Singaporean conductor Lien Boon Hua has gained prominence as one of Asia's leading interpreters of contemporary music, celebrated for his stylistic versatility and exceptional emotional depth. In recognition of this, he was invited to conduct the Singapore Symphony Orchestra at the Esplanade in Singapore, premiering a newly commissioned work commemorating the arts centre's 20th anniversary. As the founder and Artistic Director of Wayfarer Sinfonietta since 2021, Lien has built the ensemble into a dynamic force in Singapore known for its artistic excellence and bold programming.
Lien’s international conducting career spans engagements with renowned orchestras and music festivals in Asia, Europe, and the United States. In 2024, he made his debut in China with the Sichuan Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, he has also collaborated with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, Bangkok Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, and Jakarta Simfonia Orchestra in Asia. In Europe, he has worked with the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, NFM Wrocław Philharmonic, Polish Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra, Kraków Philharmonic Orchestra, Pannon Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Transylvania State Philharmonic Orchestra in Cluj-Napoca. In the United States, he has conducted the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and Symphoria in Syracuse.
Lien’s professional journey includes serving as Assistant Conductor of the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra from 2016 to 2018, and as Assistant Conductor at the Richard Strauss Festival in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in 2018. Through the Peter Eötvös Foundation Mentoring Program, he honed his skills in contemporary music under the guidance of renowned figures such as Peter Eötvös, Heinz Holliger, Kaija Saariaho, and Hanspeter Kyburz. He has also won awards in several international conducting competitions, including second prize at the Antal Dorati International Conducting Competition in 2018.
In addition to his symphonic repertoire, Lien has demonstrated exceptional talent in various musical fields. In 2023, he was appointed as Guest Conductor of the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra, delving into his cultural roots and the rich tapestry of Asian music. That same year, he collaborated with Ding Yi Music Company and ensemble PHASE, showcasing a fusion of contemporary and traditional works by various Asian composers. His debut with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra in 2024 was highly praised, leading to multiple further appearances with the orchestra. Furthermore, Lien has rapidly risen 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, showcasing his extraordinary talent in the opera field.
Lien’s talent has earned him invitations to prestigious international festivals and recognition from esteemed figures in the industry, including the late Bernard Haitink, Peter Eötvös, Paavo Järvi, Cristian Măcelaru, and Tsung Yeh. His participation 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.
Dedicated to nurturing young musicians, Lien has been a faculty member at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music since 2019, where he leads the contemporary music ensemble OpusNovus. Lien has introduced diverse contemporary works to Singaporean audiences and advocating for Asian composers. Under his leadership, OpusNovus embarked on its maiden tour to Australia in 2023. Lien is also actively involved with youth orchestras, sharing his experience with ensembles 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 Vadhana Institute of Music Youth Orchestra.
Born in Singapore, Lien holds a doctorate in orchestral conducting from the Eastman School of Music, where he studied under Neil Varon and received 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.