Meet Ringo Chan: Director and Founder of PURE
Mr. Ringo Chan is the esteemed founder and director of both the PURE Orchestral Centre and Hong Kong Flute Centre. He also serves as the Director for the Asian Region of the UBC Summer Music English Institute. Mr. Chan received his music education from Queen’s University and the University of Western Ontario in Canada.
A Visionary Foundation in Music Education
Hailed by the legendary flutist Sir James Galway as a preeminent flutist and educator in Hong Kong, Mr. Ringo Chan has dedicated his career to elevating the standards of instrumental music and ensemble performance. Educated at Queen’s University and the University of Western Ontario in Canada, Mr. Chan studied under the world-renowned
flutist Robert Aitken. This elite training served as the foundation for his dual role as a high-level performer and a visionary educator committed to institutional excellence through global collaboration.
Leadership and Development: The UBC Summer Music Institute
A defining chapter of Mr. Chan’s career is his long-standing role as the Director for the Asian Region of the UBC Summer Music English Institute. Between 2002 and 2018, Mr. Chan was instrumental in directing, advising, and developing this flagship program at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Music School. Over these sixteen years, he facilitated and led successive cohorts of international students, creating a transformative bridge between Hong Kong’s young
musicians and the world-class academic environment of Vancouver.
Mr. Chan’s work at UBC was characterized by a close collaboration with the university’s renowned Band Directors, including Professor Emeritus Martin Berinbaum and Professor Robert Taylor (currently Director of Bands at Northwestern University). Together, they developed a
sophisticated curriculum that combined elite wind band training with immersive language studies, a model of holistic development that Mr. Chan continues to implement in his school partnerships today.
Architect of International School Music Programs
Recognized as a specialist in institutional development, Mr. Chan has a unique ability to build and scale comprehensive music departments. He serves in a vital advisory role to school leadership, focusing on understanding the specific culture and needs of each institution to build functional, productive programs—ranging from Full Orchestras and Wind Bands to String Orchestras, Jazz Ensembles, and Flute Orchestras.
His specialized expertise is further evidenced by his deep and
enduring ties to the Hong Kong International School (HKIS), a relationship spanning over a decade. This connection traces back to 2013, when he was invited by the iconic Music Director Tim Gavlik to serve as a Guest Flute Visiting Instructor for the HKIS High School. This commitment continues today with Mr. Chan’s appointment as the
“Guest Flute Consultant” for the HKIS Middle School for the 2025-2026 academic year. Similarly, his work extends to high-profile residencies at Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi, where he delivers comprehensive masterclasses and provides specialized coaching for students preparing for IGCSE and international examinations.
Elevating Standards through Artisanal Connections
Mr. Chan’s dedication to musical excellence is deeply informed by his personal relationships with the world’s most renowned instrument makers. He has developed a very close personal relationship with Jim Phelan of Burkart Flutes & Piccolos, working together to promote higher standards in flute making and repair. His professional integrity is further reinforced by his collaborations and personal friendships with legendary artisans such as Salvatore Faulisi, Miguel Arista, Lillian Burkart, and Jun Junker. By bridging the gap between
the performer and the maker, Mr. Chan ensures his students and partner schools benefit from a profound understanding of instrumental mechanics.
Global Alliances and Professional Pathways
A hallmark of Mr. Chan’s leadership is his ability to foster
meaningful international partnerships that create long-term
opportunities for students. As a collaborative partner with the
renowned Wells Cathedral School (UK)—one of England’s premier specialist music schools—Mr. Chan plays a key role in identifying exceptionally gifted young music talents. His work involves guiding these students along a clear pathway toward professional music studies and, ultimately, successful international careers in the performing arts.
Complementing this, he has maintained a long-standing relationship with ABRSM, helping to support the local community by providing a professional and accessible examination venue during its annual examination sessions. His business partnership with Charanga Music further highlights his commitment to bringing global perspectives and innovative digital teaching resources to Hong Kong students.
Industry Leadership and High-Caliber Resources
As the Asian Representative for Gemeinhardt KG (USA), the world’s longest-standing instrumental brand, Mr. Chan acts as a trusted link between global industry tradition and local education. Furthermore, he champions Hewitt & James, a line of premium quality band instruments professionally crafted to meet the standards of North American Band Programs. Specifically designed for beginner to intermediate students,
the Hewitt & James full line of woodwind, brass, and string
instruments provides the reliable, high-caliber foundation necessary for student success. These connections ensure that every program under Mr. Chan’s guidance is grounded in international best practices and a genuine passion for musical development.
