Thomas Chan, Composer in resident,   Conductor, composer,bassoon Guildhall School of Music and Drama (UK) 1970 bassoonist HKG Philharmonic Orchestra 1977 scholarship Guildhall School of Music & Drama (London) 1980 HKG government Music Office 2004 Principal adjudicator HKG Youth Music interflows Symphonic Band Contest. Now – Senior Tutor Howick Music School & several other schools.

Elsa Lam, Western Instrument Leader,   Clarinet Doctorate of Musical Arts Candidate, University of Cincinnati Quoted as "an outstanding clarinetist" by Cincinnati Post, Elsa worked for the Sorg & Whitewater Opera Company ( USA) as principal clarinet and orchestra manager. Later she was appointed as the assistant principal clarinet of the China Philharmonic Orchestra. Apart from performing with renowned artists K. Penderecki, V. Ashkenazy, I. Perlman, G. Kremer, M. Maisky, P. Domingo, Tan Dun and Lang Lang, she has performed extensively in Asia, USA and Europe with CPO. She made recordings with Deutsche Grammophon, Denon Digital Industries, Centaur Records, and Pan Classics: Zurich. Elsa is now the MAA Western Instrument Leader, founder and coordinator of 2006 MAA Composition Competition.

William Yu, Chinese Instrument Leader,   Yangi/Dulcimer Shenyang Conservatorium of Music William started to learn Yangqin at 9 from Song Xiule of The Singing and Dancing Troupe of Yingkou City. At 13, he studied with Professor ShuYing of Shenyang Conservatorium of Music, who was also a well-known Yangqin performer in China. Yu had been a Yangqin performer in The Singing and Dancing Troupe of Liaoning Province since 16 and had been there till he came to Auckland in 2004

Binglin Chen, Advisor,   Violin Shanghai Teachers University,Washington Catholic University The first Chinese full-time professional violinist in the Auckland Philharmonia, From 1975-78 he was assistant principal violinist in Shanhai Opera House Orchestra conducted by Mr Xiao Bai. 1978-81 studied at the Music department of Shanghai Teachers University and went to Washington Catholic University to further his music education. 1982-87 he was employed by Singapore Symphony Orchestra as a violinist.

Christine Chang,   Flute BMusHons, Auckland University Christine Chang studies flute with Uwe Grodd at the University of Auckland. She was the Winner of the 2005 University Concerto Competition, the Runner-Up and the Best Woodwind Player of 2004 Unison Concerto Competition in Rotorua. Earlier awards including the Auckland Flute Society Competitions, and becomes the adjudicator for one category of this competition this year. She is the frequent soloist with Auckland Youth Orchestra, Auckland Wind Orchestra and Macleans College Orchestra. Besides, Chrisitine also plays at NZSO National Youth Orchestra 2006, AYO, the University Orchestra, Manukau City Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Symphony Orchestra,AWO and APO Summer Music School. As a keen jazz flautist, Christine received the very first Best Jazz Flautist Award at the 2001 TaurangaJazz Festival. Currently she teaches at Rangitoto College and St. Peter's College after 6 years at Howick School of Music.

Yong Huang,   Flute Bachelor of Arts Bio: 1982-1999 Flute Tutor in Guangzhou Conservatory of Music, China, Associate Professor, 1997, guest player of China Symphony Orchestra, 1999 till now Flute Tutor in Howick School of Music and some colleges in Auckland NZ

Tzenka Dianova,   20th & 21st century Piano Doctorate of Musical Arts Candidate, University of Auckland Tzenka has established her professional career specializing in 20th and 21st Century Piano Music. Since her debut at the age of five in Bulgaria, Tzenka has played as a soloist and chamber musician throughout Bulgaria, Eastern Europe, Austria, Italy, Canada and New Zealand. She has recorded for Bulgarian National Radio and Television and Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and has taken part in the International Festival of Modern Music MUSICA NOVA in Sofia, Bulgaria and the TIC.TOC International Festival of New Performance in Victoria, Canada.

Neil Guyan,   Organ, Choral Conductor Bachelor of Music, Auckland University Was head of music at Pakuranga College for 30 years and also taught in other parts of NZ and UK. He has conducted choirs and orchestras in numerous festivals. Graduated from University of NZ and he gained his organ qualification at the Royal College of Organists in London. In his retirement, he teaches privately, and continuous to conduct.

Yun-Pai Hsu,   Piano Doctor of Musical Arts Candidate, University of Cincinnati Yun-Pai Hsu worked as a pianist and teacher in the United States where she also received her education. She has appeared as a soloist with several orchestras and, as a member of the Center for New Music, she has been invited to premiere new solo piano works as well as chamber music throughout America and also in Moscow. She has over 10 years of experience teaching piano and music theory at all levels including tertiary level teaching at the University of Iowa. Currently, she is the piano and theory teacher and Arts coordinating assistant at the Corelli School of the Arts on the North shore. In addition to her teaching and in Auckland, she is completing a Doctorate of Music degree in piano performance at the University of Cincinnati as well as a Master of Arts degree in Music theory at the University of Iowa.

Ana Maria de Vos Sanchez, Administration,   Spanish dance,Guitar, singing Bachelor Social Sciences,Diploma Teaching in disability Bachelor Social Sciences﹐Diploma Teaching people with disability, Chaplain Assistant ﹐Administration

Leanne Lai,   Violin Bachelor of Music, Shanghai Conservatory of Music 1970-75 Shanghai Conservatory of Music[major in Violin] · 1976-79 GuangZhou Opera Theatre · 1980-95 the Zhujiang Film Orchestra · 1996-2002 Auckland Symphony Orchestra

Anna,Zongy Zhao,   Violin, Hospital Interpreter Diploma Abroad British Royal School of Music A freelance musician and a violin teacher in Howick Music School. She has played with Auckland Sumphony Orchestra and often plays in the Classic String Quartet. An interpreter of Waitemata District Health Board.

Tanya Li,   Erhu Shenyang Conservatorium of Music Tanya started to learn Erhu at 10. Her teacher was Ma Shuxue, a music educator from Yinkou City. At 18, she became Professor Niu Jugui’s student. Professor Niu was a well – known professor at Shenyang Conservatorium of Music. At 21, she became a performer in The Singing and Dancing Troupe of Yingkou City and was there till 2004 when she immigrated to Auckland.

Elizabeth Lau,   Conductor, piano, double bass Bmus (Hons)DipMus(Perf)， Auckland University The major influence in Elizabeth’s conducting study is from the guidance of Dr Karen Grylls and Professor Uwe Grodd. She made her conducting debut with the Manukau Symphony Orchestra after returning from the Czech Republic. She has directed several choirs and orchestras. Being a freelance musician, Elizabeth shares her time among piano teaching, piano accompanying, double bass playing and choral-orchestral conducting. She has been serving as an assistant in choral studies at the University of Auckland since 2003 as well as a conductor in the Symphony Orchestra and the Youth Orchestra of the Howick School of Music.She was the Music Director and Conductor of MAA in 2004.

Ju Cheol Wang,   Orchestral Conductor Doctor of Musical Arts , Master in Orchestral Conducting Dr. Ju Cheol Wang is an accomplished Double bass performer and orchestral conductor. His qualifications include a Doctorate degree in Double bass performance and a Masters degree in Orchestral conducting from the U.S.A. Prior to his arrival in New Zealand, he was the founder, director, and bassist for the Seoul Uniss chamber orchestra and a member of the Seoul Art Orchestra and the Asian Philharmonic orchestra. Dr. Wang has also served as a jury member for several major music competitions such as the Vienna International music competition in Austria and the Journal of Music National competition in Korea. In addition, he taught at Kun-san National University and conducted the Seoul Women’s University orchestra. He has recently published a method book for Double bass pedagogy and is currently preparing for his second book.

Annie Gong,   Accordion Master of Music Education, Auckland University Bachelor in Performing Arts, China A professional piano accordion soloist of one of the top Chinese Symphony Orchestras before I came to New Zealand as a guest artist at 2001. Annie have been a very experienced concert soloist and entertainer since she was 15. Her music style is recognizably classical, but with accontemporary rhythmic component, repertoire include Carmen, Barber of Seville, The Bat…. One of her current instruments is the newly released Roland Digital Piano Accordion. This features very good piano accordion sound plus very realistic orchestral sounds such as solo violin, woodwind and brass. Annie now working for Roland New Zealand and Roland Australia as a Digital Piano Accordion Demonstrator.

Li Jie (Julie) Zhu,   Violin/Viola Guangzhou Xinghai music school Graduate of Guangzhou Xinghai music school, played viola in the Guangzhou symphony orchestra and performed all over China. Member of the Chinese Musician’s Association. In 1995 she was invited to perform in England and Scotland as part of a string quartet. Nationally ranked as second class musical performer in 1996 and has also been named in the hall of fame saloon in Guangzhou due to her achievements. After immigrating to New Zealand in 1996, she played in the Auckland Sinfonietta for a short while and is now teaching Violin and Viola in the Howick School of Music.

Alison Chen,   Gu Zheng and vocal music Hunan Province Normal University of China graduated from Hunan Province Normal University of China, teaching and performing Gu Zheng and vocal music for more than 15 years. She has obtained many awards in high level competitions in China and have been requested to performed in America. Many of her students have been accepted into a famous music university in China – Xing Hai Conservatory of Music.

Zhuo Quan Tian,   Dizi and Suona   have been performing Chinese instruments for the past 30 years, specializing in Dizi and Suona. He have received the Golden Harvest award of the Chinese National Instruments Competition and 1st class award of Shanghai City National Instruments Competition.

Raju Jadeja,       Raju Jadeja studied tabla under late Pandit Markandey Mishra of the Banares Gharana and is an accomplished accompanist as well as a soloist. He has travelled widely throughout Europe regularly invited as either an accompanist, soloist or for lecture demonstrations. He has written several articles on tabla and even here in NZ has written articles for the 'NZ Musician' magazine. Raju Jadeja After graduating with a Bsc Hons (Mathematics) he entered the Actuarial profession and later studied for post graduate studies, gaining an MSc (Computer Science) as well as an MBA. He immigrated to New Zealand for the lifestyle and now lives in Auckland.

Yutong Chen,   Dizi [bamboo flute], Bawu and Hulusi Art Academy/School of People’s Liberation Army The holder of Level 10 National Musical Instruments Artistic Cultivation Performance Grading Test Specialized in Dizi. Commenced his study of Bamboo flute at nine years old. Achieved all his experiences from the professor of Shandong Art School, Dizi performer Mr. Hao Yijun [President of Theatre organisation] and Mr. Qu Xiang, and Mr. Ding Xiaokui [lecturer - Art School of PLA]. Champion of various provinces, and have won 1st grade prizes at some country wide competitions. 2005 is an honor year for Chen Yutong to be invited to perform at the Great Hall of the People. Through years of his devotion and passion to dizi, he obtains some very special understanding of both North & South Style dizi. It’s his goal to inspire learners' sense of achievement through his technical experiences.

Jessie Wu,   Gu Zheng Music Performance Chinese folk music Department, Xinghai Conservatory of Music Born in Guang Dong. Enrolled to study in Music Performance Speciality, Chinese folk music Department, Xinghai Conservatory of Music. Gu Zheng has a long history in Chinese musical instrument dating back to the Qin Dynasty [200 BC]. Jessie likes the beautiful, meditative and soothing sound of this instrument, and has developed her very own style of playing after learning her Gu Zheng under the mentorship of professional Gu Zheng performer Wu Li and Chen Jun Hui, also with Professor Rao Ning Xing. As a young Gu Zheng player from China, she has been performing in European countries of Italy and France, and has received very favourable comments from the local audiences. Jessie has been teaching Gu Zheng in China before moving to Auckland in 2008 and has been invited to perform in the local community and Multi Cultural groups, all of such performances are hugely attended and applauded by the local Chinese music lovers.

Blas González,   Piano Bachelor of Music, Conservatorio Nacional de Música “Carlos López Buchardo” , Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA. Master of Music, Ohio University (Athens, Ohio, USA) Doctor of Musical Arts, University of Missouri-Kansas City (USA) Blas González enjoys a varied career as pianist, teacher and composer. Performance highlights include Music Forum (Taipei, TAIWAN), Kokako Concert Hall in Auckland and numerous venues in Argentina and United States. An avid participant of unconventional projects, González is honorary member of Argentmúsica, a foundation dedicated to the dissemination of Argentinean art music; he has commissioned and premiered compositions for piano solo, chamber music and piano with electronic sounds. Together with pianist Ya-Ting Liou he has founded the Pangea Piano Project, a concert series that feature the topic of cultural diversity through the inclusion of music from all over the world. González has held teaching positions at Missouri Western State University, UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance Academy, and Music and Arts Academy (Independence, Missouri). As a pianist he has received awards from the Argentinean National Fund for the Arts, United Composers from Argentina, Beethoven Foundation, Jrimian Foundation, Kansas City Music Club, and Mu Phi Epsilon. González will be settling in Auckland in September 2009.

Ya-Ting Liou,   Piano Bachelor of Music, Peabody Institute of Music at Johns Hopkins University Master of Music, Peabody Institute of Music at Johns Hopkins University Doctor of Musical Arts, University of Missouri - Kansas City Liou has presented concerts as soloist and chamber musician in New Zealand and abroad, with highlights including appearances at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the United States, the State of the Art at the State Department in Washington D.C., Kokako Concert Hall in New Zealand, Taipei Cultural Center in Taiwan. She has collaborated with concert artists including Scott Lee, Bil Jackson, and members from the Baltimore Symphony, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and the Kansas City Symphony in the United States. She has been invited to present master classes at the Conservatorio Nacional de Música Carlos López Buchardo in Argentina and at the Tainan National University of Arts in Taiwan. She was also on the piano faculty at the Community Music and Dance Academy at the University of Missouri - Kansas City. Liou, along with pianist and husband Blas González , have performed their Pangea Piano Project across the globe. Most recently, the Project was featured on WFMT Chicago and Radio Nacional in Argentina. They also can be heard on a CD album Metatexts: Christopher Biggs with the Pangea Piano Project.

Yana Zhang,   Violin teacher, Maker and Restorer Shen Yang University of Music I have been involved with violin playing and making since I was 8 years old. At 18 I worked for the China Northeast Musical Instrument Company in Ying Kou in Liaoning Province. My principle job was to make violins which were sold in China and all over the world. In 1985 I attended Shen Yang University of Music, studying violin performance and violin making. At the violin makers competition I won the prize for best acoustic quality in 1987. Since coming to New Zealand in 2002 I have worked with musical instrument companies, fixing many violins including the maintenance of precious violins. I also teach violin to students including adults. My students make fantastic progress and usually belong to school bands.

Blas González, Piano
Email: bgblasgonzalez3@gmail.com

Ya-Ting Liou, Piano
Email: liou221@yahoo.com

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