As the Heart Soars

On tour this summer, the AYO will perform, among masterpieces from Mahler and Shostakovich, the world premiere of As the Heart Soars by Hong Kong composer Wong Chun Wai.

Mr. Wong's composition was chosen when the AYO put out a call for artists to share short pieces of music they had written that captured the spirit of Hong Kong. The other criteria for submission was for the work to be 3 to 5 minutes long.

The composer at an AYO rehearsal
Sitting in on the rehearsal of the orchestra's performance of As the Heart Soars, Mr. Wong is eager to discuss the work. He explains how composing is something that comes naturally as part of life to him. He jumped at the chance to have his piece played by the AYO. His works vary from concert music to film scores and this piece took him just two weeks to write and one week to polish.

His vision? As the Heart Soars embodies the multicultural aspects of Hong Kong and the busy, crowded life that comes with living here, Mr. Wong says. It also carries a soft side, whereby people transcend the crowds and soar above it all. He infused diversity by using elements of pop and German Romanticism in this composition, he adds.

"The AYO makes me proud," the composer says. "It thrills me that this orchestra is the one performing the piece. I can feel the fresh and youthful excitement of the music when this orchestra plays it."


As the Heart Soars will premiere at AYO concerts around the world this summer. The orchestra will be performing near you - please do not miss us.

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