Dr. Patrick Chiu’s artistic journey began with a liberal arts education and formal musical training at Chung Chi College in his native Hong Kong, followed by advanced studies under esteemed professors of the Vienna Konservatorium. He furthered his expertise with a Master’s in Choral Conducting from the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music, and continued his academic pursuit with a Master’s in Opera Stage Directing and a PhD in Music Education from Florida State University. In 2012, Chiu was awarded a conducting fellowship by the Oregon Bach Festival, supported by Herbert von Karajan Musikpreis of the Festspielhauses Baden-Baden.
His collaborations with distinguished maestros such as Helmuth Rilling, Harry Christophers, Wolfgang Katschner, and Matthew Halls have enabled him to infuse his distinctive artistic vision into the international arts scene. His innovative choral-physical theatre productions and award-winning compositions have made a notable impact on the global music and theatre landscape. Recent staged choral productions include Monteverdi’s Vespers and Madrigals of War and Love, Handel’s Messiah, St. John Passion, Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, and Faure’s Requiem. His compositions have been performed across the globe in countries including Austria, Australia, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Russia, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.
As an entrepreneur, Chiu has co-founded several pioneering arts organizations with fellow transdisciplinary artists. These include SingFest, a choral theatre specializing in the reinterpretation of early music; Yat Po Singers, a performing group dedicated to commissioning and premiering new works incorporating audio technology; and Apple Tree Music, a publishing house. He has also served as the founding principal conductor of both the Hong Kong Youth Choir and the Macau Children’s Choir. From 2005-2016, he was the founding artistic director of the Melody Makers under the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, leading this elite college-level choir to win two gold awards at the 2010 World Choir Games, previously known as the Choir Olympics.
For over two decades, Chiu has served as faculty or artist-in-residence at institutions such as the University of North Florida, University of Hong Kong, Chung Chi College, St. Paul’s College, and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. In 2010, he received the Gold Award for Arts Education from the Hong Kong Arts Development Council and was honored with the Young Artist Award of the Year in 2012. Currently, he is the Director of Choral and Vocal Activities at Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA, where he was awarded the prestigious Makisu Award in 2024 for his outstanding service to the college community.