“Technically superb but delivered with …
a depth of emotion”
Born into a musical family, Tak started playing the violin at the age of seven. His father was a violin maker in Hong Kong. In 1988, he received a scholarship from the Hong Kong Bank to attend Wells Cathedral School in Englandas, where he studied as a Music Specialist. During his study, Tak represented the school in performing with visiting musicians from West Germany. He played Dvorak’s “Piano Quintet in A major” as a violist for a week. He was also invited to give a violin recital in West Germany the following year. Tak received scholarships to study at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto in 1989-1995. During his study, he received full scholarships to attend Summer Music Camp in Colorado Springs in both 1994 and 1995. Later in 2011, he was invited to attend Starling-Delay Symposium at Juilliard School of Music.
From 2002 to 2010, Tak toured the States and France as a soloist and chamber musician. In 2003 and 2007, Tak gave solo performances to crowds of over 15,000 in both Toronto and Tampa, Florida. In 2010, Tak was invited to perform with professors at University of Concordia for a premiere work of string quartet in St. Paul, MN. He was the leading violinist. In the same year, he performed for the Queen of England at Queen’s Park, Toronto. This past April, Tak was invited back to the US for another solo performance in front of 2,000 audience members.
Teacher, Concertmaster, Performer & Adjudicator
He also serves in music festivals throughout Ontario as an adjudicator. His thoughtful insight and deep understanding of violin playing and performance have encouraged and helped many young musicians. His knowledge of the violin is generously shared through teaching sessions and masterclasses.
He is currently appointed as Concertmaster of the Northumberland Orchestra and Choir. He was appointed as Concertmaster of Peterborough Symphony Orchestra from 1996-2016. His musicianship has promoted Tak to be Conductor at Yip’s Chamber Orchestra in Toronto, since 2013. Under his conducting this year, the Yip’s Chamber Orchestra won first place at Kiwanis Music Festival in its category. The group also received the Kiwanis Club of the Golden Mile Award, and came in first place in the Provincial Finals in 2016.