Music Student Andrew Chan wins top prize in Italy Percussion Competition

CIE student Andrew Chan (Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Music Studies, Year 3) recently awarded the first prize in the 19 to 25-year-old category of the 12th Italy Percussion Competition (Timpani) at the Italy Percussion Festival organised by the Italy Percussive Arts Society. Andrew was the only Asian who won the prize in the event.

Andrew thanked the Department of Music for its support and said he was fortunate because the Department is equipped with the largest collection of percussion instruments among local higher education institutions. He said all the contestants were of a high calibre and well-trained, so the key to victory depended solely on their live performance on stage. He attributed his success not only to his hard work but also many others, who had helped him prepare for the event, especially his teachers Ms. Sophia Woo and Mr. Choy Lap Tak in the Department of Music.

“I discussed at length the choice of mallets with my two music teachers at HKBU and they provided me with many suggestions, and helped me a great deal to overcome my problems which enable me to outperform the others,” said Andrew. 

Andrew started playing percussion instruments only four to five years ago, and learning Timpani two years ago. He encourages fellow students to attend international music events proactively and gain more experience in public performance. The Italy Percussion Competition is an international contest for percussion instruments, and jury members include world-renowned artists.