Joseph Wu
Joseph is a versatile violinist, violist, and conductor from Hong Kong, now based in the Greater Toronto Area. He has performed internationally in Japan, China, the Czech Republic, Vienna, and the United States, and made his mark by premiering Piazzolla’s Four Seasons with String Appassionata. In addition to performing, Joseph has served as an adjudicator at various music competitions, sharing his expertise with the next generation of musicians.
In Canada, Joseph regularly collaborates with orchestras across the GTA and beyond. His appointments include Guest Concertmaster with the North York Concert Orchestra and the Chinese Artists Society of Toronto (where he also serves as a board member), Guest Principal Viola with the Milton Philharmonic Orchestra, and Guest Violinist with the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra, Ontario Cross-Cultural Music Society, and Windsor Symphony Orchestra.
A dedicated and award-winning educator, Joseph’s teaching is recognized for its inspiration and results. In 2011, he received the Outstanding Teaching Award at the International Music and Arts Competition. From 2008 to 2011, he was a full-time violin tutor and conductor with the Hong Kong Music Office’s string department. Today, he teaches extensively in the GTA as well as online to students in China, the UK, and the US. His students have earned top prizes at competitions including the Toronto Kiwanis Festival. Joseph also organizes student recitals under the series Enlightening, which feature collaborations with renowned local instrumentalists and have been highly praised by audiences. In 2018, he was recognized as a Star Tutor by Parsons Music (Hong Kong), and he has been invited to present music education seminars at various institutions.
As a conductor, Joseph has led youth and professional ensembles with passion and vision. From 2008 to 2011, he served as Principal Conductor of the New Territories Youth String Orchestra, in addition to conducting music camp orchestras. Since 2012, he has been the Principal Conductor of the Hong Kong International Youth Philharmonia (HKIYP), leading the ensemble in major gala performances and a successful 2014 tour to Taiwan. In 2015, he conducted the world premiere concert of The Nutcracker featuring animation by Dustykid, which received enthusiastic acclaim: “A truly inspirational concert that proved classical music is fun and unconventional!” – Metro Radio (Hong Kong).
Awards:
RCM Regional Gold Medalist 2025