Established in 2005 by Ms. Emily Li, the artistic director of the Hong Kong Handbell Academy, the Hong Kong Youth Handbell Ensemble (HKYHE) is committed to identifying youngsters of age 12 and above with ringing potential. These young talented musicians go through systematic and rigorous handbell training to become the next generation of handbell performers. Currently, there are three ensembles in HKYHE. It is led by conductors Miss Joyce Lo and Miss Lulu Lau.
HKYHE is frequently invited to perform on public occasions and recording performances. The ensemble performs in different events, such as charity shows, opening ceremonies, pop concerts, etc. The performances have a wide spectrum and are critically acclaimed. These organizations include:
● A.S Watson Group
● Hong Kong International Airport
● City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong
● Junior Chamber International Hong Kong
● Children’s Cancer Foundation
● Hong Kong Adventist Hospital
● Hong Kong Catholic Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception
● Millennium Youth Orchestra
● Music Office
● Open University of Hong Kong
● Hong Kong Central Library
● Hong Kong Composers' Guild
● Hong Kong Cultural Centre
● Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited
● Hong Kong International Cello Association
● RTHK
● Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited
● Tai Po Hospital
● Television Broadcast Limited (TVB)
● Edmond Leung’s “My Better Half Live 2017
● Hong Kong Tourism Board
Under the leadership of Ms. Emily Li, the Artistic Director, HKYHE performs around the world and is well appreciated by handbell representatives/ conductors worldwide. HKYHE has outstanding achievements in many parts of the world, including:
● Australia (2006, 2018)
● United Kingdom (2012, 2023)
● Singapore (2007, 2009)
● United States (2008, 2013)
● Canada (2013, 2016)
● South Korea (2014)
● Japan (2008, 2010, 2016, 2017, 2024)
● Taiwan (2015)
● Goungzhou (2011)
● Macau (2011)
● Finland (2019)
● Estonia (2019)
HKYHE participates in the bi-annual International Handbell Symposium since 2006, and represented Hong Kong for the first time performing in the International Concert in the 15th International Handbell Symposium in 2012 Liverpool, receiving great appreciations from conductors and audiences around the world with their vibrant and high-quality performance. In 2013, the ensemble was honored to be the first Hong Kong handbell ensemble to receive the invitation from Handbell Musicians of America to perform the closing concert at the National Seminar in Portland, Oregon. HKYHE was invited twice to represent Hong Kong in the Kagoshima Asian Youth Arts Festival in 2008 & 2016. HKYHE won the Gold Award and the Overall Runner-up in the Asian Pacific Arts Festival (Hong Kong) in 2017 and performed at the 1st Youth Handbell Festival of the 18th International Handbell Symposium as the international guest ensemble in Cairns, Australia in 2018.
HKYHE holds concerts in hong kong annually, allowing these young handbell musicians to extend their full potential.
HKYHE recruits new ringers every summer through the 'Starry Ringer Program'. This 5-day intensive training program aims to strengthen the performing level of potential ringers. We welcome ringers who have been ringing in school handchime/ handbell teams for at least a year to join us and start this fantastic journey!
