Hong Kong Junior Chinese Orchestra

The Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra has its roots in the rich cultural tapestry of China and undertakes the mission of promoting Chinese music. In order to enhance knowledge and interest in the genre among the younger generation, the Orchestra, with the support of the Hongkong Bank Foundation, established the Junior Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra in January 2003 as part of that cultural vision.

Currently HKJCO has an establishment of 109, which are coached by the veteran musicians of the HKCO. The instruments they play include the erhu, cello, double bass, liuqin, pipa, yangqin, guzheng, zhongruan, dizi, sheng, suona and percussion. The structure and the size are close to those of a full-scale Chinese orchestra.

As the membership grows, the HKCO has decided that from April 2004 onwards, the young members will be streamed according to their age. Those aged between 7 and 11 will be assigned to the Hong Kong Children Chinese Orchestra, while those between 12 and 18, to the Hong Kong Junior Chinese Orchestra. The move aims to close the age gap for more effective teaching and learning. A new round of recruitment begins in January 2004 to bring in more young talents to develop their potential in instrumental music.

The HKCCO & HKJCO seek not only to train musicianship and performing techniques, but also all-round development in its young members, such as discipline and team spirit, in the hope that they will learn to play music both as individuals and as part of an orchestra.

The young members first participated in the 3,000 strong mass performance of The Earth Shall Move at the Opening Rally of the Hong Kong Drum Festival in July 2003 before making a highly successful formal debut at the concert, “A precious Little Baby”, on 1 August, 2003. It was followed by a demonstration performance at Times Square to launch the Hong Kong Synergy 24 Drum Competition, a performance at the Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum held at the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence under the auspices of the Home Affairs Bureau, the Asia Ethnic Cultural Performances at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, “the Hong Kong Junior Chinese Orchestra and Instrument Training Courses Anniversary Concert” and “Have Fun with Chinese Music – a Concert for the Family” at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall. Through the diverse concert and music activities, the members are gleaning valuable experience in performance for the making of good musicianship

Past Activities

HKJCO Rehearsals

Offical Launch Ceremony of JHKCO