The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) successfully hosted “THE HOMECOMING: ARISTO SHAM | Where the Future Meets the Future” in the afternoon of Saturday, 28 March 2026, at the William Au Concert Hall of the Academy. Presented as an afternoon of open masterclass, dialogue, and live performance.
Distinguished alumnus of Junior Music Programme (JMP) of the Academy and 2025 Van Cliburn Gold Medalist and Audience Award winner, Aristo Sham presented an open masterclass, working with current Music students, offering hands-on guidance and insights drawn from his international performance experience. His engaging teaching highlighted both the artistry and discipline required to shape a compelling musical voice.
Joining Aristo that afternoon were accomplished JMP alumni Angela Chan (Violin, 2024 Joseph Joachim Violin Competition First Prize Winner), Chris Choi (Viola, 2013 Alice and Eleonore Schoenfeld International String Competition (Chamber Music Division) First Prize Winner), and Thomas Hung (Cello, 2018 7th National Youth Cello Competition Laureate Award), who took part in a dialogue with the Academy Director Professor Anna CY Chan. The event also presented a performance of Brahms’ Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25, brought to life through the distinctive artistry of JMP alumni. JMP is widely recognised as one of the most comprehensive music instruction programmes for young talent in Hong Kong and the region.
Aristo Sham said, “I’m truly grateful to return to the Academy to share my art and journey through multiple perspectives, with colleagues, mentors, and future talents; and above all, to share the love and joy of music at an institution incredibly meaningful to my development.”
Academy Director, Professor Anna CY Chan, remarked, “At the Academy, nurturing talent begins at a young age. Through our comprehensive junior programmes in music, dance, and Chinese opera, we provide aspiring artists with early, professional-level training under expert guidance, fostering both artistic expression and technical excellence. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our ranking as 10th in the 2026 QS World University Rankings for Performing Arts and once again 1st in Asia. By offering diverse performance opportunities and clear progression pathways, we lay a strong foundation for young talents and contribute to the development of performing arts not only in Hong Kong, but on the global stage.”
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (www.hkapa.edu)
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA), established by The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Ordinance in 1984, is a world-leading higher education institution for the performing arts. It provides professionally-oriented undergraduate education and postgraduate studies in Chinese Opera, Dance, Drama, Film and Television, Music, and Theatre and Entertainment Arts. Its educational philosophy reflects the cultural diversity of Hong Kong with an emphasis on Chinese and Western traditions, and interdisciplinary learning. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, the Academy ranks 10th for Performing Arts and 1st in Asia.
The Academy has been granted Programme Area Accreditation status by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications to award its own Certificates, Diplomas, Bachelor’s (Honours) Degrees and Master’s Degrees. In the past four decades, more than 10,000 artists have graduated from the Academy, going on to become performing artists, creative arts practitioners, filmmakers, educators and cultural leaders with global impact – many have won international awards and shone in their respective artistic fields.
Besides the main campus in Wanchai, Béthanie, the Academy’s Landmark Heritage Campus in Pokfulam, houses educational facilities for the School of Film and Television.