MANILA – Multi-awarded musical director Gerard Salonga is one of the two new assistant conductors of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.

His sister, Tony Award winner and “The Voice of the Philippines” coach Lea Salonga, made the announcement on her Twitter page on Monday.

“I’ve been waiting forever to announce this bit of good news! Congratulations, Gerard!” she wrote.

I've been waiting forever to announce this bit of good news!!! Congratulations, @Gerard_Salonga!!! @hkphilharmonic https://t.co/pZyc0h4kLh

— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) September 12, 2016

In a press release by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, Salonga said it is “a delight” to be appointed as one of the group’s assistant conductors, along with Hong Kong’s Vivian Ip.

“The opportunity to work with and learn from Maestro Jaap van Zweden and the musicians of the orchestra is a dream come true, and I am grateful for their voice of confidence. I look forward to many more great musical experiences with the HK Phil, and am very happy to be a part of this amazing orchestra,” said Salonga, who is currently the music director of the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra.

“The big bonus is that I get to spend more time in one of my favorite cities, Hong Kong,” he added.

Salonga and Ip were selected among 170 applicants from Hong Kong and abroad. They will start working in September and November, respectively.

ABS-CBN News is the news website of ABS-CBN Corporation.