Mr. Pierre Tang has served as a conductor of various choirs, orchestras, and bands after he completed his studies in the Chinese University of Hong Kong and University of Illinois, USA. He is an experienced pianist, accompanist, composer and conductor. He is at present the Symphony Orchestra Manager of University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign.
Festive Chamber was delighted to interview Mr. Tang in July 2016 and got to know more about his beliefs in music.
(FC): Festive Chamber
(P): Mr. Pierre Tang
P : Music is one of the indispensable components in my life. I especially enjoy playing ensemble music because I am able to express myself through the wonderful melodies we play. I’m delighted to be involved in various rehearsals in choirs, orchestras, and bands. I enjoy the process of music making and composing, which are also very rewarding and inspiring to me. Music provides many opportunities for young musicians to share the joy and passion of playing different kinds of music. When a group — no matter in a choir, orchestra or band — can actively practise and perform, they experience the wonder of music collectively. To me, the unforgettable and collective memories created by music involvement caught my interest in music.
P : The charity concerts are valuable opportunities where performers can share their happiness among themselves and with the audience. The donations that we have raised can help the underprivileged to improve their quality of life. The concerts also provide opportunities for performers to learn how to be leaders and manage the choir members. Although all members are voluntary singers, they still strive hard to maintain a very high standard through their determination, dedication, diligence and passion towards music. Through the concerts, the audience are always touched by the beautiful voices of the performers. The performances can also raise the awareness of community towards music development in local communities.
P : Being a conductor is not a privilege. Anyone can be a conductor. I am not just talking about being a music conductor, but being a conductor of our own lives.
There are three major elements to being a music conductor:
Firstly, you must have great interest and high sensitivity towards music as well as possess leadership. The conductor is the leader, the soul of the team. They may need to sacrifice for the team in order to strive for perfection in performances and competitions. As a conductor, we are here to serve and to strive for betterment of the team. I believe every conductor has a mission. — Some say, education is a life-on-life behavior, a matter of inspiration. I do believe the obligation of a conductor is not only to lead the team but also to devote time and effort to nurture the seeds of music (the young musicians) through education. Through hard work and dedication, they will come to realize music education is meaningful and rewarding, and sharing of its joy and happiness with the public.
P : Music is not about instant satisfaction. When effort is put, you will feel satisfaction at the end of the show. Young musicians should have faith; they should believe their teachers and the leaders they are following. You should believe that they are always supporting you, teaching you and giving their best to you. Musicians can gain more experience and knowledge by a willingness to sacrifice. Remember to work hard in each production. Do not be afraid of losses and build your own music pathway in the future.
P : Music is an example of citizens’ beliefs, which can be more than simply amusement. It can be real. Music is a part of my life. It affects me and also my parents a lot. In each production, I can inspire and learn by modeling, step by step to gain more. It is a good experience. Music is the best media to tell others the pathway of my life. By using our voices we can move the audience, accomplish our mission in life and raise the awareness of the community.
P : People have different concepts about music. Some think music is just for leisure (as the general public are greatly influenced by consumerism). There is a big difference between music development in Hong Kong and the US. In Hong Kong, the general public rarely appreciate or embrace the accomplishment of young musicians in our local community. They emphasize mainly on the more commercialized work. They may even treat music as “consumer goods”. However, in the US, people treat music learning seriously. Musicians treat music as their life-long career and the general public treat it as an “art”. They respect music; this is what creates the soul of music. Young musicians in Hong Kong should show their passion by treating music seriously, treat is as an essential element in your life.
Some people may also think music is powerful and attempt to set up chances for competition for youngsters. But I think music is an assembly of people who can find a good leader in the group and explore more.
There are different young musicians boosting the music industry. Some are motivated by competition, and winning will give them satisfaction.
Some are motivated by the social aspect, and through the support of family and the public they got some energy to work hard.
Some musicians are motivated by the music, which they think is beautiful. Different musicians have their own reason to love music. I say just keep our passion in music and you can strive for the best.
