Lydia Wong plans Strings Camerata Italy masterclass and New York jury role

Hong Kong educator Lydia Wong is expanding Strings Camerata’s international reach with a July 2027 masterclass and concert in Italy and a new jury appointment in New York. The moves build on student programs in Italy and New York that Wong says are helping young musicians grow through training, competition and performance abroad.

Why it matters: - Strings Camerata is turning international performance into a recurring pathway for young musicians, not a one-off trip. - The program connects Hong Kong students with teachers, competitions and venues in Italy, Switzerland and New York. - Wong’s new juror role in New York adds a professional judging component to the studio’s international profile.

What happened: - Hong Kong music educator and conductor Lydia Wong is expanding the international activity of Strings Camerata, the studio and ensemble she founded. - Wong is preparing the Strings Camerata Italy Masterclass and Concert 2027 for July 2027 in the Lake Como region. - Wong accepted an invitation to serve as a juror for the International Chamber Music Prize of New York, a new chamber music competition based in New York City. - Strings Camerata students recently performed in New York, including at Carnegie Hall.

The details: - Strings Camerata combines instrumental training, ensemble performance, masterclasses and international opportunities for young musicians. - Wong conducts the Strings Camerata orchestra and has built collaborations with international musicians as part of that approach. - The Italy project grew out of a 2023 competition in Lugano, Switzerland, where Wong met harpist and educator Jasmine Gitti. - Wong invited Gitti to Hong Kong for a masterclass in 2024 before extending the collaboration into Italy in 2025. - Wong said studying and performing abroad motivated her students and pushed them to pursue more international opportunities. - Students from Wong’s studio won places in the NY Classical Debut Awards and traveled to New York for the competition’s Winners’ Concert at Carnegie Hall. - The New York experience introduced Wong and her students to the city’s classical music community. - The 2027 Italy program will include musicians and educators from Italy and Hong Kong, including harp tutor Jasmine Gitti, harp tutor Cherry Fung, pianist Andy Chung and violinist Woo Chi Wing. - The program will also collaborate with an Italian music institute in the Lake Como area. - Wong wants future editions to include more tutors and longer-term training opportunities. - Wong said the goal is to create a pathway from lessons and ensemble training in Hong Kong to masterclasses, competitions, collaborations and performances abroad. - Wong holds a Master of Education from The Education University of Hong Kong. - Wong works as a music educator, conductor and instrumentalist and is a part-time assistant lecturer in music education at the Vocational Training Council. - Wong’s musical training includes piano, violin, French horn and harp. - Strings Camerata students have taken part in competitions and activities across Asia, Europe, Australia, Canada and the United States.

Between the lines: - The Italy and New York links suggest Wong is building an international network around Strings Camerata, not just arranging travel opportunities. - The juror appointment signals recognition beyond teaching and performance, with Wong moving into an evaluative role in the chamber music field. - The repeated collaborations with overseas musicians point to a long-term strategy of exposing students to different teaching styles and professional settings.

What's next: - The Strings Camerata Italy Masterclass and Concert 2027 is scheduled for July 2027 in the Lake Como area. - Further program details will be announced later. - Wong hopes to expand future editions with additional masterclass tutors and more sustained training opportunities.

The bottom line: - Wong is using Strings Camerata to build a steady international pipeline for young musicians, with Italy and New York now central to that strategy.