About United Youth Orchestra | Hamilton

Our Mission

To cultivate musical excellence and a vibrant community, inspiring young musicians throughout the Waikato to discover their lifelong passion.

Guiding Principles

Enjoy the Repertoire

We are united in our enjoyment and appreciation of classical, orchestral, and chamber music.

Elevate Young Talent

We are united in our aim of helping young musicians of the Waikato reach their highest potential as orchestral, ensemble, or solo performers.

Celebrate Cultures

We are united in bringing together young people of many different nationalities and cultures in the same orchestra.

Share the Joy

We are united in our desire to enjoy music-making and the social time we spend together.

Cultivating Talent: Our Educational Philosophy

Harmonious Ensemble

Musicians from diverse backgrounds actively collaborate in our ensemble, fostering an inclusive environment where every rehearsal and performance enriches our collective musical journey and shared artistry.

Personalized Mentorship

Dedicated weekly sectionals are led by our experienced Music Director, assistant conductor, and seasoned senior players, providing personalized guidance essential for unlocking each musician's full potential.

Performance Opportunities

From grand public concerts to intimate solo showcases and community outreach, we offer diverse performance opportunities that build confidence and transform practice into powerful purpose.

Yoshiki Tatsumi

Music Director

Yoshiki Tatsumi is the foundation music director of UYO. Originally from Kobe, Japan, Yoshi studied brass performance, especially French horn, and spent 10 years with a Tokyo civic wind orchestra as a training conductor. Arriving in New Zealand in 1990, Yoshi was the music director of the Waikato Schools Orchestra and then Waikato Youth Orchestra from 1995 to 2002. He completed conductors’ master classes under Nicholas Braithwaite and Miguel Harth-Bedoya in 1999 and 2000. He was given a Civic Award (Hamilton) in 2003 in recognition for his contributions to youth music. More recently he participated in a conductors' masterclass under Prof. Simeon Pironkoff (Professor of Conducting at The University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna) in May 2024.

Tony Hong-Che Wu

Associate Conductor

MFA (Music / Orchestral Conducting) from National Taiwan Normal University, Tony was the conductor of several orchestras in Taipei. The Taipei Municipal Da'an Junior High School String Orchestra he conducted won the 1st prize (outstanding grade) 10 times in the Taiwan National Music Competition from 2010 to 2019. It also won the prize of Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival and was invited to perform in the Goldener Saal of Vienna, Austria in 2011. Tony is also a professional violinist. He was the concertmaster of Taipei County Symphony Orchestra and Taipei Century Symphony Orchestra. Tony settled in Hamilton from 2019. He is the teacher of string program and orchestra in Hillcrest Normal School. He is also the conductor and violin player of Formosa Chamber Orchestra.

Raphael Wu

Orchestra Leader

Raphael is a passionate and well-rounded musician who has been playing the violin since 2019. He also enjoys playing piano, erhu, pipa, and a wide range of percussion instruments. He studies violin with Tony Wu, and piano with Greg Neil and Marjorie Hsu. Raphael is actively involved in the Waikato Community School of Music, where he works as an assistant and tutor for Music Makers and Violin. He also plays in the school’s Sinfonia and Multicultural Orchestra, where he currently serves as concertmaster. Beyond WCSM, Raphael is a member of the United Youth Orchestra (UYO), the Trust Waikato Symphony Orchestra (TWSO), and Hillcrest High School’s Orchestra and Concert Band. He has been the section leader for percussion in TWSO once and manages percussion for Hillcrest High School’s Lion Dance Group.

In 2023, Raphael was awarded the Fagan Trophy for Music at Hillcrest High School. He has passed Trinity College’s Grade 8 Piano exam, and is now preparing for his ATCL Diploma. Chamber music is another area Raphael is deeply involved in. He has taken part in the NZCT Chamber Music Contest since his high school years and has never stopped participating since then. He has performed in a variety of ensembles including a Piano Trio, Piano Six Hands, and Piano Eight Hands Quartet. His groups have earned a Highly Commended award (2023), the Adjudicator’s Award (2025), and first place in the Duet/Trio category at the Te Awamutu Competition Society. Raphael is currently the concertmaster of UYO and continues to explore and share his love for music through performing, teaching, and collaborating with others.

Our Legacy, Our Future

Our Mission

Guiding Principles

Enjoy the Repertoire

Elevate Young Talent

Celebrate Cultures

Share the Joy

Cultivating Talent: Our Educational Philosophy

Harmonious Ensemble

Personalized Mentorship

Performance Opportunities

Artistic Leadership & Mentorship

Yoshiki Tatsumi

Tony Hong-Che Wu

Raphael Wu

Viola

Cello

First Violin

Yoshiki Tatsumi

Tony Hong-Che Wu

Raphael Wu

Our Key Milestones

2003

Founded in Hamilton

2006–2012

Regional Tours

2019

Combined Camp

2023

20-Year Celebration

2025

Community Outreach

Our Valued Honour Boards

Board I: The Formative Years (2003–2014)

Board II: Continuing Legacy (2015–Present)

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