Raymond Yong

Raymond Yong was born in Malaysia, emigrating to Australia at the age of two. He received his initial musical training in Perth, performing regularly in public piano recitals from an early age. It was in high school that he first took to the podium as a conductor, directing his school orchestra and choir.

Raymond Yong went on to study conducting at the University of Melbourne as a pupil of John Hopkins, and received further training in the Symphony Australia Young Conductors Development program. He became the Music Director of the Victorian Youth Symphony Orchestra and Victoria Chorale, and was the founding Artistic Director of Orchestra 21.

He has conducted concerts for the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, the Port Fairy Spring Music Festival, Stonnington Symphony, Preston Symphony, Kooyong Chamber Players and is a regular guest of the Barrier Reef Orchestra in North Queensland.

Raymond Yong is also a sought-after piano soloist and recitalist. He has performed in concert with many of Australia’s foremost classical instrumentalists, singers and ensembles, including piano concerto engagements with the Melbourne Symphony, Sydney Symphony, West Australian Symphony and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestras.

Raymond is currently based in Perth, where he is Music Fellow in Residence at St George’s College, University of Western Australia.

2022

Raymond was key organiser for our inaugural MetSO Young Artists Gala at the Government House Ballroom (use the link in the Concert List below - for more program details).

He performed alongside our Young Artists - this time as their highly accomplished accompanist. Our Young Artists were thrilled to have such an experienced Concert Pianist as their fellow performer and mentor for this event.

Raymond and MetSO Young Artist Kaining Wang brought the Ballroom’s stunning Fazioli to life, to fill that magnificent chamber in a manner befitting our discerning guests and audience. Many thanks to the Government House Foundation for extending the use of this fine instrument to our artists.