Young HK musicians link cultures on US tour

A group of young musicians from Hong Kong is using music as a shared language to connect communities and deepen cultural understanding during a recent West Coast tour in the United States.

The HKAPA Nexus Ensemble, formed within the School of Music at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, brings together outstanding students and alumni. The US tour combines performances with educational exchanges at institutions including the University of San Francisco and the Colburn School in Los Angeles.

"We hope to bring our music to American and Chinese audiences here," composer Karry Li said. "We are also bringing students to visit conservatories and universities, to interact and learn from each other."

Through rehearsals, workshops and interactions, young musicians on both sides have found common ground beyond the stage. Claire Wong, a violist in the ensemble, said the time spent rehearsing with US students became an important cultural experience.

"During those moments, we shared our perspectives on music education, culture and daily life. That helped us understand each other better," Wong said.

At a Hong Kong cultural evening held on Monday at the Chinese American Museum in Los Angeles, the ensemble presented a program that blended Western classical works with music rooted in Hong Kong's cultural identity. Pieces included Over the Harbour, a contemporary composition inspired by Victoria Harbour, and beloved songs such as Below the Lion Rock.

The visit also highlighted broader connections between Hong Kong and California.

D. C. Cheung, director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco, used the occasion to share updates on the city's economic outlook while underscoring the importance of cultural exchange.

"There is no surplus or deficit in sharing music — the more we share, the more we have," he said. "One small step in cultural exchange in Los Angeles could lead to much larger cooperation in other fields."

For cultural institutions in Los Angeles, the visit aligns with continuing efforts to connect younger generations through shared heritage and global perspectives. Gay Yuen, board chair of the Friends of the Chinese American Museum, highlighted the value of such exchanges.

"We are rooted in Chinese culture, and it's important for young people to understand both their history and what is happening in the wider world," Yuen said.