KWOK MAN HO MARCO

ABOUT ME

Kwok Man Ho Marco is a Hong Kong native who has established himself as a dynamic musician in his community. With a passion for piano, lower-brass playing, conducting, and composition, he has cultivated a diverse skill set that has earned him recognition throughout Hong Kong. Marco attained a First Class Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Music from Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), where he studied under the tutelage of esteemed piano instructor Mr. Young Chap Lai, Raymond. Additionally, he honed his compositional skills under the guidance of respected figures such as Prof. Christopher Keyes, Dr. Christopher Coleman, Dr. Tang Wai Chung, Joyce, and Prof. Mike McFerron. His education in conducting was overseen by Dr. Jennifer Ho and Mr. Choi Ho Man.

As a Pianist

At the early age of 6, Kwok Man Ho Marco began his musical journey by learning to play the piano. His passion for the instrument was evident, as he passed the ABRSM Grade 8 piano exam with merit at the age of 11. Under the guidance of respected instructors such as Ms. Sandy Tsui Siu Wa and Mr. Raymond Young Chap Lai, Marco continued to hone his skills and achieved distinction in both the Trinity ATCL (Recital) and LTCL (Recital) exams.

Marco’s musical talents extend beyond solo performance, as he has worked extensively as a piano accompanist. During his primary and secondary school years, he served as the choir’s piano accompanist. Later, while studying at HKBU, he worked as an accompanist for over 20 classmates playing a variety of instruments, and accompanying more than 80 pieces for various exams and performances.

Marco’s piano skills have also been recognized by esteemed music ensembles such as Hong Kong Wind Philharmonia (HKWP), Hong Kong Chamber Wind Philharmonia (HKCWP), Hong Kong Baptist University Symphonic Orchestra (BUSO), and OctoBuzz, who have invited him to perform as a guest pianist. In 2018, he was invited by Collegium Musicum Hong Kong (CMHK) to participate in a recording session in Thailand, where he played the piano part for “Night’s Fragrance” with the string orchestra.

Currently, Marco is the pianist and tutor of the Sha Tin Children’s Choir, where he continues to inspire young musicians and share his passion for music.

As a Music Conductor

In addition to his skills as a pianist and composer, Kwok Man Ho Marco has also established himself as a talented conductor. In May 2017, he conducted his first full orchestral piece, “The Nirvana of Phoenix,” with an orchestra comprising over 70 musicians from various institutions as part of the “HKBU Composition Honours Project Recital 2017.”

In recognition of his talent, Marco was selected by the HKBU Music Department to participate in a conducting masterclass held by Le French May in June 2017. During the masterclass, he learned from renowned Finnish conductor Mr. Mikko Franck. Over the years, Marco has been invited to serve as a guest conductor for various events and performances. Notably, he conducted Keiko Abe’s “Prism Rhapsody II” for Two Marimbas and Six Percussionists at the “HKBU Percussion Ensemble Concert” in April 2018. He also conducted three orchestral pieces composed by HKBU composers for the “HKBU Composition Honours Project Recital 2018” in May of that year. In December 2018, he was invited by solo flutist Ernest Wong to conduct Saverio Mercadante’s “Concerto in E minor” for the “2018 Performance Honours Project.”

Currently, Marco serves as the orchestra conductor for several schools, including TWGHs Wong Fut Nam College, Rhenish Church Pang Hok Ko Memorial College, and Hong Kong True Light College. Hong Kong True Light College Orchestra won the Silver Award in Joint School Music Competition 2022 which was held by JSMA (The Hong Kong Joint School Music Association). His talents have also been recognized, with the TWGHs Wong Fut Nam College Full Orchestra winning the Silver Award in the Hong Kong Youth Music Interflows in 2022, and winning the Gold Award in 2023 under his baton.

Besides competitions, Marco also leads the orchestras and ensembles to perform in various performances and concerts, showcasing their musical talents and captivating audiences with their exceptional performances. One of the most significant highlights in Marco’s career was when the TWGHs Wong Fut Nam College Full Orchestra was invited to join the live broadcast on TVB for the TW Charity Show 2023. Under Marco’s baton, the orchestra delivered a mesmerizing performance of three songs, including his own arrangement of 《記得》(originally sung by Terrence Lam 林家謙), with renowned singers Albert Chau (周吉佩) and Jade Kwan (關心妍). This prestigious opportunity not only demonstrated Marco’s exceptional arranging skills but also showcased his ability to collaborate with renowned artists, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

As a Music Educator

Kwok Man Ho Marco is passionate about music education and has dedicated himself to teaching students of all ages. He currently works as a brass, piano, and music theory tutor at various primary and secondary schools, where he shares his knowledge and expertise with his students. Additionally, he serves as a conductor in different primary and secondary schools, currently working as the full orchestra conductor of TWGHs Wong Fut Nam College, Rhenish Church Pang Hok Ko Memorial College, and Hong Kong True Light College.

In recognition of his talent as a conductor, Marco led the TWGHs Wong Fut Nam College Full Orchestra to win the Silver Award in the 2022 Hong Kong Youth Music Interflows, where they performed Arturo Márquez’s “Danzón No.2” under his baton.

In addition to his work in schools, Marco also works as a private tutor of brass instruments and piano, with many of his students achieving distinction and merit in ABRSM instrumental exams. He also teaches Grade 5 and Grade 8 music theory classes, with his students achieving merit and distinction in ABRSM Music Theory Exam. In 2019, Marco worked as an artist under the Absolutely Fabulous Theatre Connection (AFTEC), where he served as the music composition tutor for The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, teaching students who were passionate about music to compose and create music.

Currently, Marco works as a teaching assistant at the Department of Music at the University of Hong Kong and as a part-time music teacher at TWGHs Wong Fut Nam College. Through his work as an educator and conductor, Marco continues to inspire the next generation of musicians and foster a love for music in his community.

As a Music Composer & Arranger

Kwok Man Ho Marco is a talented composer who has premiered several of his works in various public performances. In October 2015, he was selected as one of four composition students to write orchestral pieces for the HKBU Music Department’s concert “Traces of Silk Road II – Resonances & Traces.” His orchestral works, “Incandescence” and “Petrichor,” which he composed with his friend Mr. Chan Chi Long Tony, were performed by Collegium Musicum Hong Kong. Additionally, he premiered “When The Moon Was Full” for piano solo and “The Nirvana of Phoenix” for full orchestra in the “HKBU Composition Honours Project Recital 2017” in June of that year.

Marco’s compositions have also been recognized in competitions and calls for scores. In 2016, he was selected as a finalist in the New Generation composition competition sponsored by the Hong Kong Composers’ Guild and RTHK with his piece “Escaping Panicking Mice” for the saxophone octet. In 2017, his piece “On the Razor’s Edge” was selected by the Hong Kong New Music Ensemble/Philadelphia call for scores for a professional public reading session. In 2018, he was selected to participate in the “HK Phil Composers Workshop – Beyond the Ring” as one of the composers, and his orchestral piece “Nanke Dream” was performed by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.

In addition to public performances, Marco has also composed film music for several short movies directed by undergraduates from the HKBU Academy of Film, including “Smoke,” “Bubbles,” “Today is a Gift,” and “3322.” He also collaborated with Hong Kong composer Mr. So Ka Wai to compose and arrange a set of songs for the mini-musical “Adventures to the Planet of Cats” in 2016. In 2018, he composed a piece of short film music for the animation “Glasshouse in the Shadow” with Mr. Chan Chi Long Tony.

Kwok Man Ho Marco’s talents as a composer and arranger have earned him numerous commissions from a variety of organizations and companies. In 2019, he was commissioned by the Music Office to arrange the “Medley of Nursery Rhymes” for Wind Band.

In 2020, he was invited by his Alma Mater, TWGHs Wong Fut Nam College, to compose “Passing The Torch” for the school’s 60th Anniversary. His arrangement of the song for different instrumentation, including wind band, full orchestra, percussion ensemble, and solo piano, demonstrated his versatility as a composer and arranger.

In 2021, Marco began working as a music composer and arranger at Ksound Uni, where he continues to create original music and arrangements. In 2022, he arranged “The Sound of Music Medley,” which was performed by the Sha Tin Symphonic Orchestra and Sha Tin Children’s Choir in their Annual Concert 2023. His contribution to the performance showcased his skill in creating arrangements that highlight the strengths of the performers while remaining true to the original work.

Overall, Marco’s career as a composer and arranger reflects his dedication to music and his ability to adapt to various styles and mediums. His talents have earned him recognition and commissions from a diverse range of organizations, and his commitment to creating music that resonates with performers and audiences alike has made him a respected member of the Hong Kong music community.

Please refer to the Work List for more information.

EDUCATION

Hong Kong Baptist University, 2013-2017
・Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Music (First Class)
・Piano Major, Composition Concentration

TWGHs Wong Fut Nam College, 2007-2013

St. Patrick’s School, 2001-2007

Work List

Please refer to “作品列表 Work List” (click here)

Get in touch

Email: kmh.marco@gmail.com
WhatsApp: 9581 7630
Personal Instagram: @kmh.marco
無樂不作 Instagram: @nomusicnoworkhk

Current Job Titles

Part-time Music Teacher (Daily GM)
・TWGHs Wong Fut Nam College

University Teaching Assistant/Tutor
・Hong Kong University Music Department

Conductor
・TWGHs Wong Fut Nam College Senior Orchestra
・TWGHs Wong Fut Nam College Junior Orchestra
・TWGHs Wong Fut Nam College Saxophone & Brass Ensemble
・Rhenish Church Pang Hok Ko Memorial College Orchestra
・Hong Kong True Light College Orchestra

Brass Instruments Tutor
・TWGHs Wong Fut Nam College
・Rhenish Church Pang Hok Ko Memorial College
・Clementi Secondary School

Pianist
・Sha Tin Children’s Choir

Private Teaching
・Piano (Grade 1 to Diploma)
・Trombone/Euphonium/Tuba (Grade 1 to Diploma)
・Music Theory (Grade 1 to Grade 8)
・Music Composition

Music Channel Co-Founder
・No Music No Work (無樂不作)