Yan Huichang will step down as the artistic director of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra in July 2027 after three decades at the helm, the group has announced.

But the 70-year-old Shanxi province native would stay on as the orchestra’s honorary artistic director and conductor for life, as well as chairman of its artistic committee and head of its orchestral academy, the group said on Monday.

“This is the third resignation I tendered to the orchestra council, once at 60 years old, another time at 65 and now at 70,” Yan said. “[I hope] to make room on the stage for the next generation of talented musicians to take up the baton.

“I’d like to thank the Hong Kong government and the past councils for their unreserved trust and support that allowed me to pursue my artistic vision, upholding time-honoured traditions whilst striving for innovation in a unique direction.”

He was hired by the government in 1996 to serve as the vice-musical director of the orchestra. But before he began the role, he was made the group’s fourth musical director in June 1997 following the sudden death of the director-designate, Peng Xiuwen.

Yan led the orchestra as it moved from under the government’s Urban Council and Leisure and Cultural Services Department to being incorporated as a non-profit organisation in 2001.