Chiuyung Chan

Double Bass

Year:: 2024/25

Biography

I had my ‘Ah ha!’ moment while attending a concert with a solo double bass in Hong Kong. I was transfixed by the expressiveness and range of the double bass on that night, and made the decision to switch from piano to double bass then and there.

Graduating from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and obtaining my Masters’ Degree at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, I have found that my strength lies in collaborating with people through making music with this incredibly versatile instrument; the double bass.

Since I was twelve, I’ve been attending orchestras. When I was younger, my brother (a violinist) was often in the limelight, and as a then pianist, I wasn’t always required to perform. My dream had been to join the orchestra, and I thought that double basses were always needed! So I initially taught myself, but after undergoing formal education at the university and conservatory with Miss Olive Chan, Miss Feng Rong, Prof Luis Cabrera, Prof Jośe Moreira, Prof. Marco Behtash and Prof. Nicholas Bayley, my technique has improved tremendously.

My twenties so far have been full of adventures. Before I decided to become a professional double bassist, I joined a start up primary school in Hong Kong as the Head of Music for 2 years. I was been awarded entry to the Korean Symphony Orchestra’s International Academy in 2021, the Chipping Camden Festival Academy in 2022, the London Musical Theatre Orchestra Development Scheme in 2023, and now Sinfonia Smith Square! These have all given me such a strong boost and I hope to continue gently walking the path of a professional double bassist.

I hope that God will keep leading my way and use my talent to serve the world and make it a better place.

Education

Guildhall School of Music and Drama
London, UK

The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Ma Liu Shui, Hong Kong

Quickfire Questions

What is your favourite piece of music and why?

I love Arvo Pärt’s Spiegel Im Spiegel. It’s a minimalistic piece, with a very simple melody and accompaniment, but the effect is really powerful. The first time I listened to it I was shocked at how such a simple harmony and harmonic progression could keep the music interesting. It’s very different from Chinese music, which mostly relies on scales and linear melodies. Also, this piece gives me a calm and peaceful feeling.

Where’s your favourite place to listen to music and why?

Maybe next to a reservoir! Or any big water feature! I think water has a calming and soothing effect (and also my original home in Hong Kong is next to the sea). I always enjoyed myself around big bodies of water; it’s great to look at the water and listen to music, so I can get fully focused and not distracted by the noise of the city.

How would you persuade someone who has never heard ‘classical music’ before to come with you to a concert?

Maybe with food! Music and food go well together. Depending on the repertoire… for example, if it was a German programme, we might go for some beers and sausages before or after the concert, to get the full experience! I think it’s important because everything has to be seen in context – you need to understand the cultural world that the piece came from, under what environment the composer was writing the work.

What do you do with your time when you’re not playing music?

If you weren’t a musician, what would you be?

What’s your most memorable moment as a musician?

I really enjoyed playing St John’s Passion in a London church during Easter in 2023. I was the only double bassist in the chamber! I felt music was so powerful in that moment. It is a language that can pass through all the barriers. I was touched when the music weeps with the story and it touches the audience. I cried while I was playing, and one audience member came up to me after the concert and said he can also feel the pain and the messages expressed. I felt it was a very meaningful experience, so I’m blessed to be a musician, to be able to speak this powerful language.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us!