Spotlight Detail Page

02 Apr

International Violinist

Highly regarded for his musical diversity, Ricardo de Mello is a violinist who stands in a league of his own. The Indian born violinist has performed over 10,000 engagements, many of them for leading world dignitaries and celebrities. Acclaimed by NRI magazine as “a stylistic violinist gifted with technical perfection,” Ricardo has established himself among Hong Kong's most distinguished artists for the past two decades.

In 1982, Ricardo's passion for performing light classical, romantic, and Gypsy music inspired him to form his own ensemble, the Ricardo de Mello Quintet (formerly known as the Melody Quintet.) Heralded by South China Morning Post as “some of Hong Kong’s finest ambassadors”, the Quintet has become Hong Kong's most popular instrumental ensemble. They have been invited as featured artists to perform for Hong Kong's most prominent private and social events, from grand openings to high profile weddings. They have performed at the city's most prestigious venues, including world conferences, convention centers, luxury hotels and restaurants, and private clubs. Over the years, Ricardo and his quintet have been featured in several television broadcasts.

A favourite of Hong Kong's elite, Ricardo has been invited to perform for leading world figures, such as Princess Diana, President Bill Clinton, and former United States Secretary of State Henry Kissinger during their visits to Hong Kong. He has had the pleasure of performing for Lee Kwan Yu, former Prime Minister of Singapore, Franz Vranitzky, Federal Chancellor of Austria, and Prince Faisal of Saudi Arabia. His Hong Kong clientele includes performing for Donald Tsang, Tung Chee Hwa, and Chris Patten, Chief Executives of Hong Kong, at private events hosted by Stanley Ho and Li Ka Shing, and for the wedding of Michelle Yeoh.

As a Music Director, Ricardo has formed and led orchestras for special occasions, including a 60-piece orchestra at the Grand Hyatt Ballroom for Ford Motor Car Co. of Australia, a 30-piece orchestra for the wedding of Stanley Ho's daughter, Pansy Ho, a 30-piece orchestra for the grand opening of the Peninsula Hotel's new tower, and a 30-piece orchestra at the top of the IFC for the grand opening of UBS Bank, attended by Hong Kong's Chief Executive, Tung Chee Hwa.

As a violinist and entertainer, Ricardo has played for audiences in China, Japan and Singapore, Canada, the United States, and India. He is a regular guest artist on the world's leading luxury cruise liners, playing on the Royal Princess, the Sea Princess, and the Queen Elizabeth 2 for over a decade. In 1997, Ricardo was voted the highest-rated entertainer during the Crystal Symphony's San Francisco-Alaska cruise, performing alongside host Barbara Walters.

His honours include being featured in Non-Resident Indian magazine (NRI) as a member of the Top 50 Non-Resident Indians worldwide, along with conductor Zubin Mehta, and Indian sitarist Ravi Shankar.  Recently, he was recognized by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra as their longest serving member. He has led several groups to perform in the HKPO’s education and outreach program. Ricardo is also a dedicated violin teacher, teaching at ESF schools and at his private studio in Central.

Seen as one of Hong Kong's most diverse musicians, Ricardo de Mello has the musicianship and the charisma to connect to his audience on a personal level. He is enjoying a most illustrious career, undoubtedly inspiring others through his music.

Rajesh Batra

Chairman

 

Rajesh Batra graduated with a BSc from Elphinstone College in 1975 and holds a Diploma in Systems Management from the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute. A keen tennis enthusiast, Rajesh has won many International Junior titles representing India and was ranked Maharashtra State Number One and State University Champion in 1974. He was ranked the top 5 in India from 1976-77.

 

His tennis background led him to found the sports brand, Proline, along with his brother in 1983. Today he actively oversees all aspects of the Group as well as engaging in a wide array of philanthropic activities. He serves as a trustee on several charitable trusts and promotes sports through the Ram Batra Memorial Foundation where deserving youngsters are given scholarships to enable them to achieve their dreams.