The Ensemble

Established in 2023, ANIMA Ensemble is the creative vision of conductor Vivian Ip and violinist Nina Wong Sin I, with Vivian serving as the Artistic Director. The ensemble recognizes sound as a primordial language, entrusting musicians with the vital responsibility of translating and transmitting its profound messages. The name "ANIMA" embodies the perpetuation and evolution of artistic concepts in music, bridging the gap from antiquity to the present.

 

ANIMA Ensemble is dedicated to presenting unconventional contemporary chamber operas, musicals, and chamber music, aiming to enrich the audience's spiritual experience through a diverse tapestry of intellectual and emotional stimuli.

 

The ensemble quickly gained recognition with the original Hong Kong production of Philip Glass x Leonard Cohen: The Book of Longing, premiered in May 2024 at The Box, Freespace, West Kowloon Cultural District with support from the Hong Kong Arts Development Council. The production received critical acclaim for its expressive clarity and imaginative staging, establishing ANIMA as a rising artistic voice. Renowned Hong Kong critic Johnny Lau praised the performance, noting that “high‑calibre artistic sensibility has made a comeback, and Hong Kong now stands on an international level.”

 

The ensemble has since expanded its international footprint, marking a significant milestone with its debut at Carnegie Hall, New York, and further enriching its artistic development as Ensemble in Residence at Rutgers University.

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The ANIMA Quartet, a core group from the ensemble, has performed in various concerts in partnership with the Macao Contemporary Music Association, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Pallas Piano Academy. The ensemble also participated in the premiere of the Chinese-Western opera Sleepless Moon at the Xiqu Centre in November 2024.

 

Through its innovative programming, commitment to artistic exploration, and community engagement, ANIMA Ensemble is poised to make a significant impact on the contemporary music scene.

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MUSICIANS:

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Violin: Nina Wong, Aaron Chan, Sharon Chan, Xixi Chen

Viola: Martin Kuo, Hyunjae Bae

Cello: Jia Nan, Pun Chak Yin

Double Bass: Evette Chiu

Oboe: Kelvin Lam

Saxophone: Chemie Ching

Piano: Alexander Wong, Shelley Ng

Percussion: Lily Hoi