Herman Pong Tin Yau
"Key Leaves solved the problem of sticky keys. It encourages us to have a good saxophone condition before playing."
Herman Pong Tin Yau is one of the most recognized and active Classical Saxophonist in Hong Kong. Pong started formal saxophone training under the tutelage of Mr. Martin Choy, Kwok Tin. He completed his Bachelor of Music (Honors) Degree in The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (2014-2018), majoring in Saxophone under the tutelage of Mr. Michael Campbell (former-bass clarinetist of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra). Pong achieved Dean’s list during the graduation year. Pong is a recipient of the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation Scholarship.
During his study, Pong actively participated in department concert and also the new music, contemporary music performance of composition department. Pong also followed many masterclass with other well-known teachers like Vincent David,Johannes Ernst, Stephen Page, Arno Bornkamp, Timothy McAllister, Kenneth Tse, Tong Yang, and the Various Artists Saxophone Quartet.
During his studies, Pong has succeeded in numerous competitions. In 2020, Pong achieved a First Prize in 2020 International Music Competition “Paris and London” Grand Prize Virtuoso. In 2019, Pong achieved a First Prize in 29th Youth Musician International Competition ”Citta’ di Barletta”, Italy, being the highest score player in E Category (Winds instrument). Pong is a First Prize Winner in 2019 International Music Competition “Salzburg” Grand Prize Virtuoso. In 2018, Pong achieved a First Prize in New York Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition (Wind category). He is also the finalist of Chiang Mai Ginastera International Music Festival Competition 2017.Pong is frequently seen performing music concerts and recitals in Hong Kong and overseas. Pong takes part in ensemble performances including Hong Kong Wind Philharmonia. Pong actively participated in solo performance and concerts and competitions in different places, including Hong Kong Parsons Recital Hall, K-11 Musea, Virtuoso studio in Shenzhen and Kaiman music in Foshan, Concert Hall of Taipei National University of the Arts (TNUA), Baan Roi-chan Hall in ChiangMai (Thailand) and Curci Theatre in Barletta (Italy). In 2019, Pong was invited to perform in TWGHs Wong Fut Nam College Sinfonia Auditorium as a guest solo saxophonist. In September, Pong was also invited as a solo guest in RTHK Radio 4 music program, took part in the music performance, interview and broadcasting. In October, 2019, Pong took part in Kuandu Arts Festival 2019 – Exchange Concert with Taipei National University of the Arts as a Soloist and performed Alexander Glazunov: Concerto in E-flat Major for Alto Saxophone and String Orchestra. In November, 2019, Pong performed Henri Tomasi: Ballade for Alto saxophone and Orchestra with local Orchestra. Pong took part in music education and music activities. Pong is a Saxophone instructor in Hong Kong since 2012. Apart from teachings, Pong also is a competition judge of Muse Music Asia Association (Hong Kong) since 2019. As the recipient of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Music and Dance Fund Scholarship (Local Studies), he has graduated from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (Master of Music). Pong has most recently been selected as a Saxophone Orchestral Musician under Young Pro Platform (YPP) of The Orchestra Academy Hong Kong and is the Second Prize Winner for the 2021 North International Music Competition.