Biography
Christopher is a multi-instrumentalist, improviser, arranger, composer and conductor, currently based in Cambridgeshire where he is a medical student at the University of Cambridge.
Music has long been a large part in Christopher’s life. Christopher holds an LTCL diploma in piano performance and an ATCL diploma in cello performance, and plays with the Hong Kong Chordophonia. Within the last few years, Christopher has directed multiple instrumental, vocal and theatrical ensembles, written and sold an album of original piano music in aid of South African Township Children, and performed as a chamber, choral and orchestral member around Italy, Portugal, Canada, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong, where he resides outside of term time.
At Cambridge, he found a number of ensembles, notably Pegasus Strings and Nigel from Slough, a four-part rock-pop band. He is also delighted to have been conductor for CUCOS, one of the university's orchestras with a primary focus on Chinese music. He held a Choral Scholarship at Robinson College, where one of his compositions was premiered by the College Chapel Choir in 2019. Highly active in the May Ball scene, Christopher is no new face to performance and live entertainment. Testimonies can be found below. Christopher also performs at private parties, corporate functions and weddings, and enjoys having a musical part in events contributing to charitable causes.
Chris on Solo Piano
Classically-trained Pianist based in Cambridgeshire, delivering Pop, Jazz & Soul covers, blended together with a dose of improvisation.
Ben'n'Chris
A melodica and a guitar. What could go wrong?!
Cambridge University Chinese Orchestra
As one of only two orchestras of its kind in the country, CUCOS aims to promote Chinese Music in the UK, and to bring new musical perspectives to the West.
Christopher’s experience in the world of Chinese music began at age 11 as a Gehu player in the highly-acclaimed La Salle College Chinese Orchestra and Hong Kong Junior & Youth Chinese Classical Orchestra, under the leadership of composer and conductor Maestro Ng Chiu Shing, who acted as a great mentor and inspiration over the years. He now conducts the Cambridge University Chinese Orchestra and will be able to arrange particular ensembles for particular events as required.
Hong Kong Chordophonia
Founded in 2012 by Johnson Leung, the Chordophonia is a string orchestra comprising a group of young and competent musicians, with the aim of maintaining the awareness and importance of repertoire involving the string ensemble.
The entire project, from administration to artistic direction, is driven by passionate youngsters, as a reunion of string players in Hong Kong where they gather and bring string music to life. Members such as Christopher study abroad, and therefore rehearsals and public concerts are often held during summer.
Christopher is honoured to have served as Prinicipal Cellist in the August 2019 concert, themed Iberian Rhapsody and held in the Hong Kong City Hall.
Robinson College Chapel Choir
The Chapel Choir is an exciting, friendly and enthusiastic group comprising Choral Scholars and volunteers. As well as two services a week throughout term, it also gives concerts, makes occasional visits to cathedrals and exchanges with other choirs, radio broadcasts and summer tours.
Christopher has enjoyed his time with the choir as a Baritone Choral Scholar, especially caroling during Bridgemas and the visit to Porto, Portugal. He is delighted to have written En Cette Nuit for SATB together with Cheryl.
Cambridge University Music Society
Every year, CUMS organises a summer tour. In June 2018, the orchestra visited Tuscany, Italy, and played Tchaikovsky's 5th Symphony under the baton of Ms Naomi Woo.
Improvisations
An Original Album of Piano Music
Proceeds to SOS Africa, in aid of South African township children
Cover Art: Alex HT | Recording: Hajk N
Winchester College
While at Winchester, Christopher was a part of the following ensembles:
Winchester College Symphony Orchestra, Winchester College Chamber Orchestra, Winchester College String Orchestra, Winchester College Baroque Ensemble, Winchester College Chapel Choir, Voces
He found the Winchester College Cello Octet and arranged music for it.
This formed a basis upon which Pegasus Quartet is now run.
He was also Musical Director and Composer for the following QEII productions:
A Midsummer Night's Dream (School Play 2014)
Oedipus Tyrannus (School Play 2016)
Around the World in 80 Days (2017)
La Salle College
While at La Salle, Christopher was a part of the following ensembles:
La Salle College Symphony Orchestra, La Salle College Chinese Orchestra, La Salle College String Orchestra, La Salle College Treble Choir, La Salle College Mass Choir
During this time, he also studied Music Composition at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.
Posters
Christopher is fortunate to have learned under pianists Ms Marie-Laure Müller & Dr Nicholas Salwey; cellists Mr An Yue, Mr Artem Konstantinov & Mr Lionel Handy; of singers Mr David Quah, Mr Simon Birchall & Mr Neil McKenzie; and of composers Miss Poly Ng and Mr Oliver Tarney. Other mentors include Mr Ng Chiu Shing, Mr Nicholas Wilks, Mr David Thomas, Mr Adrian Adlam, Mr Malcolm Archer & Mr Jamal Sutton.
