Oliver Yan

Hong Kong’s new generation of conductor and classical saxophonist; Chung Hoi YAN (Oliver) is active in music activities all over the world. Oliver Yan is the current Assistant Conductor of the Stephen F. Austin Symphony Orchestra (SFASO).

Oliver started his musical training in high school, pursuing saxophone and conducting performances in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, Italy and the United States. He has been invited as a guest conductor in many ensembles and orchestras around the world including the Brescia Master Orchestra, SFA Saxophone Ensemble, Hong Kong Baptist University Composition Orchestra, and the Hong Kong Youth Saxophone Choir.

Oliver has worked with many great musicians that have heavily influenced his passion to present his music on the stage. Oliver has participated in multiple masterclasses with conductors, including Donald Schleicher, Douglas Bostock, Larry Rachleff, and Nicolas Pasquest.

As a classical saxophonist, Oliver was tasked with presenting a lecture recital; presenting the Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Wind Ensemble by David Maslanka in his undergraduate graduation recital. Good instrumental playing is a monumental aspect in one’s journey to become a conductor. Along with conducting masterclasses, Oliver has participated in masterclasses focussed on saxophone performance; led by Arno Bornkamp, Kenneth Tse, Timothy McAllister, and Vincent David, etc.

Since beginning his musical journey at twelve years of age, Oliver has a relentless pursuit of developing his musical skills on the podium and on his horn. He studied saxophone under Dr. Tak Chiu Wong in Hong Kong Baptist University and studied conducting under Mr. Man Ho Choi and Mr. Kelvin Ngai. Currently, Oliver is pursuing a double Masters Degree in Saxophone Performance and Conducting under the tutelage of Dr. Gregory Grabowski and Dr. Nathan Nabb/Dr. Bob Eason in their respective fields in Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas.