Yan Huichang will step down as artistic director of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra in July 2027 after 30 years at the helm. [1]
Yan said he had submitted his resignation to the orchestra council three times, at ages 60, 65 and 70. He said: "This is the third resignation I tendered to the orchestra council, once at 60 years old, another time at 65 and now at 70." [1]
He will remain honorary artistic director and conductor for life, as well as chairman of the orchestra's artistic committee and head of its orchestral academy. Yan also said he hoped "to make room on the stage for the next generation of talented musicians to take up the baton." [1]
Yan was hired by the Hong Kong government in 1996 as vice-musical director. He became the orchestra's fourth musical director in June 1997 after the death of Peng Xiuwen. [1]
Under Yan's leadership, the orchestra moved from government control to incorporation as a non-profit organisation in 2001. Yan thanked the Hong Kong government and past councils for their "unreserved trust and support" that let him pursue his artistic vision while "upholding time-honoured traditions whilst striving for innovation in a unique direction." [1]
Yan's final scheduled date as artistic director is July 2027. [1]
