The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Caspar Tsui, today (December 26) is saddened by the passing of Mr Richard Pontzious, the Founder of Asian Youth Orchestra (AYO), and expressed his deepest condolences to Mr Pontzious's family.

     "As the founder of the AYO, Mr Pontzious has created an orchestra that would unite the region and celebrate the talents of Asia's brightest young musicians. Under his leadership as conductor, writer, teacher and mentor and through annual world tours, he has nurtured and inspired thousands of young talents in the pursuit of artistic excellence over the years since 1987. Mr Pontzious had made tremendous contribution to the arts and culture sector in Hong Kong. He was awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star in 2016. He will be dearly missed by all," Mr Tsui said. 

Ends/Saturday, December 26, 2020
Issued at HKT 18:36

NNNN