THE HAW PAR MANSION

Gloria also finds resonance with the Rilke’s idea of futures speaking into our lives and transforming us. Reflecting on her early experiences now distilled through the passage of time, she sees how they each shaped her music-related profession. “The generosity, encouragement and belief of so many donors and institutions who have supported my journey in music through awards and scholarships” were one of the major elements of her walk. So it is by no surprise that she would find her current role at VAM.

The new music hub, Gloria realized, saw VAM as a strategic partner in guiding and developing its vision with innovative music programs and curriculum for which the Canadian institute was known for. All of her experiences with musical training and producing festivals would allow her to assist the team in the revitalization project on the metropolis.

For Ian, it was the city his mother had established her own career in and so bringing musical training to Hong Kong carried extraordinary meaning. Simply contemplating returning to Hong Kong to perform makes his heart skip a beat. He will be carrying on the torch to bring young musicians across borders to perform and learn at the Haw Par Mansion.

Joseph, although not native to Hong Kong, sees the city as a second home. The collaborative project overseeing the reconstruction of the Haw Par Mansion into a world-class music school began ten fateful years ago. As part of the original team spearheaded by the late Canadian architect Bing Thom, this site would touch not only the lives of the students and performers but also bring Ian, Gloria, and Joseph (back) together to serve a city so close to their hearts.