47 years old, conductor

Though the Hong Kong Sinfonietta isn’t bathed in the glitz or cash that its sibling the Hong Kong Philharmonic enjoys, it has earned itself a reputation as one of the world’s great small orchestras. Conductor Yip Wing-sie has played no small part in that.

The Sinfonietta’s music director since 2002, Yip has cultivated a passionate and innovative group of musicians that have become known for imaginative productions, including performances integrated with film, the cartoon character McDull (another hero), and light shows for kids – a demographic Yip is intent on developing. She believes Hong Kong’s young people could benefit from the stamina and discipline that being part of an orchestra instills in an individual. Says Yip: “I do wish that more young people could receive proper orchestral training from an early age.”

As well as being an 2008 Olympic torch bearer, an advocate for cutting back on carbon emissions, and the winner of multiple awards, Yip has worked with some of classical music’s biggest names, including Augustin Dumay, Pinchas Zukerman, and Luciano Pavarotti. But she’s anxious to point out that she’s not the only hero in our music scene. “I’m honoured, but I hope I can live up to the name,” she says. “A lot people are trying to do something to arts and culture in Hong Kong, but I guess being a performer brings you more attention – [however] it doesn’t mean that I’m better than all those people who are working hard, diligently behind the scenes.” Hamish McKenzie