YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAMME

Opera Hong Kong (OHK) is delighted to announce the launch of the first-ever “LKSF-OHK Young Artist Overseas Fellowships” Programme, generously sponsored by the Li Ka Shing Foundation (LKSF) to provide short term international residencies for selected young artists to elevate their vocal artistry.

As a centuries-old art form, opera combines all the elements of art, words, music, drama, costume, staging, and is considered the most complex of all artistic media. A residency abroad can expose emerging artists to new cultural perspectives and broaden their horizons with a personalized experience to improve their vocal and performing skills to attain greater professional achievements.

The Programme will select 6 talented young singers as LKSF Fellows to undertake a short overseas residency lasting 3 to 5 months. Each fellow will receive a sponsorship of HKD100,000 to cover the expenses during their training abroad, and will have the opportunity to design their own unique study trips to fulfill their aspirations. Upon their return, the fellows will be invited to perform at a media event organised by OHK, providing them with an excellent platform to showcase their artistry and further their music careers.

The judging panel of the Programme includes esteemed members of the music and opera community, such as OHK Artistic Director Dr. Warren Mok, OHK Chairman Mr. Ronald Kwok, renowned soprano Ms. Ella Kiang, and CUHK Emeritus Professor (Composition) Victor Chan, among others. We are also honoured to have Professor Chan Wing Wah, a highly accomplished musician and educator, serve as the Jury of the Programme.

The timeline for the Programme is set out below:

  • Application deadline: 30 April 2024
  • Screening of the residency proposals: Mid-May 2024
  • Vocal audition and interview: May/June 2024
  • Announcement of the result: June 2024

Qualifications:

  • Residents of Hong Kong (anyone with valid Hong Kong identity card);
  • Aged 30 or below; and
  • Degree holder in any discipline (applicant is required to prove their qualification to apply for the Programme)

Submission details and requirements:

  • Personal resume (emphasis on music training and experience);
  • A one-page description of proposed residency with length of stay (ideally 3-5 months). It should include objectives, planned activities (for example, attending
    classes/masterclasses, auditioning for performance opportunities, such as a role and/or chorus, language/diction improvement, etc), and target outcome;
  • A one-page estimated budget broken down into categories such as travel, accommodation, meals, classes/tutor or other relevant expenses. There is no restriction on the total
    budget as each applicant is designing their own residency, however, the fellowship will cover only the amount of HKD100,000 regardless of the total estimated budget;
  • Applicants will be shortlisted after review of the residency proposals submitted. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a final vocal audition and interview;
  • Please send your application to OHK-LKSF@operahongkong.org

For enquiries or further details of the Programme, please contact Ms. Cynthia Chan, Deputy General Manager (Development) of OHK by email to cynthiachan@operahongkong.org or phone at 2234 0303.

Funded by

About Opera Hong Kong Young Artist Programme

Opera Hong Kong is committed to nurture the future generations of aspiring singers since its establishment in 2003. We are dedicated to promote opera art to the general public, especially the young generation, to foster their interest in this art form so as to provide a pool of competent local opera singers for an organic growth of the opera productions in Hong Kong.

During the course of 2015-2022, OHK organised two successful Young Artist Development Programmes with the funding support from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. The two rounds of 3-year programme enabled selected artists to enhance their performance skills by attending regular lessons from local renowned vocal teachers. In addition, international vocal coaches and local acting coaches were hired to further polish their skills. They were also committed to perform in the annual performances, and to conduct free opera outreach and education activities such as Mini Opera School Tours.