Boon Hua LIEN

Singaporean conductor Boon Hua Lien has emerged as one of the foremost interpreters of contemporary music in Asia, and is known for his stylistic versatility and innovative programming. In recognition of this, he was invited by Singapore’s iconic Esplanade in 2022 to lead the Singapore Symphony Orchestra in a celebratory concert for its 20th anniversary featuring a world premiere of a newly commissioned work, alongside the Singapore Symphony Chorus, Youth Choir, and Children’s Choir.

As the founder and Artistic Director of Wayfarer Sinfonietta since 2021, Lien has built the ensemble into a dynamic force in Singapore, celebrated not only for its artistic excellence but also its adventurous and bold programming, spanning from traditional bel canto operas to contemporary works of John Adams and Nico Muhly.

Recently appointed as the Guest Conductor of the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra in 2023, Lien is delving into his cultural roots and the rich tapestry of Asian music. His debut with Ding Yi Music Company and ensemble PHASE in 2023 showcased a fusion of contemporary and traditional works from diverse Asian composers and will be leading the Singapore Chinese Orchestra on multiple occasions in 2024.

Lien's professional journey includes roles such as Assistant Conductor of the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice (2016-2018) and Assistant Conductor at the Richard-Strauss-Festival (2018) in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. He garnered global recognition through the Peter Eötvös Foundation Mentoring Program, where luminaries like Peter Eötvös, Heinz Holliger, Kaija Saariaho, and Hanspeter Kyburz shaped his skills in contemporary music; and was also a prizewinner at numerous international conducting competitions, including 2nd prize at the Antal Dorati International Conducting Competition in 2018.

Lien's international guest conducting career includes debuts with renowned orchestras and festivals in Asia, Europe, and the United States. He will be making his China debut with the Sichuan Symphony Orchestra in 2024, adding to his successful appearances with Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, Bangkok Metropolitan Orchestra and Jakarta Simfonia Orchestra in Asia. European highlights include the NFM Wrocław Philharmonic, Polish Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra Gdańsk, Kraków Philharmonic Orchestra, Pannon Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Transylvania State Philharmonic Orchestra in Cluj-Napoca. In the U.S., he led concerts with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and Symphoria in Syracuse.

In addition to his symphonic repertoire, Lien has rapidly ascended as an opera conductor, leading acclaimed productions with regional companies such as Singapore Lyric Opera, Kuala Lumpur City Opera, The Opera People, and Lirica Arts.

Dedicated to fostering the next generation of musicians, Lien is on the conducting faculty at his alma mater, the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music in Singapore, since 2019. He also leads its contemporary music ensemble, OpusNovus, passionately introducing diverse contemporary works to Singaporean audiences and advocating notably for Asian composers. Under his leadership, OpusNovus embarked on its maiden tour to Australia in 2023. Lien is also actively engaged with youth orchestras, sharing his experience with groups such as the ASEAN-Russian Youth Orchestra, RondoFest Festival Orchestra, Orchestra of the Music Makers, Hong Kong Children’s Symphony Orchestra, and the Princess Galyani Institute of Music Youth Orchestra.

Acknowledged by esteemed figures in the industry, including the late Bernard Haitink, Peter Eötvös, Paavo Järvi, Cristian Măcelaru, and Stefan Asbury, Lien's talent has earned him invitations to prestigious international festivals. His involvement in masterclasses with eminent orchestras such as the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, MDR Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra, Lucerne Festival Strings and Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra further attests to his standing. Additionally, he was named an inaugural Mahler Conducting Fellow for the Colorado MahlerFest XXIX.

Born in Singapore, Lien holds a doctorate in orchestral conducting from the Eastman School of Music, where he studied under Neil Varon and was awarded the Walter Hagen Conducting Prize. His academic journey includes degrees from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, with additional studies at the Peabody Conservatory of Music.

(updated Feb 2024 – Please destroy all previously dated materials & do not alter this biography without approval)

Résumé and repertoire list available upon request here