentic musicianship. Currently, he studies at The UBC School of Music under Professor Eric Wilson. He previously studied with Johann Soults and Ronald Lowry. He plays on a 2017 I.C. McWilliams instrument from Berlin, Germany.
Joseph is an engaging participant in orchestral programs: a former member of the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras, former Principal cellist for the Vancouver Youth Symphony Intermediate Orchestra, and Principal cellist and active community member of the Vancouver Youth Symphony Senior Orchestra. He also served as a Principal cellist for The National Youth Orchestra of Canada on their 2024 Horizons Tour, which included the world premiere of Out of Thin Air (2024) by Danial Sheibani and the first commercial recording of Violet Archer’s Divertimento for Orchestra (1958). Additionally, Joseph is equally engaged in chamber music: a former student at the Lexington Chamber Music Center, an NYO Canada Chamberfest alumnus, and a current student of the chamber program at the Vancouver Academy of Music with the Mondschein Trio. Joseph is an award winner of several competitions, both solo and chamber music. Most notably, this includes The 69th Annual Friends of Chamber Music Young Musicians Competition, Judith Fraser Cello Concerto Scholarship, VKMFS Cello Concerto Scholarship, and multiple 1st prizes at the Vancouver Kiwanis Festival.
Having performed in local churches and various senior homes to some of the most prestigious concert halls such as Symphony Hall in Boston, Massachusetts, cello and music have traveled alongside him throughout his upbringing in North America, hoping to continue to spread the love of music to the world for the rest of his life.
Owen Wang
A “remarkable young pianist” (New York Concert Review), 16-year-old Owen Yisu Wang is the recipient of several major awards at various national and international piano competitions, most notably first place at the 7th Rosalyn Tureck International Bach Competition, first place in the Youth Category of the 2023 Architecture of Music Competition, and the Audience Favorite Award at the 2022 Seattle International Piano Competition. Other accolades have included first place in the 2023 Conero International Music Competition, first place in the 13-year-old category of the 2021 Canadian Music Competition, and second place in the 2023 Philadelphia International Concerto Competition, featuring members of the Philadelphia Orchestra. In 2022, Owen performed Gershwin’s Concerto in F with the West Coast Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Bujar Llapaj.
Recently, Owen’s recording of Chopin’s Ballade no. 1, op. 23 was inducted into the Canadian Chopin Society’s Virtual Music Library. Under the baton of Maestro Ian Parker, Owen performed an orchestral adaptation of the same Ballade with the Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra. He currently studies with Dr. Corey Hamm.
Apart from piano, Owen enjoys writing about philosophy, engaging in pointless arguments about controversial political topics, and studying the Latin language. He looks forward to sharing his music with you.
Samuel Yu
Music has been one of Samuel’s most steadfast passions ever since he first set his hands on a keyboard at 5 years old. Under the tutelage of pianist and composer Jack Xie, he gained an enduring love and appreciation for the instrument and its universal appeal. Earning his ARCT Performer’s Diploma in 2020, Samuel has received accolades at regional and international piano competitions, including the Crescendo International Music Competition, Steinway Canadian Young Artist Piano Competition, and Kiwanis festivals. On top of classical piano, Samuel is a clarinetist in his school band and has had numerous successful stints in chamber music and jazz. Putting his passion to the betterment of the wider community, he has volunteered extensively as a piano instructor for children in Vancouver’s East Side and is the founder of Community Music Club: an student-run organization that hosts benefit concerts across the city. For Samuel, the Music for Love Charity Concert series stands as a testament to the medium’s unique ability to inspire and unify. He’s glad you’re able to join him tonight.
Aside from music, Samuel is a rowing athlete/coach, part-time nature enthusiast, and full-time horror movie buff. He is a senior at St. George's School along with Eddy, Harry, Owen, Michael, and Joseph, and is grateful to be continuing his musical studies with Michelle Mares.
Eddy Zhou
Eddy has had a consistent passion for music ever since he laid hands on the ivory keys for the first time in Kindergarten. Now, a decade later, Eddy has won numerous music festivals, national competitions, scholarships, and international competitions. Notably, Eddy won first place at the International Crescendo Competition as well as the American Protégé International Piano Competition, both resulting in performances at Carnegie Hall.
In 2017, Eddy achieved second place in the Canadian Music Competition playing Haydn’s concerto in D major. In 2022, his performance at the VAYA international festival earned him the title of the Most Promising Senior Performer and scholarship. Last year, Eddy was awarded Steinway Challenge Cup. He has completed the RCM certification program, receiving the ARCT performance diploma with first class honours with distinction with the guidance of his current teacher Professor Michelle Mares. Besides the piano, Eddy’s passion in music has inspired him to play trombone in the school concert band, the senior jazz band, and multiple jazz combos. Furthermore, Eddy has been a part of the BC honour band for the past two years.
Aside from music, Eddy devotes his time volunteering at BC Children’s Hospital, and recently won bronze at the 2024 Canadian Ultimate Championships in the U19 division.
Conductor, Mr. Christopher Lee
Clarinetist and conductor Christopher Lee completed his Master’s degree at Juilliard School where he received Bachelor’s degree on Irene Diamond Graduate Fellowship and Eve Lyndlemarch Scholarship (Full Scholarship recipient). He has studied with the world-renowned clarinetist Charles Neidich and Ayako Oshima at The Juilliard School. His instructors include Cris Inguanti and Ken Lee. Mr. Lee has won the first and grand prizes at many competitions such as Korean Clarinet Competition, Vancouver Burnaby Clef Society Competition, Bjorn & Jori Hareid Winds/Brass Competition, Korean Young Artist Competition and more. He was invited to perform and received the certificate at the 5th Carl Nielsen International Clarinet Competition in Odense.
When he was a young clarinetist, he had joined as a principal clarinet of National Youth Symphony Orchestra (NYOC) of Canada, Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra and Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra while giving out concerts tour in 12 different cities in North America. For his outstanding performance, he was selected for “Award of Excellence” with the scholarship in NYOC. He has appeared as a soloist with many orchestras including Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO), Vancouver Island Symphony Orchestra, Pilgrim Orchestra, Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra and The Korean Clarinet Orchestra at Seoul Art Center in South Korea. After his successful performance with VSO, they invited him again to perform for their annual outdoor concert at the Deer Lake Park in Canada that attracts more than 10,000 concertgoers every year.
In 2010, Mr. Lee had been appointed as an executive/artistic director of “First Steps Benefit Concert Series” in Vancouver in 2009-2011 benefiting the children in North Korea. He continues to organize and direct such benefit concert series every year with Jireh Clarinet Ensemble and Jireh Chamber Orchestra to fundraise for the charity societies in Metro Vancouver area.
Christopher Lee is currently the principal clarinet of Vancouver Island Symphony Orchestra since 2014 and 2nd clarinet/Bass clarinet player of Vancouver Opera since 2022. He also plays as the principal clarinet of Surrey City Orchestra. Occasionally, he performs with Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra, Victoria Symphony Orchestra, Kamloops Symphony Orchestra, Okanagan Symphony Orchestra and more. Mr. Lee is a very active chamber music player as well that he became the member of Vancouver Chamber Players, Vancouver Chamber Society and Cascadia Reed Quintet with one of the top woodwind players from Greater Vancouver. He is devoted to teaching and conducting that he joined the clarinet faculty of Vancouver Academy of Music (S.K Lee College) since 2014 and he is the artistic director of Jireh Music & Performing Art and the former conductor of Vancouver Korean Presbyterian Church. He has very served as one of the woodwind juries for AMMC International Competition 2023.
Accompanied Orchestra: Vancouver Concerto Orchestra
The Vancouver Concerto Orchestra is a distinguished ensemble, composed of passionate and dedicated musicians who have each achieved remarkable success in their respective fields. Many of these accomplished artists hold prominent positions within some of Canada’s most esteemed musical institutions, including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Opera, Kamloops Symphony Orchestra, Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, and Vancouver Island Symphony Orchestra.
The inception of the Vancouver Concerto Orchestra was inspired and organized by the renowned clarinetist and conductor, Christopher Lee. With a deep-seated vision to share the enchanting allure of classical music, Lee brought together these exceptionally talented musicians to create a platform that not only showcases outstanding performances but also serves a greater purpose.
At the heart of the orchestra’s mission is a commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians, particularly those who aspire to master their instruments and pursue their dreams in the world of music. Through its performances, the Vancouver Concerto Orchestra seeks to inspire and support students with a passion for music, providing them with opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with the profound beauty of classical music.
For inquiries regarding concerto collaborations or performances, please contact Mr. Christopher Lee at 604-376-9873 or via email at christopherlee114@hotmail.com.
Violin I
David Lee (Concert Master)
Carina Vincenti
Andrea Siradze
Larisa Lebeda
Elle Farrugia
Violin II
Shang Ko Chan
Jiin Kim
Hyun Jung Lim
Samantha Kung
Viola
Tawnya Popoff
Peter Ing
Sarah Kwok
Cello
Lee Duckles
Trisha Doo
Albert Seo
Ben Goheen
Bass
Michael Vaughan
Flute
Bernard Blary
Oboe
Emma Ringrose
Clarinet
Ken Lee
Michael Li
Bassoon
Olivia Martin
Horn
Nick Anderson
Jason Ford
Trumpet
Audrey Tannant
Toby Mar
Trombone
Greg Farrugia
Timpani
Brian Nesselroad
Piano
Clara Lim
Special Guest Orchestra Trumpet Player: Toby Mar
As a member of the graduating class of Saint George’s School, Toby Mar is thrilled to have the opportunity to perform in the orchestra alongside his great friends. His first trumpet teacher was Mark D’Angelo, and he currently studies with Marcus Goddard of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Toby is very fortunate to be under the guidance of his two school concert band conductors, Dr. Dean Markel and Mr. Rob Murray. Toby has been a part of several wonderful ensembles including the Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra, the National Youth Band of Canada, and the Verbier Festival Junior Orchestra.