Isaac Chan | Co-Conductor & Principal Horn of the Cambridge University Symphony Orchestra (CUSO) as Year 1 Clare Fresher, Chetham’s School of Music, HK/UK Education Experiences, Professional Music Aspirations, Cultures | Coffee's on Me, David Quan 权丁文

Coffee's on Me, David Quan 权丁文

Episode 99 of #CoffeesOnMeDavidQuan: Isaac Chan is a first-year music student at Clare College of Cambridge University. He is currently principal horn of the Cambridge University Orchestra, and is a designated conducting scholar for 2024-25 conducting the symphony orchestra and wind orchestra of Cambridge. Originally from Hong Kong, he started playing the horn at age 7, developing an interest in conducting through ample experience playing in orchestras.
A recent graduate from Chetham’s School of Music sixth form, he founded and conducted a student group Chetham’s Camerata, and gave his operatic debut of Hansel and Gretel at age 16 among other ambitious projects. He has conducted orchestras such as the Liverpool Mozart Orchestra, the Berlin Sinfonietta, and has collaborated with various music societies at Cambridge; at venues such as the Bridgewater Hall (Manchester), Ely Cathedral, and the Foundation William Walton on the beautiful island of Ischia。
Isaac is particularly enthusiastic about opera conducting, having recently directed a re-conception of The Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni, as well as a premiere at the University Opera Society. As of 2024 he looks forwards to debuting with the Hong Kong Youth Philharmonia, Hertfordshire Opera and others, in an array of projects of stellar magnitudes. He currently studies horn and conducting with teachers at the Royal Academy of Music. He has worked with and been mentored by conductors such as Grant Llewellyn, Colin Metters, Timothy Redmond, and Sian Edwards. To enrich his experience as a conductor, Isaac started playing collaborative piano three years ago, and is now a frequently sought after accompanist for any sort of repertoire.
Outside of music, Isaac enjoys reading and investigating anything related to literature and arts, with a particular interest in Chinese calligraphy. He enjoys taking long walks, be it along the harbour of Hong Kong or in the British countryside, or simply discovering any sorts of new places – although he is equally at home curled up with a score and a coffee!
“Talking to David was among the best ways to spend a Monday morning – a kind, enthusiastic host who was eager to find out about MY story. It was immensely helpful in helping me reach beyond my musical routines, into more nostalgic and spiritual territories, quite often forsaken in a chaotic schedule! I’m very grateful for this opportunity – 100% would recommend it!” - Isaac
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WHY? COFFEE'S ON ME, DAVID QUAN 权丁文
TL;DR: To process my emotions after a grueling campaign for President of The Cambridge Union, I reflected upon the influences of my late Grandfather and wrote him a letter: https://linktr.ee/DavidQuan . Drawing inspiration from him, I hope to learn more from others through genuine discussions – giving listeners heartfelt conversations filled with authentic insights, and giving guests legacy-worthy interviews to treasure.
And the best part for guests? Coffee’s on Me, David Quan 权丁文
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NOMINATE A GUEST
Please contact me to nominate someone. This would really help identify the anonymous extraordinaries！
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CONTACT ME
Having grown up in Xi'an, China, and Adelaide, Australia, I am a Double First-Class University of Cambridge Graduate (Class of 2023) and current Goldman Sachs Analyst.
Please do have the courage to say hello!
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/DavidQuan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dingwen-david-quan/