A MUSICIAN FROM A FAMILY OF MUSIC

As a conductor, Ms. Yip Wing Sie is proudly carrying on the tradition of her father, Mr. Yip Wai Hong, the founder of several musical organizations such as Pan Asia Symphony Orchestra and the Hong Kong Children's Choir, etc.

"I started learning piano in my young days. Since my mother is a piano teacher, my sisters and I were certainly taught by her", said Yip Wing Sie, "By my father's will, I began to learn violin when eleven. Though it was too late from the ideal practice age, I was skill and knowledge from my piano training."

Soon afterwards, her overseas study in Britain and America became the milestone of her music life. "At the beginning, I studied violin performance and conducting but later I concentrate on the latter only," said Yip. During this period, she was awarded the conductor prize in an open competition held in France, further encouraging her to study in this field.

Ms. Yip's natural talent did not go unnoticed. Before the graduation, Ms. Yip received an early invitation to join Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. She is now being with Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra for nine years, Ms. Yip turns to be an experienced conductor. According to her, a conductor not only need conducting skill, musical and instrument knowledge, but also the techniques to deal with interpersonal problems among dozens of people in the Orchestra. That means, one has to accept other's good opinions and make decision immediately after serious consideration, that is the common principle for both orchestra and daily life.

Besides the current responsibilities in Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, Ms. Yip also travels around the world as guest conductor and will continue her studies in this field in the years to come.