In this Chinese name, the family name is Fung (馮）
Kwun Yu (Jordan) Fung (Traditional Chinese: 馮冠宇; Chinese: 冯冠宇; pinyin: Féng Guàn Yǔ, born 15 January 2007), is a young Chinese pianist who has performed with major orchestras around the world, appeared at many leading concert halls and global events. At just ten years old, he was honored at the United Nations Headquarters with the "Music for Peace Award," becoming the only Chinese recipient of this accolade. This recognition by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as “the top ambassador of peace in the UN Choir” underscores Kwun Yu's exceptional contribution to music and global harmony. Further highlighting his impact, the Parsons Music Group named him the "Changjiang Piano Ambassador" in recognition of his philanthropic efforts.
Kwun Yu's musical prowess has been acknowledged worldwide through his receipt of numerous awards and accolades in international competitions, including the Bai Yu Lan competition, the International Rachmaninoff Competition for Young Pianists, and The Golden Classical Music Awards, among others. His performances, whether solo or in collaboration with esteemed orchestras like the Wuxi Symphony Orchestra, have consistently demonstrated a level of professionalism and artistry that sets him apart as a young musician.
Beyond his technical skill and innate musicality, Kwun Yu's commitment to using his talent for charitable causes and his ability to inspire audiences and fellow musicians alike is truly remarkable. His performances, celebrated in concert halls across the globe, not only showcase his exceptional talent but also his profound dedication to the arts and humanity.
Early life and Education
editKwun Yu (Jordan) Fung was born in Hong Kong in 2007 to a family without professional musicians, he began a formal music education at a very young age. Kwun Yu commence his musical journey at the tender age four, he was so enchanted by a piano at the home of a family friend that he refused to leave, played with the keys on the piano for more than 2 hours non-stop.
Charity and Performances
editFung Kwun Yu has demonstrated a commendable dedication to philanthropy and cultural exchange, performing at a variety of prestigious venues across the globe. His charitable engagements and performances have spanned major cities in China including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hainan, as well as an exclusive performance at the Lotte Group Headquarters Building in Seoul, Korea. This latter event was notably held in honor of the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, hosted by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and his wife, underscoring the significance of Fung Kwun Yu's contributions to cultural diplomacy and charitable initiatives.
In Europe, his talent resonated through performances in illustrious cities such as Rome, Milan, Venice, and London, including a notable recital at Lyon Station in Paris, France. His influence extended to the United States, where he graced stages at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York, the United Nations Headquarters on multiple occasions, Hunter College in New York, as well as venues in Washington, D.C., and New Jersey.
Throughout his travels, Fung Kwun Yu has reached audiences in eight countries and over twenty-five cities and regions, performing in locations with significant daily traffic, such as the Gare de Lyon in Paris and the New York Port Authority Bus Terminal, each with an average daily attendance of 200,000 people. His performances have also captivated large audiences at the Music Hall of the Lotte Building in Seoul and the Piazza della Roma in Italy.
Fung Kwun Yu's impactful journey and musical prowess have garnered extensive media coverage from a plethora of prestigious outlets globally. His story and achievements have been featured twice by CCTV News and highlighted in international publications and platforms such as New York Online, New York Star Island Daily, Overseas Chinese Daily, World Journal, YouTube, Fox, ABC, American Chinese Network, Stay.com, New York Chinese TV, The New York Times, Hong Kong Qingdao Daily News, Oriental Daily News, and the Italian Radio and Television. Further recognition came from the European Chinese TV, European Daily News, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, the Embassy in Italy (China-Italy-UK) official website, China News Network, Science Network, Xinhua Silk Road Network, Express, Sohu, Daily Headlines, Hainan Headlines, One Read, and Hainan Network Radio and Television News Link, among others. These endorsements and special reports underscore the global appreciation and enthusiasm for Fung Kwun Yu's artistic contributions and humanitarian efforts.
Performances
edit- Invited to perform at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in 2017.
- Performed the "Moonlight Sonata" on China Central Television (CCTV Music Channel) and recorded a four-hand performance of the "Radetzky March" with pianist Xue Ting Zhe on July 22, 2022.
- Collaborative piano duet performance with the Wuxi Symphony Orchestra, showcasing his professional performance skills.
- Numerous piano recitals in famous concert halls and tourist destinations around the world.
Achievements
editAwards and Honours
edit2015: The Eighth Hong Kong youth and children Festival (First Place)
2016: "Asia Pacific Outstanding Youth Piano Competition" (First Place)
2017: Passing ABRSM Piano Grade 8
- "The Golden Classical Music Awards New York International Competition" (Second Place) (Music for Peace Award by the United Nations choir in 2017)
- Received award from United Nations Choir Most Honorable Award “Music For Peace” in the United Nation Headquarters
- Received award from New York State House of Representative “Outstanding Music Achievement Award”
- Received an Honor Certificate from New York State Senator Jess Hamilton
2018:
- Performed on “Embassies of the People's Republic of China in Italy celebration of Spring Festival Gala” (On Roman Forum)
- Received a Thank You letter by Chineses’ Italy ambassador Ruiyu Li
2019:
- Passing Trinity’s performance diplomas (ATCL), Kwun Yu Fung had already passed his Trinity’s performance diplomas (ATCL) by the age of 12, further attesting to his remarkable musicianship and technical skill. His style of performance and technique has been highly regarded by audiences and professionals alike, earning him countless accolades in various international piano competitions worldwide.
- The International Music and Arts Competition (First Place)
2020: Second International Rachmaninoff competition for young pianists hosted by Gnessin Russian Academy of Music, Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, and Government of Moscow (Third Place) (3rd Place in the Second International Rachmaninoff Competition for Young Pianists hosted by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and Government of Moscow in 2020.)
2023:
- Titled "Changjiang Piano Ambassador" by the Parsons Music Group in Hong Kong in October 2023 for his charitable endeavors and philanthropic contributions.
- 1st Place in the International Bai Yu Lan competition in 2023.