Symphony of youth

Never too young

Ignatius Ho started the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of Hong Kong (MYO) 20 years ago, mainly to mentor young talent.

Ho, who is the orchestra's founder and executive director, had limited resources growing up, hence had to wait until he was 30 to pursue his musical interests. The more he immersed himself in music - by learning to play the violin and going to concerts - the more determined he became about helping young musicians find a toehold in the industry.

Led by artistic director and chief conductor Synthia Ko, MYO provides professional training and performance opportunities to about 500 young people aged seven to 16. There are four different orchestras, based on the children's skills and performance levels, as well as a beginners program to help students with becoming orchestra players.

In the early days of MYO, Ho would meet people who had doubts about whether it was practical to work with children that young. He is convinced, however, that the age range of 10 to 12 is crucial for honing a child's musical sensibilities.

"Around this age children are at their most creative and passionate. When they are at that creative stage, they want to explore new things," he says.