By Mary Leong
Paul Hung brings a new meaning to “YouTube famous”. A 3rd year flute student at the UBC School of Music studying with Lorna McGhee, Paul is one of five Canadians selected to perform in the YouTube Symphony Orchestra 2011 in Australia from March 14 to 20.
The YouTube Symphony Orchestra is the world’s first collaborative, online, international orchestra. Thousands of musicians worldwide auditioned by posting videos of themselves playing on YouTube, and the finalists were voted on by viewers.
“Paul is a very serious student and a sensitive musician. I am so happy for him that in the midst of such a competitive field he has been given this wonderful opportunity! It will help him to deepen his confidence and grow as a musician. Students always come back from such an experience transformed. It provides a much larger context for their studies. I imagine it will be an unforgettable experience that will remain with him his whole life,” said McGhee.
Paul started his musical training when he was six, initially playing the recorder and switching to flute at the age of eleven. He is currently a member of the UBC Symphonic Wind Ensemble, UBC Contemporary Players, and two chamber music groups: a trio and quintet. Next week, he will be competing in the UBC Concerto Competition and he has prepared the Carl Reinecke Flute Concerto, which is considered the only romantic flute concerto in the repertoire.
Paul first found out about the competition through the UBC School of Music Symphonic Wind Ensemble Director, Dr. Robert Taylor, who encouraged all students to audition. Thinking that it would be a great opportunity, he decided to give it a try.
Two weeks prior to the official announcement on January 11, Paul was notified through his YouTube account that he had won. He is thrilled to be part of this symphony and will be travelling to Australia on March 13, where the winners will play in concerts from March 14 to 20. The final show will be performed at the Sydney Opera House, and streamed live online.
“Without Dr. Taylor’s video camera I wouldn’t have been able to record my audition video, so I would especially like to thank Dr. Taylor here. I can’t wait to play in the Sydney Opera House!”
