Jong On Lau

Jong On, otherwise known as Oakki, was born in Bangkok on 20 June 1973. As an undergraduate, he studied Psychology at the University of Leicester, where he was the recipient of an Instrumental Award and the Pomerance Prize for Music. Musical achievments at University included a performance of Bach's Suite No.2 - which was broadcast on BBC Three Counties Radio - and performances of Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante and Hindemith's Trauermusik with the University Chamber Orchestra. Since graduating, Jong On has studied Viola at the Guildhall School of Music with Gerhard Schmidt, and Baroque Viola privately with Micaela Comberti. Work in the commercial domain has seen Jong On perform on A Short Album About Love with the rock band The Divine Comedy and on the celebrated recording Red Leaves with the Brunel Ensemble. He has also performed with the Random Dance Company and played on the 1997 Volkswagen Polo advertisement. Performing at different festivals has taken Jong On to Aldeburgh, Covent Garden, Dartington, Edinburgh, Evian, Jerusalem and most recently Verbier as part of the Jeunesse Musicales World Youth Orchestra. Sponsorship enabling Jong On's attendance at these festivals has come from several sources including the Performing Rights Society and the British Council. Jong On plays regularly with the British Youth Opera, The Belmont Ensemble of London and The London Soloists' Chamber Orchestra.