1. 《LIFE+》Magazine
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  3. Summer 2023 Issue
  4. Drum music connecting father, son and beyond
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    11 July 2023
    Lively and chatty, Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO) musician Michael Chan Lut-ting always wears a smile, and it wouldn’t be difficult to deduce from his powerful voice that he is a percussionist. Seeing music as his mother tongue, he plays the drums to speak his mind and calm himself down when he feels low. “Before playing the drums, I need to think about organising all the equipment in their right positions, which is a healing and calming moment.” In addition to bringing him psychological comfort, drum music has also widened the percussionist’s social circle:
    “Music not only empowers me to connect with others but also serves as a window for others to understand me.“

    Photo: Michael (2nd from left) and his team won the champion award at the Hong Kong Synergy 24 Drum Competition at the inaugural Hong Kong Drum Festival

    Photos courtesy of Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and Michael Chan

    It is never easy to build a music performing career in Hong Kong, and Michael’s path is no exception. He embarked on his musical journey at school when he was a Form One student and his choice of instrument was the erhu (a Chinese two-stringed musical instrument). “My dad loved to play the erhu when he was young, but had to give up resignedly to earn a living. I hope I can help realise his unfinished dream.” However, due to the limited learning quota, he eventually opted for the zhongruan (a Chinese plucked string instrument). His story took a second twist when his “talent scout” came to notice his talent for percussion music. On his teacher’s recommendation, the young lad took up the role of a percussionist in the school’s Chinese orchestra and since then, drum music has been an indispensable part of his life.

    Photos courtesy of Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and Michael Chan

    In 2003, Michael teamed up with three partners to compete at the inaugural Hong Kong Drum Festival organised by HKCO and unexpectedly won the Hong Kong Synergy 24 Drum Competition. “We’d been learning the drums for about a year when we entered the competition. All four of us neither came from a prestigious school nor received long-term training at the Government’s Music Office. Even today, I’m not quite sure why we won, but courage and determination probably make everything,” he recalls.

    This early award ignited Michael’s lifelong passion for drum music. To pursue his dream, he applied to study at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) after finishing high school. Sadly, he didn’t get off to a good start. But with persistence, he was finally admitted on his fourth attempt, subsequently completing a diploma, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree in seven years. Having worked for HKCO as a part-time performer during his HKAPA years, he was offered a full-time position soon after graduation. Michael eventually managed to fulfil his father’s fantasy. The percussionist sobs when he talks about the music dream uniting the two generations: “My dad and mum are my top fans. They have never missed my performances. I’ve been trying my best to accomplish things that they couldn’t. I enjoy the process, and that’s the way to show my love and respect to them.”

    Photo: Michael’s parents have never missed his performances

    Photos courtesy of Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and Michael Chan

    Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, this year’s Hong Kong Drum Festival continues to present an exciting array of activities. In particular, the One Beat, One World: Connecting through the Drum series presented by Chinachem Group, will feature drum-related training for the public across Hong Kong’s 18 districts, followed by live drum concerts and a music carnival scheduled for October in the West Kowloon Cultural District. To Michael, the yearly cultural feast denotes something much more than a major event as it has witnessed his musical journey over the past two decades: progressing from a student contender to a live performer and an outreach tutor. “Occasionally I come across teens who have followed in my footsteps, successfully finding their goals through drum music. I’m sure they will pass their positive energy on,” similes Michael.

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