These musicians have already experienced international acclaim; now, they plan to spice up the city’s jazz and classical music scenes with a new music label that promotes local music to the world
In Cantonese, there is the saying “local ginger isn’t spicy enough”, which refers to the way local talents are often overshadowed by people hired from overseas. A team of Hongkongers is working hard to prove that the new generation of local musicians is a force to be reckoned with on both the international and local stages.
Meet Ginger Muse, a homegrown music label and ensemble which solely promotes instrumental music composed or performed by local musicians. Formed in 2020 by harmonica player Leo Ho Cheuk-yin, who goes by CY Leo, and pianists Ka Jeng Wong and Joyce Cheung, the group has performed at some of the top cultural venues and events in the city, including two sold-out concerts at West Kowloon: Jazzical, a 14-piece ensemble performance arranged by Cheung at Freespace Jazz Fest last July; and Ginger’s Tonic, a concert where classical, jazz and iconic Canto-pop tunes were reinterpreted by the trio, alongside saxophone player Timothy Sun.
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In 2020, when the pandemic led to the closure of live music venues worldwide, Wong, who founded Music Lab, a non-profit organisation supporting local musicians, decided that going online and recording albums would be the best way for musicians like himself to keep going. “One time after a commercial gig, I suggested to Leo that we come together to start [our own music label and group],” Wong says. “Ginger Muse was named after Music Lab’s festival a few years ago, the Cantonese name of which was Local Gingers’ Music Festival. It hints at how there have been fewer opportunities for local musicians to shine.”
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