It is well known that Secretary for Home Affairs Dr Patrick Ho has a strong passion for classical music. The versatile violinist who is now in charge of the city's cultural policy says music training equipped him with valuable experience for pursuing both medical and political careers.

In an interview with 'cub reporters' from St Patrick's School, Dr Ho said he fell in love with the violin when he was a Form One student, after watching an orchestra performance at school. However, his request to learn the instrument met with strong opposition from his parents.

"Instrumental training used to be an activity for children from wealthy families. Since my family was not rich, my mother strongly opposed my wish to have violin training," Dr Ho noted. 

Music promoter: Secretary for Home Affairs Dr Patrick Ho shares his teenage music experience with 'cub reporters' from St Patrick's School; violin training formed an essential part of his teenage life; youngsters are now given more opportunities to develop their musical talent, he says.

Dr Ho's sincere entreaties eventually changed his mother's mind. However, he had to borrow a violin from his school to attend the violin class instead of having his own instrument.

Like every young violin beginner, Dr Ho encountered many technical problems when he started learning to play.

"I was 12 years old when I started learning the fiddle. I needed to get a three-quarters size violin because I was physically not big enough to master an adult-size violin.

"I switched to an adult-size violin when I grew up. It was a painful experience because I needed to re-adjust all my bow techniques and postures."

Teacher's encouragement most memorable

Although Dr Ho has had a list of prestigious music awards under his belt, he said the most memorable 'award' was given by his violin teacher.

"After learning the instrument for several months, my teacher started giving me one-to-one training because I made good progress. Knowing that I did not have my own violin, he even loaned his violin to me as encouragement. This was the important 'award' I have ever had."

His first appearance in a school concert was his most unforgettable performance, he said.

"It was not a public performance. It was just a function organised by my teacher to help students hone their skills.

"It was unforgettable because I forgot how to play in the middle of my performance. I immediately played the piece all over again but my second attempt was also in vain."

Apart from his favourite violin, Dr Ho also plays the guitar and is particularly interested in playing the music of the American folk group Peter, Paul & Mary.

Classical music inspiring

Being a classical music lover, the secretary said it appeals to him enormously because it always gives him inspiration.

"A single piece of classical music can give you different feelings when you listen to it at different times. There are so many things to learn from classical music that you will never get bored."

For Dr Ho, learning classical music, in some ways, is similar to studying medical science and pursuing a political career.

"At first, you may come across a lot of frustration as you find it difficult to understand the subject. However, you will eventually come up with a completely different feeling when you continue working hard on it."

Despite his full schedule, Dr Ho is still able to squeeze music into his daily life. Being busy is just an excuse, the secretary said, adding a passion for music helps people find time to stay in touch with it.

Local music groups' contribution appreciated

Turning to music development in Hong Kong, Dr Ho said music is the most well-developed art form in the city, which also offers the greatest number of opportunities. He particularly appreciated the work of local music groups.

Noting youngsters are now given more chances to develop their musical talent, Dr Ho hoped that greater space can be offered to children to learn music.

"Music is something that gives people pleasure. Therefore, we should treat it as a hobby rather than an academic subject."