ACAA Honours World-Renowned Cellist Professor Li-Wei Qin at Sydney Opera House

World Cello Icon Honoured: ACAA Celebrates Li-Wei Qin

The Australia China Alumni Association (ACAA) celebrated Professor Li-Wei Qin, the 2024 Australia China Alumni of the Year, at the Sydney Opera House on 3 May 2025.

The elegant reception in the Concert Hall Northern Foyer, with its magnificent view of Sydney Harbour, gathered distinguished guests to honour Professor Qin's contributions to classical music and cultural exchange between Australia, China, and the Asian Pacific region.

Left to Right: Geoff Wilson, Chair Sydney Symphony Orchestra; Prof. Liwei Qin; Grace Li, Co-Chair ACAA; Bruce Whall, Director ACAA

The cocktail reception was warmly welcomed by Geoff Wilson, Chair of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, setting the tone for celebrating not only artistic brilliance but also the power of cross-cultural connection. Huge thanks to CEO Joanne D of Hantec Markets Australia and her amazing team for supporting this event.

Geoff Wilson, Chair Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Joanne D, CEO Hantec Market Australia

ACAA Co-Chair Dr Grace Li and Director Bruce Whall jointly presented the award, recognising Professor Qin as an outstanding cultural ambassador who embodies the transformative power of Australian education.

Grace Li: Co-Chair ACAA and Prof. Liwei Qin

Bruce Whall: Director ACAA

Born in Shanghai and moving to Australia at age 13, his journey exemplifies the impact of educational exchange between the two nations. As Head of Cello Studies at the YST Conservatory National University of Singapore and guest professor at Shanghai and Central Conservatories, Professor Qin has established himself as one of the most renowned cellists of his generation. His career includes major awards at the Tchaikovsky Competition Moscow and Naumburg Competition New York, and performances with leading orchestras worldwide.

In his acceptance speech, Professor Qin expressed gratitude for his formative years in Australia and highlighted the importance of cultural bridges. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a performance by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra featuring Professor Qin as soloist in Samuel Barber's Cello Concerto.

This collaboration between ACAA, Hantec Markets Australia, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra represents a powerful alliance celebrating alumni achievements and promoting cultural understanding between Australia and China.

Left to Right: Geoff Wilson, Chair Sydney Symphony Orchestra; Prof. Liwei Qin; Grace Li, Co-Chair ACAA; Bruce Whall: Director ACAA; Joanne D, CEO Hantec Market Australia; Damon Sze, COO Hantec Market Australia

The Australia China Alumni Association, established at the Australian Embassy in Beijing in 2007, represents over 750,000 alumni and operates chapters across both countries, serving as the largest people-to-people network in the Australia-China space.

Credit to photographers Jay Patel and Katrina Miao for capturing this unforgettable event.